Last updated 24th February 2025

Communications Team

Introduction to the Communications Team

The Diocese has a small and dedicated Communications Team serving parishes across Lancashire.

I’m Ronnie Semley, the Diocesan Communications Manager. 

I have worked in the media and communications industry for many years, first as a journalist and later as a strategic communications manager in the public sector. 

You can read more about my career on my LinkedIn page where you can also connect with me. Just send me an invitation there. 

My role encompasses the major communications needs of the Diocesan Bishop; communications support and advice for parishes, other senior clergy and the senior staff alongside support for the Diocesan Office teams. I am also a member of the Bishop’s Vision and Strategy Team. 

I work with Kaitlyn Rose, Digital Communications Officer and Karen Ashcroft, Senior Administrator. Contact details below, or click here to go straight to them.

• We also have a volunteer who works for the diocese a few hours a week writing 'good news stories'. Mark Ashley is an experienced retired journalist. Do you have professional skills as a journalist? Or are you a communications/public relations/marketing or digital professional? We welcome approaches from people who may be able to offer their skills pro bono to the Diocese in the same way as Mark. Get in touch with me to discuss if that's you. 

Help, including communications resources

The Communications Team seeks to support our parishes (and the Diocesan Office teams serving parishes) in communicating well in a wide variety of ways.

This work ranges from working to tell stories in traditional media outlets; to overseeing key internal communications, like our Parish Update ebulletin; overseeing the Diocesan website; coordinating and developing our social media content/campaigns and much more. 

Despite being a small team we aim to provide as broad a service as possible; constantly seeking ways to help parishes to help themselves. 

We have a very comprehensive communications resource area for parishes on this website for example, where you will find comprehensive advice about many aspects of communicating well.

Visit this 'landing page' where you will find more information about the service offered by the Communications Team via the 'work overview' and working together' sections. You can also explore many other related pages from menu on the right. 

Our resource pages are continually growing and being updated. When you visit you will see headings including: 'Get Your Church Noticed'; 'Copyright Advice'; Effective Digital Communications'; 'Template Press Releases' and much more ...

Contact details

Ronnie Semley, Diocesan Communications Manager

E: ronnie.semley@blackburn.anglican.org or communicate@blackburn.anglican.org

T: 01254 503416

Kaitlyn Rose, Digital Communications Officer

E: kaitlyn.rose@blackburn.anglican.org or communicate@blackburn.anglican.org; often email will be the quickest way to reach Kaitlyn

T: 07953 222222 and 01254 503078

Karen Ashcroft, Senior Administrator (including support for communications) 

E: karen.ashcroft@blackburn.anglican.org or communicate@blackburn.anglican.org

Ronnie Semley, page last updated February 2025