Being a Strategic Area/Rural Dean 2026

The first session in a four part series for Area/Rural Deans.

Area Deans are increasingly viewed as having a strategic role. This is an important shift of emphasis. Whether you are new to the role or have been a Area/Rural Dean for sometime, this workshop provides insights from research and experience to encourage Area Deans in their responsibilities.

The session will:

• Provide space for conversation and sharing experience and wisdom.
• Explore common pitfalls and possibilities within role.
• Consider the complexities of balancing priorities, time and expectations.
• Examine the centrality of leadership through influence and relationships.
• Highlight the value of effective deanery leadership teams.

The workshop is practical, interactive and provides practical actions to be taken in participants' contexts.

The facilitator is Rev Canon Simon Taylor, CPAS Leadership Enabler and former Area Dean of Godalming and author of 'Rural Deans for the 21st Century: A Mule, Servant and Spectacles: Connecting Places Across Boundaries'.

Area (Rural) Deans may wish to attend as an Archdeaconry group. Some dioceses may provide funding to attend the workshop.

Date: Monday 21 September 2026

Time: 1.00-3.15pm

Cost: £21 per attendee

Bookings close on Wednesday 16 September. Joining instructions will be sent on Thursday 17 October.