The Vacancy Process 

Some of you have been asking about the procedure to appoint a new vicar. Needless to say it is not quick or straightforward but here are the main steps. Do ask either of us if you want to know more.

We have already met the Bishop and Area Dean to discuss the vacancy and the Archdeacon met with the PCC on 14 March to talk about the process. The first task is for the PCC to agree two parish representatives for the selection panel. This will also include Bishop Lusa, Archdeacon Catherine and Andrew Tremlett, the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral (our patron). All members of the panel will have a power of veto.

We need to draw up a Parish Profile and profile of the vicar we are looking for. The recent paper/online survey will help us with this. A focus group is working on a draft and the PCC will then refine it. Everyone will have an opportunity to comment before it is finalised. The PCC will also have unconscious bias training to help with our approach to all this. The panel and Area Dean will then discuss the parish profile and needs of our parish with the PCC and finalise the timetable.

The PCC will decide how to advertise the post (e.g. in the Church Times) and then the shortlisting and interview processes will take place. It is very unlikely that we will have a new vicar in place before December this year. If the panel cannot agree on a preferred candidate (all members have a power of veto) then the process will be run again.
Please pray for everyone involved in the process – it is so important that we find the right person for St Stephen’s.

Mary Ann Auckland and Ann Toley
Churchwardens