Last updated 4th December 2025

Meet the Vision and Strategy Team

The Vision and Strategy Team (VSG) is chaired and led by the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Philip North and, with God's guidance, it is a key part of the decision-making process of the Diocese; alongside the Diocesan Synod and the Bishop's Council. 

The VSG was formerly known as the Bishop's Leadership Team. It drives forward our Vision 2026 Healthy Churches Transforming Communities. 

The Team meets once a month, with a longer gathering, involving a residential retreat, once a year in April or May.

There is a core team alongside a wider team who join meetings as and when required. All members of the core and wider VSG are listed below. 

Vision and Strategy Core Team

The Rt Rev Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn

The Bishop and his office team are based at Bishop's House in Wilpshire

Bishop's Chaplain: Rev Andy Meeson (see below for more details)

Executive Assistant: Louise Hunter
e: louise.hunter@blackburn.anglican.org

Operations: Esther Tregilgas e:operations@bishopofblackburn.org.uk 

Clergy Appointments Officer: Susan Stewart     e: appointments@bishopofblackburn.org.uk

Number for Bishop's House: 01254 248234

The Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff 

Suffragan Bishop of Lancaster

Personal Assistant: Helen Parkinson
e: pa.lancaster@blackburn.anglican.org

Tel: 07930 653509

The Rt Rev. Dr Joe Kennedy

Suffragan Bishop of Burnley

Personal Assistant: Abi Saunders

e: pa.burnley@blackburn.anglican.org 

Tel: 07939 187452

The Ven Jane Atkinson

Archdeacon of Lancaster, Based at the Diocesan Offices

Personal Assistant: Kelly Quinn,

e: kelly.quinn@blackburn.anglican.org

Tel: 07384 819825

The Ven David Picken

Archdeacon of Lancaster, Based at the Diocesan Offices

Personal Assistant: Jude Causer

e: jude.causer@blackburn.anglican.org 

Tel: 01254 503097

Canon Andrew Horsfall

Interim Dean of Blackburn Cathedral, Based at Blackburn Cathedral offices

Executive Assistant and Operations Manager: Pauline Rowe
e: pauline.rowe@blackburncathedral.co.uk 

Rev Andy Meeson (from 1st September 2025)

Bishop's Chaplain, Based at Bishop's House

e: chaplain@bishopofblackburn.org.uk

Tel: 01254 248234

For more Bishop's House contact information, see Bishop Philip's entry above.

Rev Anne Beverley

Director of Ministry

e: anne.beverley@blackburn.anglican.org

Canon Stephen Whittaker

Diocesan Secretary

e. diocesan.secretary@blackburn.anglican.org

Mr Iain Parks

Director of Education

e. directorofeducation@blackburn.anglican.org

Revd Lucie Lunn

Dean of Women's Ministry

e: revlucielunn@gmail.com

Revd Munawar Din

Vicar of St Cuthbert's Burnley and St Luke's Brierfield

Bishop’s Advisor on UKME issues

Carolyn Barton

Director of Vision Delivery

Based at the Diocesan offices

e: carolyn.barton@blackburn.anglican.org

Ruth McGaughey

Head of Finance and Deputy Diocesan Secretary

e: Ruth.McGaughey@Blackburn.Anglican.Org 

Revd Steve Haskett

Director of Mission

e: steve.haskett@blackburn.anglican.org

Wider Vision and Strategy Wider Team 

The wider VSG team consists of the people occupying the following roles (click for more information and to contact the various post holders) 

Ronnie Semley, Diocesan Communications Manager 

Catherine Smith, Safeguarding Adviser

Andy Cooke, HR Manager

Joy Rushton, Being Witnesses Manager 

Last updated December 2025