We are pleased to announce two appointments to the role of Area Dean within our diocese.
The Revd Anne Gilbert, currently serving as Vicar of Rochdale Parish Churches and Acting Area Dean, has been formally appointed as Area Dean of Rochdale, and The Venerable Richard Worsfold, currently Archdeacon of Leicester, has been appointed as Area Dean of Salford and Leigh.
Both Anne and Richard will play key roles as leaders within their respective deaneries, working with Suffragan Bishops and Archdeacons to shape and implement a clear strategic vision. They will identify opportunities for growth in partnership with mission community leaders and empower clergy to lead local mission initiatives through mentorship and support. Additionally, they will contribute to clergy wellbeing through active engagement in the deanery chapter and deanery synod.
The Revd Anne Gilbert to be Area Dean of Rochdale
Revd Anne has been carrying out the role of Acting Area Dean of Rochdale in recent months and brings to the role a deep commitment to collaborative ministry and a heart for local mission. Anne has a wealth of local knowledge, pastoral experience, and deep-rooted faith. She lived in Shaw for many years while teaching at Hathershaw College in Oldham, where she worked for 25 years, a specialist in Religious Education and was a senior teacher in charge of SMSC and British Values.
Answering a call that runs through her family, Anne left to pursue ordained ministry—following in the footsteps of her father, brother, and nephew. She was ordained in Manchester Cathedral in 2018, and served her curacy at St Andrew’s, Dearnley and Littleborough before taking on the role of Vicar of Rochdale Parish Churches. Her experience and encouraging approach will be a great asset to the deanery as it continues to grow and flourish.
Accepting the appointment, Anne said:
“Whilst I will be sad to leave my churches and their church families, I am delighted to have been appointed Area Dean of Rochdale. I lived in Rochdale as a child, and it is where my faith began to develop, especially through singing in a church choir. I was confirmed at Rochdale Parish Church, and now I have served all my ordained ministry in Rochdale Deanery as curate, incumbent, chapter clerk, and Acting Area Dean.
"I believe Rochdale Deanery has the potential to thrive through collaboration, mission-minded leadership, and empowering both clergy and laity.
"My goal is to nurture this transformation, ensuring we grow together for the Kingdom of God.”
Further details about Anne’s licensing date will be confirmed shortly.
The Venerable Richard Worsfold to be Area Dean of Salford and Leigh
The Venerable Richard Worsfold, currently Archdeacon of Leicester, has been appointed as Area Dean of Salford and Leigh.
Richard brings with him over 30 years of ordained ministry, including parish leadership, diocesan roles, and ecumenical partnerships. Originally a solicitor, Richard trained for ministry after serving as a churchwarden in London. He moved to the Diocese of Leicester in 1995, serving in both rural and urban contexts, including as Team Rector in the Bradgate Team and later as Vicar of the Church of the Martyrs in the city. His leadership extended into deanery and international ministry, and since 2018, he has served faithfully as Archdeacon of Leicester.
Reflecting on his appointment, Richard shared:
“Ministering as Archdeacon has been a wonderful privilege, supporting a wide variety of church communities, chaplaincy/school settings and so many gifted ministers and church officers, working with valued deanery and diocesan colleagues.
“Since leaving my parish and Leicester city Area Dean role over six years ago, I have missed not being quite as involved in day-to-day parish-based ministry and mission. So, I am looking forward to the fresh challenges of the new role across the parishes west of Manchester.”
He added: “After 30 years of living and ministering in Leicestershire, Jenny and I will hugely miss the close friendships, connections and ministries that have developed over that time. We will, however, find ourselves living closer to our children and their families, which has also been an important factor in our discernment.”
We look forward to welcoming Richard and his family to our diocese and will share the details of his licensing date as soon as they are confirmed.
The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, said:
“I am delighted that Anne and Richard have accepted their new roles as Area Deans and look forward to supporting them with their work. Anne has already shown faithful and committed leadership in Rochdale, and I am confident she will continue to inspire and support her colleagues in this new chapter. Richard brings with him a wealth of experience and wisdom, and I am sure that he will provide encouragement and guidance in his role as Area Dean of Salford and Leigh.
“Let us hold Anne and Richard in our prayers as they prepare to take on their new ministries asking for God’s guidance, strength, and blessing in all that lies ahead."