14th July 2025

Interim Dean appointed at Blackburn Cathedral

An announcement from Bishop Philip.

I am very grateful to Canon Andrew Horsfall who has agreed to act as Interim Dean during the time that the Dean of Blackburn is unable to fulfil his duties. 

Andrew is well known in the Diocese as he has served for 20 years as Chaplain and Head of Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care Services at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

He is an experienced member of Cathedral Chapter and was, until recently, Area Dean of Blackburn with Darwen. He has also been a strong supporter of parish life in East Lancashire, recently working alongside the people of St Oswald Knuzden.

Andrew’s senior management experience, acute pastoral sensitivity and skills in the ministry of reconciliation, alongside his deep knowledge of Blackburn Cathedral, mean that he is the ideal person to take forward the essential work of reform that is needed in response to the recent INEQE Safeguarding Audit Report. 

This appointment will be made subject to safer recruitment guidance and following the completion of important processes with the NHS. I am deeply grateful for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust's agreement to this part-time secondment.

Being able to bring a chaplaincy manager of many years’ experience into the senior leadership of the diocese strengthens the team greatly and also reaffirms our commitment to seeing our sector chaplains as key leaders in the mission and ministry of Blackburn Diocese. 

Andrew will chair his first Chapter meeting as Interim Dean on the 16th of July and will join my Vision and Strategy Team immediately.

July 2025