Area Deans are appointed by the Bishop after taking soundings from licensed clergy and the Deanery Lay Chair. Appointments are for five years. It is recommended that a job description, based on this list of tasks, is prepared for each new appointment.
Training for Area Deans is the responsibility of the Bishop's Adviser for Ordained Ministry. Area Deans will need a handover session with their predecessors and training in their visitational and other legal responsibilities exercised on behalf of the Archdeacon.
Area Deans are paid 10% uplift on the standard incumbent's stipend. Out of
pocket expenses, including reasonable secretarial costs and hospitality, can
be claimed from the diocese. In some cases, Area Deans are provided with a curate
for their term of office, and the stipend of the assistant in a parish where
a curate would not normally be appointed is rebated against Common Fund.
