Last updated 15th June 2022

Meet the Bishop's Leadership Team

The Bishop's Leadership Team is chaired and led by the Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev Julian Henderson and, with God's guidance, it is a key part of the decision-making process of the Diocese, alongside the Diocesan Synod and the Bishop's Council. 

The Bishop's Leadership Team drives forward our Vision 2026 Healthy Churches Transforming Communities. 

The Team meets once a month on the first Monday, with a longer gathering, involving a residential retreat at Whalley Abbey, once a year in May. 

Please note: At the current time members of the Team, in common with all Diocesan staff, may be working from home instead of the Diocesan Offices. 

The Rt Rev Julian Henderson

Bishop of Blackburn

The Bishop and his office team are based at Bishop's House in Wilpshire

Bishop's Chaplain: Rev. Sam Cheesman (see below for more details)

Secretary: Jennie Bentham                                   e: secretary@bishopofblackburn.org.uk

Bishop's Administrator: Esther Tregilgas e:bhadmin@bishopofblackburn.org.uk 

Number for Bishop's House: 01254 248234

The Rt Rev Philip North

Suffragan Bishop of Burnley, Based at the Diocesan offices

Personal Assistant: Louise Hunter
e: louise.hunter@blackburn.anglican.org

Tel: 01254 503087

The Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff 

Suffragan Bishop of Lancaster, Based at the Diocesan offices

Personal Assistant: Judith Henderson
e: judith.henderson@blackburn.anglican.org 

Tel: 01254 503090

The Ven Mark Ireland

Archdeacon of Blackburn, Based at the Diocesan offices

Tel: 07866 778791

Personal Assistant: Kelly Quinn
e: kelly.quinn@blackburn.anglican.org

Tel: 07384 819825

The Ven David Picken

Archdeacon of Lancaster, Based at the Diocesan Offices

Personal Assistant: Gill Beeley
e: gill.beeley@blackburn.anglican.org

Tel: 01254 503272

The Very Rev Peter Howell-Jones

Dean of Blackburn, Based at Blackburn Cathedral offices

Executive Assistant and Operations Manager: Pauline Rowe
e: pauline.rowe@blackburncathedral.co.uk 

Tel: 01254 277430

Rev Sam Cheeseman

Bishop's Chaplain, Based at Bishop's House

e: chaplain@bishopofblackburn.org.uk

Tel: 01254 248234

For more Bishop's House contact information, see Bishop Julian's entry above.

Rev Anne Beverley

Dean of Women's Ministry

Vicar of Wesham Christ Church

Phone: 07841 742 022

Email: anne.beverley@btinternet.com

Canon Stephen Whittaker

Diocesan Secretary

Based at the Diocesan offices

Personal Assistant: Jenny Simpkin
e: jenny.simpkin@blackburn.anglican.org

Dr Sam Johnson

Acting Director of Education

Based at the Diocesan offices

Personal Assistant: Helen Morris
e: helen.morris@blackburn.anglican.org

Ronnie Semley, MCIPR; DipCIPR

Diocesan Communications Manager, Based at the Diocesan offices

Tel: 01254 503416; e: ronnie.semley@blackburn.anglican.org

Administrative support: Karen Ashcroft
e: karen.ashcroft@blackburn.anglican.org

Revd Sarah Siddique Gill

Vicar of St Stephen's with St James' in Blackburn

Bishop’s Advisor on UKME issues

Revd Nick McKee

Director of Vocations

Based at the Diocesan offices

Administrator: Rosie Strachan
e: rosie.strachan@blackburn.anglican.org

Carolyn Barton

Director of Vision Delivery

Based at the Diocesan offices

e: carolyn.barton@blackburn.anglican.org

Joy Rushton

Being Witnesses Manager

Based at the Diocesan offices

e: joy.rushton@blackburn.anglican.org

Ronnie Semley, last updated June 2022