We are currently in a period of vacancy at All Saints following the retirement of Canon David Hodgson in the summer. Many people have been asking what this means and what is the process for recruiting a new Rector. In the Church of England this is a lengthy process as it begins with the parish reflecting on its vision, its role, what is important to it and what it might be looking for in a new Rector. This reflection takes several months and cumulates in putting together a document called a Parish Profile. This parish profile is all about the church, the community and its vision. It is looked at by potential candidates who might be interested in applying for the job. Once the parish profile and role description have been approved by the PCC and other church figures such as the Archdeacon (on behalf of the bishop) then advertising for the post can begin. Candidates will then be shortlisted and interviewed by a panel to include 2 parish representatives (people chosen by the PCC to represent the parish church’s views) along with the Area Dean and Archdeacon. On the interview day, candidates will usually do presentations and get to look around the parish and meet members of the church. After the interview day if a candidate is successful they will be offered the post and then only once they accept will it be announced. If no candidate is deemed right for the role then the parish will re-advertise the post.
Click on this document for this process explained in a diagram
As of 20th September 2023, we have had our Section 11 meeting, electing two parish representatives and we are preparing for the consultation period that follows. This will take place throughout October. By November we hope to be writing the parish profile, with the view to advertising the post after Christmas.
