This is a summary of the monthly Church Leaders' mailing which was sent on Thursday 5 February. The full version can be found here

Looking ahead

• Join the Bishop's lent reglections online, Mondays 8am and Tuesdays 8pm. Join the Monday mornng session on Microsoft Teams here. Join the Tuesday evening session on Microsoft Teams here.
• Sunday 8 March is International Women’s Day. In line with one of our priorities of growing more diverse, the Parish Support Team, including the Bishop’s Office and the Diocesan Board of Education have recognised International Women’s Day (IWD) this year. Read more here.

Mission and ministry

• If you are interested in learning more about working with children and young people please get in touch at growing.younger@derby.anglican.org or find our pages on the website here and definitely get onto the Growing Younger Mailing list here.
• 3rd Anglican Intercultural Mission Conference: The Primer, Saturday 21 March 2026, 9.30am to 4pm, St John's Church, Wolverhampton, book via Eventbrite.
• Are you looking for more efficient heating for your church building? Would you like to learn more about low carbon alternatives to oil or gas boilers? Come to our event Wednesday 22 April, Derby Urban Church (Osmaston Rd Baptist Church), Charnwood Street, Derby. Contact the Net Zero team here.
• The world of HR can be complex, and there are several changes coming into effect this year, particularly with the new Employment Rights Act which became law  on the 18 December 2025. If you need any support with employment related matters, please don’t hesitate to contact the HR Department of the Parish Support Team.
• In January 2026, the Clergy Transition Service has relaunched its service.
• The newly released book The Starter’s Way edited by Ed Olsworth-Peters and Dwight Zscheile is for anyone in, or considering, a leadership capacity with New Worshipping Communities or Fresh Expressions of Church.
• Ministry Mondays - join via Zoom
  • How to Use AI in Ministry led by James Lawrence from CPAS, Monday 20 April, 1pm to 2pm
  • All things young people, Monday 18 May, 1pm to 2pm
  • Following St Francis of Assisi: lessons for everyday ministry
• Upcoming events
  • Women in Ministry Day, Wednesday 6 May, 10am to 3pm, St Alkmunds Church, Kedleston Road, Derby. Light refreshments will be available but do please remember to bring your own lunch. Book your place here.
  • Working with Teams, led by Rev Nicky McGinty, Tuesday 19 May, 10am to 4pm,St Barnabas Centre, Pilsley Road, Danesmoor, Chesterfield. Light refreshments will be available but do please remember to bring your own lunch. Book your place here.
  • Trauma-informed Ministry: Moving forward in a changed world, led by Rev Tim Treanor, Tuesday 7 July, 10am to 3.30pm,St Barnabas Centre, Pilsley Road, Danesmoor, Chesterfield. Light refreshments plus lunch will be available. There is space for 12 to 18 participants which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Book your place here.
  • Preaching the Lectionary - Mark, led by Rev Amy Hole Monday 2 November, 7pm to 9pm (online via Zoom), Tuesday 3 November, 2.00pm - 4.30pm (in person St Johns Walton, Walton Back Lane, Chesterfield).  Book the online session here or book the in person session here.
  • How to Lead a Church where Discipleship Thrives, led by Matt Hogg CPAS, Tuesday 2 February, 10am to 4pm, St Barnabas Centre, Pilsley Road, Danesmoor, Chesterfield. Light refreshments will be available but do please remember to bring your own lunch. Book your place here.

Updated guidance

• Treasurers' newsletter - Springing Forward Together. Download it here.

External events

These events or services are not organised by the Diocese of Derby and are shared for information only.

• Diocese of Manchester: Financial Planning for Retirement: During Your Ministry and Beyond - Wednesday 13 May 2026, 9.30am to 2.00pm, 155-163 The Rock, Bury, BL9 0ND, registration via Eventbrite here.

• Church Action on Poverty: Rural poverty roundtable, Thursday 21 May 2026, 10.30am to 12 noon, Sign up via Eventbrite.

• Pilgrimage to Taizé for young adults: Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 August, For more information, contact Revd Dwayne Engh at vicar@ashbournechurch.org.uk - To book your space on the pilgrimage follow this link to the Diocese of Lincoln websit

Future dates for your diary 

• Growing a Younger Church conference - Saturday 6 June, Location to be confirmed - Details for how to book will follow in future mailings, but for now please save the date in your diaries! 
• Lay Ministry conference - Saturday 12 September, Cliff College - Registration can be done here
• Annual Clergy conference - Monday 12 to Tuesday 13 October 2026, The Hayes Conference Centre - Details for how to book will follow in future mailings, but for now please save the date in your diaries! 

In case you missed it

• Food and Faith 
  
  
• Chellaston leads the way in accessibility - Diocese of Derby

Sunday 8 March is International Women’s Day. In line with one of our priorities of growing more diverse, the Parish Support Team, the Bishop’s Office and the DBE have recognised International Women’s Day (IWD) this year.

Since 1911, IWD has raised awareness on gender equality, celebrating women's achievements, and raising awareness about discrimination. This years’ give to gain campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. It recognises the power of reciprocity and support. Some Parish Support Team staff have been considering what this means for them:

“I am "giving to gain" by holding strong boundaries and prioritising family life over career advancement, sharing the responsibilities of running our home with my wife, and encouraging her to explore and develop her own career in a pressure-free environment”.

“I am ‘giving to gain’ by becoming a mentor in the NCI HR network, giving back to new female HR staff who want a career in the field”.

“Give to gain ... it is a privilege to continue to journey with women whom God is calling through vocational exploration, curacy training and in their ministry.  I also delight in raising my young daughter to truly be the person God is calling her to be.”

“I celebrate women and the incredible gifts they bring. I try to model positive affirmation every day, recognising her hard work, telling her how lovely she looks, or simply cheering her on. The media is often full of negativity about women, so let’s change that narrative. Let’s celebrate each other. We are all wonderful, and the world becomes brighter when we lift one another up!”  

“This International Women’s Day, I give thanks for the women who have shaped my faith, my ministry, and my life. From the strong female priests who guided my calling, to my wife and daughter who inspire me daily, I stand in gratitude and solidarity. May we continue building a Church and a society where every woman’s God‑given dignity, wisdom, and leadership are fully recognised and celebrated.”

“As a woman, don't feel that you have to emulate masculine qualities to reflect God, rather embrace your deep strength as a woman and know that you are reflecting a beautiful quality that is in our God. We all, male... female... and all colours and sizes have been created to reflect His beauty and strength.”

We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled and experienced practitioner to join the Diocese of Derby’s People and Ministry team as Deputy Director of Studies. This is a part-time opportunity, offered initially on a zero-hours basis working approximately 240 hours flexibly throughout the year. The role offers an hourly salary of £18.55.

We are looking for someone who can make a key contribution to the development and delivery of our lay discipleship and ministry training programmes. Working closely with the Director of Studies and colleagues, the postholder will support teaching, marking and moderation, oversee modules within the Certificate of Theology in Mission and Ministry programme, and help ensure a high-quality learning experience for those training for recognised and licensed lay ministries. The role also includes deputising for the Director of Studies when required.

The role is based at Church House, Derby, and we welcome hybrid working as part of a blended pattern of office and home-based work.

Working pattern: 240 hours per year, worked flexibly

Closing date: Wednesday 25 March

Interview date: Wednesday 8 April

>> Download the job description here (PDF)

>> Download our guide to working for the Derby Diocesan Board of Finance here (PDF)

>> Download an application form here (Word)

>> Download the recruitment monitoring form (to be returned with your application form) (Word)

This is a summary of the monthly Church Leaders' mailing which was sent on Thursday 5 February. The full version can be found here

Looking ahead

• This coming Sunday (8 February) is Racial Justice Sunday. You can download the Racial Justice Sunday handboook here.
• The theme for Lent this year is Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent. You can visit the national Church of England page for Lent here and visit the '40acts: Do Lent Generously' website here.
• Reminder that Statistic for Mission parosh returns were due at the end of January. If your church has not yet completed its return please do so using the Parish Returns website
• Deanery Synod elections and General Synod elections happen in the same year. Deanery Synod members elect lay members of General Synod, so it is important that we receive the outcome of your Deanery Synod elections as soon as they are available.

Mission and ministry

• Book a place on the Licenced lay ministers quiet day, Saturday 7 March, 10.00am to 3.00pm at St Helen's Darley Dale. 
• Book a place on the Churchwarden Network Gathering: Deepening Discipleship and Spirituality day, Saturday 21 March, 9.45am to 1.00pm at St Alkmunds, Derby
• Ministry Mondays, a new Continuing Ministerial Development initiative for clergy, will be launching after Easter on the third Monday of every month from 1.00pm to 2.00pm
• Applications for clergy sabbatical places for 2028 (and one place in 2027) are now open. More information can be found on the Continuing Ministerial Development page of the website here.
• Energy Footprint Tool returns can now be submitted via the Parish returns website. The deadline for returns is 30 June 2026. Parishes that submit late will not be able to apply for certain national grants.
• There are a number of Digital Giving webinars taking place soon
• The national church is running an orientation programme for 5-10 young adults from a range of diocese to help them understand better the workings of General Synod and to help Synod hear the voice of young adults more clearly.
• There will be a launch event for Brave Spaces, a Fresh Expressions initiative, on Thursday 26 February at 7.30pm
• A demonstration of infra-red heating systems, open to all who are interested, will take place at St Mary the Virgin, Denby on Tuesday 24 February (see last month's Church Leaders' mailing here or email netzero@derby.anglican.org for more details or to register.

Safeguarding

• Access Safer Recruitment and People Management guidance here
• Safeguarding has introduced a dedicated inbox for all training-related enquiries. Please send all safeguarding training queries to: safeguardingtraining@derby.anglican.org
• Please ensure you notify the safeguarding team immediately if there is any change to your Parish Safeguarding Officer.
• Dashboards and Hubs training session Tuesday 10 February, 7.00pm to 8.00pm

Updated guidance

• New Churchyard Regulations come into effect this month. They are summarised in this Handbook for Incumbents and this Handbook for the Bereaved

External events

These events or services are not organised by the Diocese of Derby and are shared for information only.

• Diocese of Manchester: Financial Planning for Retirement: During Your Ministry and Beyond - Wednesday 13 May 2026, 9.30am to 2.00pm, 155-163 The Rock, Bury, BL9 0ND, registration via Eventbrite here.

• Pilgrimage to Taizé for young adults: Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 August, For more information, contact Revd Dwayne Engh at vicar@ashbournechurch.org.uk - To book your space on the pilgrimage follow this link to the Diocese of Lincoln website

• Through the Roof: Communicating with children and young people with additional needs - Monday 9 February, 7pm to 8pm, Online via Zoom - Registration for this event can be done here. All are welcome.

• Council of Christians and Jews: Understanding and countering anti-Jewish hate training - Wednesday 18 February, Derby location to be confirmed - Spaces are limited. To book a place and receive venue details contact Rev Canon Alan Griggs on 07804 735556 or email at alandeut6@gmail.com

Future dates for your diary 

• Growing a Younger Church conference - Saturday 6 June, Location to be confirmed - Details for how to book will follow in future mailings, but for now please save the date in your diaries! 
• Lay Ministry conference - Saturday 12 September, Cliff College - Registration can be done here
• Annual Clergy conference - Monday 12 to Tuesday 13 October 2026, The Hayes Conference Centre - Details for how to book will follow in future mailings, but for now please save the date in your diaries! 

In case you missed it

• Parish Church does ‘Bank Job’! 
• Clergy 'Launchpad' course a success
• Bishop Libby a King's Commissioner for Archbishop Sarah's service

The Dioceses of Derby, Leicester and Lincoln have come together to offer a Pilgrimage to Taizé for young adults aged 18-35, which will take place from 1 to 9 August this year.

Taizé is an ecumenical Christian community in Southern France which produces the beautiful contemplative worship music familiar to many.  Its mission is to reach young people throughout the world (taize.fr).

If you are interested in spending a week camping with a global and monastic community, we will be making this pilgrimage together, travelling and camping as a group from across the East Midlands.

The trip will cost approximately £350, and priority is given to young adults aged 18-35.  

For more information, contact Revd Dwayne Engh at vicar@ashbournechurch.org.uk.  

To book your space on the pilgrimage follow this link to the Diocese of Lincoln website

The survey will be open from Tuesday 17 February to Tuesday 24 March.

All clergy including curates and self-supporting clergy within the diocese will be invited to participate in the survey via a personlised email link which will be sent when the survey opens. 

Survey background documents

Letter to clergy from Bishop Libby (PDF format)

Download Clergy Wellbeing Survey Frequently Asked Questions (PDF format)

Data protection background documents

See the Data Protection Impact Assessment (PDF format)

See the Legitimate Interests Assessment (PDF format)

This is a summary of the monthly Church Leaders' mailing which was sent on Thursday 8 January. The full version can be found here

Looking ahead

• A Mission Action Planning tool is being developed, with the aim of being released in April 2026 to enable churches to complete before the end of this year (and the beginning of our centenary year in 2027)
• The deadline for submitting Statistics for Mission for 2025 is 31 January.
• Please submit the results of your APCM to the Parish Support Team as soon as you can, and no later than Sunday 31 May, so that we can ensure new Deanery Synod members can take part in the General Synod elections
• Please submit your parish finance returns by Sunday 28 June

Mission and ministry

• Sign up to receive the Growing a Younger Church mailing here
• See the latest advice from the Church of England about Net Zero here

Safeguarding

• Reporting Serious Incidents to the Charity Commission: a summary of what a serious incident is and actions that your church may need to take can be found here
• Change to Reminder Process for Safeguarding Training and DBS Renewals: reminders will now be sent to people four months before their safeguarding training or DBS certificate expires. Full details can be found here.

Updated guidance

• Parochial fees: We have updated our guidance document following feedback that some sections needed clearer explanation. This resource outlines who is eligible for fees, how they are calculated and where a fee is applicable. The accompanying form, now updated with 2026 prices and marked with plum boxes, can be found on the fees page of the diocesan website.
• Common fund request letters: We’re aware that some treasurers have experienced difficulties accessing the letter sent out. To make this easier,  we’ve uploaded each parish’s individual letter in PDF format to our website.

External events

These events or services are not organised by the Diocese of Derby and are shared for information only.

• Church Times: Springtime for the Church of England: Where are we seeing growth? - Saturday 31 January, 10am to 5pm, St John’s Waterloo, London - For the full list of speakers and details of how to book tickets visit the Church Times website

• Through the Roof: Communicating with children and young people with additional needs - Monday 9 February, 7pm to 8pm, Online via Zoom - Registration for this event can be done here. All are welcome.

• Council of Christians and Jews: Understanding and countering anti-Jewish hate training - Wednesday 18 February, Derby location to be confirmed - Spaces are limited. To book a place and receive venue details contact Rev Canon Alan Griggs on 07804 735556 or email at alandeut6@gmail.com

Future dates for your diary 

• Growing a Younger Church conference - Saturday 6 June, Location to be confirmed - Details for how to book will follow in future mailings, but for now please save the date in your diaries! 
• Annual Clergy Conference - Monday 12 to Tuesday 13 October 2026, The Hayes Conference Centre - Details for how to book will follow in future mailings, but for now please save the date in your diaries! 

In case you missed it

• Bishop Libby has appointed the Revd Emma Sykes as the next Archdeacon of East Derbyshire

Christmas message from Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby

The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, has appointed the Revd Emma Sykes as the next Archdeacon of East Derbyshire.

Emma is currently serving in the Diocese of Birmingham, where she has lived for nearly 30 years. She began her working life in the charity sector working with young people facing homelessness and other challenging issues. As a youth minister at St Michael’s Church in Boldmere, she began to discern a call to ordained ministry. She trained at St John’s College, Nottingham and, in 2008, was ordained at Birmingham Cathedral.

She served her curacy at St Martin in the Bull Ring and became Associate Rector there three years later. In 2014, she took a break from full-time ministry and took a ‘portfolio’ approach, taking on a variety of different roles as a self-supporting minister including being an assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands and a Bishop’s Advisory Panel advisor. She also worked part time for CPAS as a Leadership Specialist with a focus on young vocations and facilitating training for Curates and Incumbents.

In May 2020, she followed God’s call back to fulltime parish ministry, into her current role as Vicar of St Barnabas Erdington and Oversight Minister for the Erdington Area. Emma has been a member of General Synod since June 2024.

Speaking on her appointment, Emma said: “I’m delighted, honoured and a little overwhelmed to be asked to be the next Archdeacon of East Derbyshire. I’m looking forward to getting to know the people in the archdeaconry and supporting them to flourish in mission and ministry.

“Whilst I’m excited, I also carry sadness at leaving Birmingham Diocese and especially the people of St Barnabas whose resilience, generosity and joy has helped shape me as I follow God’s call to step into this new role.”

Bishop Libby said: “I am delighted that Emma has accepted my invitation to serve as Archdeacon of East Derbyshire. Her varied experience, both in parish ministry and other ministry contexts, will be an asset as she takes up this role within our diocese. I am looking forward to working with her as we follow our shared vision of the Kingdom of God as Good News for all, and seeing that come to fruition for the congregations and communities of East Derbyshire and across the Diocese. Please join me in praying for Emma as she prepares to join us next year.”

Further details about Emma’s Installation as Archdeacon will come in the new year.