Items filtered by date: December 2015
2 February 2026
The Revd Catherine (Kate) Buckley, Curate (OLM) of Walton-on-Trent with Croxall, Rosliston with Linton and Castle Gresley (Derby) 2017-2022, Curate (OLM) of Seale and Lullington with Coton-in-the-Elms 2017-2022, Curate (OLM) of Hartshorne and Bretby 2017-2019, Curate (OLM) of Stapenhill Immanuel 2017-2022, Curate (OLM) of Swadlincote 2017-2019 and Curate (OLM) of Swadlincote and Hartshorne 2020-2022, died on 18 January, 2026. Her funeral will be at Bretby Crematorium, followed by a memorial service on Thursday, 5 February 2026 at 3 pm at St John the Baptist Croxall.
The Diocese of Derby and Derby Cathedral will celebrate their centenaries in 2027, marking a significant milestone in our shared life and mission. We are seeking a Centenary Programme Manager to lead, coordinate and deliver an inspiring programme of events and activities that celebrates our heritage and deepens our commitment to the diocesan vision: The Kingdom of God is Good News for All.
In this pivotal role, you will:
- Design and lead the full 2027 Centenary Programme, ensuring it aligns with diocesan priorities and values.
- Coordinate events, communications and multiple workstreams across 2026–27, managing timelines, budgets, risks and evaluation.
- Work closely with senior diocesan leaders, Derby Cathedral, clergy, parishes and external civic and community partners.
- Serve as the central point of contact for all centenary activity, ensuring consistent and engaging communication across the diocese.
- Provide matrix leadership across working groups and support governance structures, preparing updates for key diocesan bodies.
The role involves travel across the diocese and some evening/weekend work (TOIL available). An enhanced DBS may be required.
We are looking for someone with strong project management experience, excellent communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills, and the ability to lead collaboratively across diverse teams. Sympathy with the aims of the Church of England and alignment with our diocesan vision are essential.
Why Join Us?
At the Diocesan Board of Finance, we believe work is more than a job. It’s a calling to contribute to something meaningful and be part of bringing about the Kingdom of God: Good news for all. Here in the Parish Support Team we live out values that genuinely guide the way we work together. When you join us, you become part of a values driven organisation that strives to bring out the Kingdom of God in the diocese of Derby.
This is a chance to contribute to meaningful work in a supportive, purpose‑driven environment with opportunities to shape governance and support senior leadership.
We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Salary: £50,000 (Full-time Equivalent Salary)
Working pattern: Part-time 21 hours per week
Contract type: Fixed term for two years
Closing date: Sunday 1 March
Interview date: Monday 9 March
>> 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 month sees the beginning of Lent. A traditional time of prayer and fasting where Christians are attentive to their individual discipleship and walk with God. We seek to draw near and deepen our relationship with God through prayer. To co-operate with the Spirit’s transformative work within us through self-discipline and self-giving. To learn more about our faith and how to live well within the kingdom of God. To give sacrificially blessing others.
Churches across our diocese will host Bible studies, Lent courses, soup lunches, quiet days and all manner of missional activities. Many church members will read a Lent book, join a study group, give something up, or take on a new challenge through this season.
Lent can be a time for great personal growth in our own walk with God. But, is also a time when we recognise we journey with others. During the coming weeks, we can encourage and inspire one another by sharing what we learn and how God is at work in our lives. We can practice the skill and build the habit of sharing our faith with others by.
As we journey together through Lent we will see God at work amongst us - in acts of service, in kind deeds, in teaching and learning, in self-giving and self-sacrifice, in community and togetherness. We will have many opportunities to look around us and recognise the kingdom of God in our midst. To encourage and build each other up and to sow seeds of faith amongst our families and friends who haven’t yet found their own faith in God.
As we grow in faith through prayer, learning, self-denial and service, let’s encourage, inspire and ‘provoke one another to love and good deeds’ (Hebrews 10:24). Ideas for doing that might be - recommending a book, sharing an insight, telling a story, letting someone know you are praying for them, acts of kindness, words of encouragement, being gracious in difficult situations etc…
A challenge for Lent is to encourage a different person in their walk with God every day. We could inspire and encourage 47 different people each, if we are willing to take on the challenge. If we share some of the stories of our Lenten acts through our church newsletters and with our diocesan Comms team then we could encourage even more people in their walk with God this Lent.
The Venerable Nicky Fenton
Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales
This is a summary of the monthly Church Leaders' mailing which was sent on Thursday 5 February. The full version can be found here (link to follow after publication)
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 Leaders' Conference - Saturday 12 September, liff College - 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
Ten clergy from across our diocese have recently completed the Launchpad course, giving them skills and tools to begin youth work programmes in their churches.
Launchpad, developed by Youthscapes, is a five-week course designed for clergy with emerging or no current youth ministry, to encourage, equip and embolden them with new ideas, knowledge and confidence around working with young people. The programme was developed and piloted with churches in the Church of England in the Dioceses of London, St Alban’s and Blackburn, and is now running across over 20 Dioceses.
Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, and Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton, presented the clergy with certificates as they celebrated their developing visions, strategies and commitment to youth ministry.
Bishop Libby shared her story of being a young person in a church youth group, and how the simple act of someone remembering her name had impacted her and helped her to feel a sense of belonging.
Alice Smith from Youthscape spoke about the importance of youthwork and shared pieces of art created by young people in response to Bible verses. These reflected how profoundly young people can think about complex and deep topics, and that they should not be underestimated.
As well as sharing in a time of prayer for the young people in our communities, the cohort talked about the impact that the course had on them and how motivated they are to keep youth ministry at the forefront of their prayers and plans moving forward.
You can read more about the resources the Diocese of Derby has available for working with young people on the Growing Younger pages of our website.
On 28 January 2026, The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, undertook an important role as a King’s Commissioner during the Archbishop of Canterbury's Confirmation of Election at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Election is a formal legal ceremony where the King's Commissioners confirm the election by the College of Canons, officially making the Archbishop-elect the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Archbishop Dame Sarah Mullally paid homage to the King (as Supreme Governor) and received the restoration of temporality (rights of office) before her installation at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026.
After this confirmation, Dame Sarah officially became the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Bishop Libby said, “It is an honour to have been invited to undertake this role as part of the Confirmation of Election. I am delighted to support Archbishop Sarah as she takes up her new ministry. It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with her over many years, and to serve with her now as Archbishop. Please join me in praying for Sarah, and her family, as she begins her new role, leading the Diocese of Canterbury, Church of England and the Anglican Communion”.
This Holocaust Memorial Day we are reminded that the responsibility of remembrance doesn't end with the survivors - it lives on: through their children, their grandchildren and through all of us. The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2026, 'Bridging Generations', is a call-to-action.
We are challenged to engage actively with the past - to listen, to learn and to carry those lessons forward. By doing so, we build a bridge between memory and action, between history and hope for the future.
Services and events will be held to mark the day, including a Stone Setting Service and a Service of Remembrance, Commemoration and Hope at Derby Cathedral, and QUAD will host a Multicultural Holocaust Memorial event in the evening.
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, said, “It is imperative that the lived experience of the Holocaust continues to shape our understanding and behaviour. I echo the national theme of the importance of ‘bridging generations’, which will ensure we never forget. On this day, especially in light of recent terrible events of violence against them, our prayers remain with the Jewish community”.
Learn More
>> Holocaust Memorial Day Trust
>> Derby Cathedral
The Diocese of Derby is looking for a highly organised and proactive Executive Assistant (Governance Officer) to support the Diocesan Secretary (CEO) and ensure the smooth running of our governance structures. This is a key role at the heart of our organisation, perfect for someone who thrives in a varied and fast‑paced environment.
The Role
You will:
- Support and coordinate governance meetings (Diocesan Synod, Bishop’s Council, Business Committee).
- Manage agendas, papers, minutes, and actions.
- Lead diocesan elections and maintain governance and statutory records.
- Assist with legal and compliance tasks (Charity Commission, Companies House, GDPR).
- Provide high‑quality executive support: diary and inbox management, correspondence, and meeting coordination.
- Support strategic projects and line‑manage a part‑time administrator.
Some evening/weekend meeting support is required (TOIL provided).
About you
You will bring:
- Strong experience as an EA or senior administrator.
- Excellent organisation, communication, and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines with professionalism and discretion.
- Confident digital skills (Microsoft Office, collaboration tools).
- A proactive, solutions‑focused approach.
- Sympathy with the aims of the Church of England.
Desirable: knowledge of charity governance, not‑for‑profit experience, and a driving licence.
Why Join Us?
At the Diocesan Board of Finance, we believe work is more than a job. It’s a calling to contribute to something meaningful and be part of bringing about the Kingdom of God: Good news for all. Here in the Parish Support Team we live out values that genuinely guide the way we work together. When you join us, you become part of a values driven organisation that strives to bring out the Kingdom of God in the diocese of Derby.
This is a chance to contribute to meaningful work in a supportive, purpose‑driven environment with opportunities to shape governance and support senior leadership.
We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Salary: £37,000
Closing date: Sunday 15 February
Interview date: Monday 23 February
>> 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)
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
Are you a prayerful, collaborative leader with a heart for mission and community? We are seeking someone who will:
