About Us

With its network of parishes covering the country, the Church of England plays an active role in national life, bringing an important Christian dimension to the nation, as well as strengthening community life.  Arranged into 41 areas, each under the care of a Bishop, The Diocese of York takes in much of North and East Yorkshire.  We are led by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.  York Minster is our principal church.

Together, we are striving to be a people who are “Living Christ’s Story”.  We are developing and delivering strategic programmes focused on our aims: Becoming more like Christ; Reaching those we currently don’t; Growing churches of missionary disciples; and Transforming our finances and structures.  We want to be a simpler, bolder, humbler church, which in its diversity reflects the communities it serves. 

As the largest diocese in England, geographically, the area is very diverse, featuring a multitude of needs and opportunities.  This includes the bustling urban centres of York, Hull and Middlesbrough, two beautiful National Parks and the incomparable Yorkshire Coast; as well as areas of deprivation in some of our urban and smaller rural and coastal communities.

The Diocese of York is a family of clergy, churches, parishes and schools.  Our mission and ministry relies on relies on thousands of people - lay and ordained, volunteer and paid.  Our diocesan teams provide a wide range of support services.  We employ around 80 staff, of all faiths and none, in areas from training for ministry, the care of church buildings and safeguarding; to business support functions such as Property, Finance and HR.

Most of our staff are based at our main office at Clifton Moor on the north side of York – a modern, open-plan building with flexible space for meetings and training, good disabled access, and a large carpark with covered bike rack.  Other staff are located around the diocese, including at Wydale Hall, our lovely conference and retreat centre near Scarborough.

Alongside our salary, holiday and pension package, our benefits include a range of flexible working options, an Employee Assistance Programme and a Cycle to Work scheme.  Our values reflect our Christian ethos, and we seek to foster a culture of engagement and collaboration.  Most importantly, we offer the opportunity to play a part in an organisation at the heart of spiritual and community life in the region.

York was named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times in 2018.  Our cathedral, the historic walls and winding streets embody a rich history and charm.  Thriving leisure and cultural sectors, together with green space and excellent transport links (London is two hours away by train), offer a fantastic quality of life.