Items filtered by date: December 2015
On 16 November 2025, a special diocesan service was held for Safeguarding Sunday at St John’s Church, Walton, to give thanks for those working in safeguarding in our parishes and to remember victims and survivors of abuse. The service was led by both Bishop Libby and Bishop Malcolm, and the Diocesan Safeguarding team.
Safeguarding Sunday is an annual campaign led by the Christian safeguarding charity thirtyone:eight. Churches are encouraged to reflect on and improve their safeguarding practices to ensure vulnerable people are protected. The key theme for 2025 is "Action Speaks Louder".
Bishop Libby gave thanks for all those working for the good of our church and communities: to repent of our failings and hold before God all those who have been hurt or harmed by our action or inaction; and to look to the future, committing ourselves afresh to seek the Kingdom of God by playing our part in being a safer church.
Bishop Malcolm focused his sermon on the reading in the service from 1 John 3.16-24 where St John said, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth. Loving in action and in truth”.
He highlighted that “we should model ourselves on the example of Jesus, in whom the truth is spelt out in both action and words. It’s all very well expressing sympathy, or empathy – but if “I am not willing to lift a finger to help”, or to “dig deep in my pocket to help”, what use am I? ‘I hear what you say’ or ‘I hear your pain’ is all very well – but what do I do to make up for the damage done? Action speaks louder than words”.
“As St Theresa of Kolkata taught, we should spend more time washing feet, so there is less time for throwing stones. How we and the world all need to learn that lesson”.
“Talking of words, truth matters. In the media, in daily life, and especially when it comes to safeguarding. Listening well, getting it right, telling it clearly, not twisting others’ words, but speaking and acting, in love”.
Lisa Marriott, Head of Safeguarding and Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, gave her thanks to Parish Safeguarding Officers for their ongoing commitment to safeguarding, highlighting that their vigilance, care, and willingness to embed safeguarding into the life of our churches makes a real difference.
She said, “Together, we are creating communities where everyone feels safer, valued, and protected. This work is not always easy, but it is vital, and your dedication is deeply appreciated. Safeguarding is not a tick-box exercise. It is a reflection of our faith, it embodies the core values of care, protection and justice that lie at the heart of Christian teaching. Let’s continue to build a church where safeguarding is not just a standard, but a way of life”.
The Parish of St. Alkmund’s in Derby is seeking to appoint an energetic, imaginative, experienced and suitably qualified person to the position of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Leader. This is an exciting opportunity to work as part of the ministry team in the parish, working with clergy, lay leaders and volunteers to realise the parish vision for effective youth and family ministry.
Able to connect with young people both inside and outside of church, you will be passionate about sharing the good news of Jesus and committed to nurturing faith in our youth. St. Alkmund’s is a lively, charismatic evangelical church in the Diocese of Derby. The appointment is for an initial period of 3 years. Hours are part time constituting 20 hours per week. Salary is £27,000 - £30,000 per annum pro rata.
Closing date for applications: Friday, 28 Nov 2025 at 5pm
Shortlisting: Monday, 1 Dec 2025
Interviews: Wednesday. 10 Dec 2025
Provisional starting date - as soon as possible.
An application pack and form are available by emailing mina@stalkmunds.org.uk
For further information or an informal chat, please contact Revd Mina Munns on 07960 250497.
>> Job advert
28 November
The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Revd Gillian (Gill) Ball, Assistant Curate (SSM) of the benefice of Old Brampton and Great Barlow and of the benefice of Loundsley Green, The Ascension LEP, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Assistant Curate (Associate Priest-SSM) of the same benefice, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled
21 November
Revd Matthew (Matt) Green will be instituted as Rector of the Benefice of Aston-on-Trent, Elvaston, Weston-on-Trent and Shardlow, Barrow-upon-Trent with Twyford and Swarkestone, on Saturday, 24 January 2026, at 3 pm at All Saints, Aston-on-Trent by the Bishop of Derby and inducted by the Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.
Revd Frances (Fran) Smettem will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Eyam with Foolow and Baslow, and Priest-in-Charge of the parishes of Curbar and Stoney Middleton, on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, at 7 pm at St Lawrence’s Eyam, by the Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.
6 November
Canon Jack Cooper, Lay Canon of Derby Cathedral until 17th October, when his term of office came to an end, has been appointed Lay Canon Emeritus with effect from 18 October 2025.
The Revd Susannah (Susie) Curtis, Ordained Ministry Development Officer and holder of the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate, Diocese of Derby, has stepped down as Assistant Area Dean of Derby City. Her last day in this role was 14 September 2025.
The Revd Alan Winfield, Associate Priest of Melbourne, Smisby, Stanton-by-Bridge and Ticknall, Diocese of Debry, has been appointed Assistant Area Dean of Mercia. His first day in this role was 3 November 2025.
The Diocese of Derby Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG) successfully launched their recognisable symbols project; all housed in one website – www.accessiblechurch.net.
The symbols enable churches to make a positive difference by openly displaying the accessibility available to support worshippers with all kinds of disabilities and neurodiversity.
As a result of this project, Helen James, Disability Project Manager for the Church of England confirmed that the symbols will be made available for all parishes throughout all dioceses to use and implement.
They will feature in a free national webinar on Tuesday, 4 November 2025.
As the diocesan lead on the project, Bishop Malcolm Macnaughton said “‘All people, including those with all kinds of disabilities and neurodiversity’s, are made in God’s image, and called to be disciples of Jesus, reflecting God’s glory by the way we live. Church communities want to be welcoming and inclusive to everyone, but we struggle to make everything equally accessible for all needs. These symbols make this easier by making it clear to everyone what is possible in a particular church building and what is not. My prayer is that churches will find that communicating clearly helps people with a range of needs feel at home in church, and able to play their part. ‘
Carl Veal, Chair of DIAG, said “The Disability Inclusion Action Group comprises clergy and lay people with a range of disabilities, from across the Diocese of Derby. Their aim is to see disability inclusion taken seriously in our churches and across the Diocese. Their work is focused around three key themes - Attitude, Access, and Agency.”
>> Book your free webinar place
Journeying together: a summary of Diocesan Synod, 18 October 2025
Diocesan finances and our Net Zero Carbon strategy were the focus of conversation at the Derby Diocesan Synod, as it met for its 147th session on Saturday, 18 October in St John’s Church, Walton.
This was a really active meeting and our thanks to everyone who attended and provided their input.
If you want to know more, read the summary of the meeting here.
St Peter's Church in Hartshorne is delighted to announce that we have been awarded a generous grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support essential repairs to our historic building and develop a hub for our local history. The restoration work is scheduled to begin next spring and will focus on preserving the church’s architectural integrity for future generations.
As part of the project, there will be opportunities for the local community to get involved. This includes educational activities and engagement sessions with our local schools and the village community, offering a chance to learn about heritage conservation and the church’s rich history.
Debbie Patrick, Churchwarden of St Peters Church. “We are very excited to get this project going; giving us the opportunity to do much needed repairs to our village church, which has stood on the hill in Hartshorne since the 15th century and has played a significant role in the life of our village for many generations; seeing the villagers through good times and bad, feasts and famines, peace time and wars. The restoration works, undertaken by ASBC of Melbourne - www.asbc.ltd - will be the beginning of ongoing work to ensure that our church remains a vital part of our community for many years to come; not to mention the fantastic opportunity this project gives us to explore and display the history for visitors and locals alike for years to come”.
We are grateful for the support of the The National Lottery Heritage Fund and look forward to working closely with the community throughout this exciting project.
We are seeking a compassionate and Jesus-centred leader who will lead this growing and flourishing church, situated mid-way between Derby and Nottingham in South East Derbyshire, in our faith journey and take us to the next stage of all that God is calling us to.
We are praying for someone who:
- Is Spirit-led and prayerful, able to teach and encourage deeper discipleship through Sunday worship and throughout the week, helping to grow a ‘praying church’.
- Will work alongside established and thriving volunteer-led community engagement, seeking to deepen faith connections amongst those who engage with the church in the community.
- Has the ability and experience to nurture lay leadership in every aspect of church life.
- Can lead, develop and encourage pastoral care across congregation and community.
- Has a commitment to growth across all generations.
- Values and promotes diversity, equality and inclusion.
For more information about this post, please contact: the Venerable Matthew Trick, Acting Archdeacon of East Derbyshire: matthew.trick@derby.anglican.org
Please download the application form, profile and additional information using the links below:
Letter from the Bishop of Derby
The Diocese of Derby is committed to safeguarding. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. For information on safeguarding, recruitment checks and how we process your data, visit https://bit.ly/DODSaferRecruitment
Closing date: Noon, Friday 13th February 2026
Interview date: Tuesday 24th March 2026
Church Urban Fund is a national charity working with local leaders, churches and other faith groups all over England. Our local partners are committed to serving and strengthening the community where they live.
Click on their logo to go to their introduction page.
NEW: easyfundraising Impact Fund : 20 x £500 unrestricted grants
The new easyfundraising Impact Fund is now open with 20 unrestricted grants of £500 for UK not-for-profit organisations to help them continue or enhance their work. The grant is unrestricted, so it can be used wherever the money is needed most to support your work.
When to apply: 23 February – 5 April
Who can apply:
The fund is open to UK based:
- Registered charities
- Other not-for-profit organisations
- Sports clubs and teams
- Schools and education settings
- Social enterprises and CICs
- After-school and youth groups
- Churches and religious organisations
How it’s awarded: The application form is straightforward. Grants will be awarded to organisations that best explain how they would use the £500. The grants will be awarded across a mix of categories and locations, and the fund is open to organisations of all sizes and structures. Apply here: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/impact-fund
The breadth of funding streams potentially available for your project
Note: Many of these funders flow in and out of funding so it will be necessary to check directly to see if they are currently open to applications.
Youth Work Project
- National Lottery Funding – Flexible, supports salaries, equipment, and community-led youth projects.
- The Childs Charitable Trust– Supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel, including youth work.
- John James Charitable Trust – Supports Christian education and youth ministry.
- The Cinnamon Network – Offers micro-grants for churches starting youth-focused projects.
- Laing Family Trusts – Support Christian youth initiatives, including capital improvements.
- Joseph Rank Trust – Supports youth-focused Christian projects and church property improvements.
- Garfield Weston Foundation - Garfield Weston Foundation funding youth work.
Community Outreach Project
- National Lottery Funding– Strong fit for community-led outreach, especially in disadvantaged areas.
- Benefact Trust – Supports projects with community impact and Christian ethos.
- MB Reckitt Trust – Funds Christian social action and community cohesion.
- Sir Halley Stewart Trust – Supports innovative social projects that promote human flourishing.
- The Bishop Radford Trust – Supports Christian ministry with community impact.
Mental Health Support Project
- National Lottery Funding– Supports mental health initiatives, especially in underserved communities.
- Sir Halley Stewart Trust – Funds pioneering social and medical projects.
- Benefact Trust – Supports projects tackling social issues, including mental health.
- Joseph Rank Trust – May support if framed within practical and spiritual needs.
- MB Reckitt Trust – Supports Christian social thought and action, including mental health.
- The Bishop Radford Trust – Supports Christian ministry, including pastoral care.
Funders that May Support Equipment (with the right framing):
- Benefact Trust – Typically funds capital projects, so if the equipment is part of a building upgrade or a tangible, lasting asset, it may be eligible.
- Biffa Award– Focuses on building improvements, but may include fixtures and fittings (e.g. kitchen equipment, heating systems).
- National Lottery Funding– Very flexible and can fund equipment, especially if it supports community benefit.
- Joseph Rank Trust– May support equipment if it’s part of a broader Christian community or educational project.
- Laing Family Trusts– Could support equipment if it’s essential to a Christian youth or community initiative.
- The Cinnamon Network – Their £2,000 micro-grants could be used for small-scale equipment needs tied to a recommended project.
Possibly Suitable for Salaries or Staff Costs
- The Childs Charitable Trust – Supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel; may fund staff if aligned with mission.
- The Cinnamon Network – Offers micro-grants (£2,000) for churches starting recommended projects, which could include staffing.
- John James Charitable Trust – Supports individuals in ministry training and Christian education; may support youth workers if aligned.
- Slavanka Trust – Supports Christian ministry and education, possibly including staffing.
- The Bishop Radford Trust – Supports Christian ministry broadly; may include staffing.
- Benefact Trust - This is another funder that can support salaries for community-based projects.
Building Renovation Project
- Biffa Award – Excellent for community building renovations; must meet location criteria and provide 10% match funding.
- Benefact Trust – Funds capital projects with Christian ethos and community impact.
- Joseph Rank Trust – Supports church property improvements for community use.
- Laing Family Trusts – Fund capital improvements for Christian organisations.
- John James Charitable Trust – May support building improvements for Christian youth work.
Funders Likely to Offer 100% Funding
- National Lottery Funding flexible and equity-based; can fund full project costs including salaries, equipment, and delivery.
- The Childs Charitable Trust No mention of match funding; supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel.
- The Cinnamon Network offers fixed micro-grants (£2,000); no match funding required.
- John James Charitable Trust supports individuals and organisations; no match funding mentioned.
- Sir Halley Stewart Trust focuses on innovative projects; no match funding requirement stated.
- Slavanka Trust supports Christian ministry and education; no match funding mentioned.
- Saltley trust funds Christian learning and education; no match funding requirement noted.
- The Bishop Radford Trust supports Christian ministry; no indication of match funding needed.
- MB Reckitt Trust Funds Christian social thought and action; no match funding required.
Funders That Require or Prefer Match Funding
- · Biffa Award requires a 10% third-party contribution. This is a strict condition for eligibility.
- · Benefact Trust typically funds only a small percentage of the total project cost to support more causes. Match funding is expected.
- · Joseph Rank Trust While not explicitly stated, they often fund part of a project and expect applicants to have other sources of funding.
- · Laing Family Trusts may not fund 100% of a project; co-funding is often expected, especially for capital projects
Madelaine Goddard retired from Derby city deanery after over ten years as their lay chair. At the most recent meeting of the Deanery Synod (October 2025) Madelaine offered a typically grace—filled retirement speech.
Rev’d Sarah Watson, Area Dean of Derby city, thanked Madeline for her support and wisdom and presented her with flowers and a crowd-funded gift as a token of the deanery’s great appreciation.
Archdeacon Matthew Trick, Archdeacon of Derby and South Derbyshire, commented, “Madelaine Goddard has been a faithful servant of Christ, guiding Derby City deanery from the two city deaneries merging into the present deanery, and successive Area and Asst Deans. She has held the deanery as Lay Chair with care and prayerfulness, offering helpful wisdom and insight into discussions across diocesan life. We are truly grateful for Madelaine's long and faithful service”.
Photo: Revd Mina Mumms presents Madelaine Goddard with a bouquet of flowers.
Derby Cathedral welcomed people from all over the diocese on Sunday 5 October for the second Bishop's Badge service.
This special service celebrates ministry and service in the church and the community. The Bishop of Derby’s Badges presented recognise the distinguished service and dedication of many individuals contributing in Jesus’ name to the mission of the church. The service was led by the Right Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby. The Reflection was given by the Right Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton. Music for the service is sung by the Cathedral Voluntary Choir.
Awards for Missional Innovation
Jane Baker, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Keith Brown, St Peter, Hope
Steve Burton, St Edmund, Allestree
Mandy Cairns, Gresley
Sue Leese, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Michael Lilley, Stanton in Peak
David Stuart, St Francis, Mackworth
Sue Stubbs, Gresley
Lucy Thompson, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Helen Walker-Foss, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Edlaston, Ednaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Sonia Wright, St Bartholomew, Whittington and St Barnabas, New Whittington
Awards for Missional Service
Susan Abbott, Bolsover Parish Church
David Baker, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Cheryl Baxter, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston
Paul Baxter, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston
Tony Betteridge, Emmanuel, Swadlincote
Adrian Blanksby, St John the Evangelist, Newbold with Dunston
David Brierley, St Matthew, Darley Abbey
Jane Burton, St Edmund, Allestree
David Chinn, Brimington
Ann Cleaver, St John, Walton
Anne Cogley, St Edmund, Allestree
Jennifer Crump, St Giles, Killamarsh
Sue Duffill, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston
Roger Easton, St Mark’s Church, Winshill
Sheila Exley, All Saints, Ockbrook
Francine Franklin, St John the Evangelist, Hazelwood
Joan Garrett, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby
Sue Goodhall, St Lawrence, Great Barlow
John Gratton, The Parish of St Matthew
Jerry Haynes, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Katrina Hayward, Saint George the Martyr, New Mills
Doreen Hickman, Sinfin Moor Benefice
Richard Hughes, The Parish of St Matthew
Michael Joyce, St Mary and St Lawrence, Bolsover
Patricia Kellogg, St John the Evangelist, Hazelwood
Janet Leigh, Christ Church, Belper
Joyce Lewis, Kirk Hallam
Janet Love, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby
Margie Martindale, St Michael, Sutton-on-the-Hill
Ann Morton, St Matthew, Renishaw
Kevin Needham, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Lesley Needham, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Lisa Ollerenshaw, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston
Vicki Owen, St Barnabas, New Whittington
Andrew Pollett, Christ Church, Belper
Frances Prockter, St Luke the Beloved Physician, Derby
Barbara Rawson, St Luke the Beloved Physician, Derby
John Richardson, Saint George the Martyr, New Mills
Beth Robson-Smith, St Thomas and St Mark, Brampton
Andrew Rosser, St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton
Lindsey Schroeter, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Samantha Sharland, Emmanuel, Swadlincote
Helen Shaw, St Lawrence, Great Barlow
Michael Shepherd, St Anne, Derby
Judith Slater, Sawley
John Smart, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby
Frank Stevens, St Anne's, Derby
Muriel Stirland, Brimington
Simon Thompson, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Carl Veal, St Peter, Chellaston
Allan Voice, St John the Baptist, Ault Hucknall
Chris Willis, St Edmund, Allestree
Sonia Wright, St Bartholomew, Whittington and St Barnabas, New Whittington
