INEQE’s independent safeguarding audit for the Southwell & Nottingham Diocesan Board of Finance and Southwell Minster now available
In January 2026, INEQE carried out an independent safeguarding audit of the Southwell & Nottingham Diocesan Board of Finance and the Cathedral, Southwell Minster, which was commissioned by the national Church of England as part of a national programme to audit all dioceses. INEQE has now published its findings from the audit in a report, which you can download and read with the button below. Read the report As part of the audit, INEQE received and analysed 1,015 anonymous survey responses and
Welcoming our new Leadership Track interns!
This week, a new cohort of interns on the Leadership Track headed to Launde Abbey to worship, pray, learn and begin looking ahead to the year ahead. The Leadership Track is the second year of the diocesan internship programme. The cohort will spend the year investing in their spiritual growth and receiving discipleship and leadership teaching. The interns are placed in a range of churches and contexts across the diocese and will have practical opportunities throughout the year to grow as a
Good News Spotlight: St Mary’s Arnold Celebrates 850 Years
The community in Arnold recently celebrated 850 years of St Mary's Church with a weekend of celebrations including a Family Fun Day and a special service with Bishop Paul. They were celebrating 850 years since the first recorded event at the church, a wedding in 1176. It was an exciting weekend as over 500 people joined in the celebrations at a family fun day. The day included ice cream, cake, refreshments, games, animals from White Post Farm, a history of the
Welcoming Jo and Jon Soper
We recently welcomed Jon and Jo Soper to the diocesan central support team on a part-time basis, serving as Bishops’ Advisors for Leadership Formation and Spiritual Renewal. Jon and Jo were both licensed by Bishop Paul at Bishops Manor on the morning of the 14th of September. Their work will seek to help leaders across the Diocese respond to God’s calling, especially those stepping into new roles or pioneering new areas of ministry. This role has been made possible with thanks
Licensed Lay Ministry Candidates 2026
Please join us in praying for the candidates who will be licensed as Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) on the 26th September at Southwell Minster. All are welcome to join for the service at 11am. LESLEY BLACK began worshipping in Saint Mary & All Saints, Bingham after years of not attending church regularly. Having become a Christian as a teenager and following The Lord for most of her adult life, she fell away and mostly stopped going to church all together when life dealt
Candidates & election addresses for General Synod – VOTING NOW OPEN
Nominations for General Synod clergy and lay members closed on Monday 7th September. The voting period is now open, during which deanery synods will vote for the nominated candidates. Voting closes at 5pm on Tuesday 13th October for those voting electronically or 5pm on Monday 12th October for postal votes. Everyone who has been nominated has already submitted their electoral address if they have chosen to write one. You can see all of our candidates and read their election addresses at
An Inspiring Caring for Creation Celebration Service
Last Saturday was an inspiring service of celebration at Southwell Minster, bringing together people from across the diocese to celebrate our shared commitment to Caring for Creation. The service recognised the hard work of churches as they work towards becoming A Rocha Eco Churches, as well as celebrating progress towards our target of establishing Net Zero Carbon Demonstrator Churches across the diocese. Eco Church, run by A Rocha UK, encourages and supports churches to care for God’s creation across five
Leading with Loving Presence
Your Diocesan Conference 2026 Guide Welcome to Diocesan Conference 2026! We're really looking forward to the next few days together. Alongside some excellent talks, there'll be space to worship, pray and listen to God together, as well as time to deepen relationships and encourage one another. Click through the tabs below to find out more about what's coming up each day. Day 1Day 2Day 3Speakers Monday 5th October 2pm | Arrivals & Registration Location: Derbyshire Suite Head straight to Main Reception to register. Refreshments available in
Licensing of David Emerton as Priest-In-Charge of the Benefice of Bilsthorpe and Eakring
Sunday evening was a special service of celebration at St Andrew, Eakring, as Revd Dr David Emerton was licensed by Bishop Paul and inducted and installed as priest by Archdeacon Tors Ramsey. Family, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate with David as he begins this new chapter of ministry. David will serve in this role alongside the Revd Chris Pearse (Lead Mission Enabler) and the wider team of Rural Cluster 3 as a Mission Associate as part of our Rural pilot. Area
Second round of grants now available for church buildings
Historic England grant announces further round of two major grant schemes: Round 2 of the continuation of the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund is open for Expressions of Interest from 28 August and closing Friday 18 September, 5pm. The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund supports the repair and conservation of historic buildings and sites at risk across England. Churches are considered by exception, although in particularly acute risks of loss this fund has awarded grants (see example here). Know more Round 2 of