M·E·L Research to support Diocese of Manchester consultation to inform priorities for next Bishop of Manchester
M·E·L Research is pleased to be supporting the Diocese of Manchester with an independent consultation to help inform its future leadership. The research will provide opportunities for people connected with diocesan life, as well as members of the wider community, to share their perspectives on the local context, priorities for the years ahead and the qualities that will be important in future leadership.
Explaining the importance of this consultation, Keith Lewis, Chair of the Vacancy in See Committee said:
“This initial consultation is an opportunity to hear from a broad range of people from across the Diocese of Manchester. By listening carefully to different experiences, perspectives and expectations, we can build a fuller picture of the opportunities and challenges facing our parishes, chaplaincies, schools and communities. The insights we receive will help inform the discernment process as we seek the person who will lead, serve and encourage our diocese in the years ahead.”
The Revd Canon Grace Thomas, Chair of the House of Clergy added:
“The appointment of a new bishop is an important moment in the life of our diocese, and it is right that we listen prayerfully to our local communities. The hopes and wisdom shared through this consultation will help us discern the gifts, qualities and leadership we are seeking in the person God is calling to serve among us.”
M·E·L Research will bring an independent, mixed-methods approach designed to provide both breadth and depth of understanding. The programme will combine an accessible stakeholder consultation with a representative online survey of 500 adults living across the area, enabling the research to hear from people closely connected with the Diocese alongside those who may have little or no direct involvement with the Church.
In practical terms, the research will include the development and delivery of an accessible stakeholder survey, targeted engagement to help reach a diverse range of communities, and a representative general population survey. Quantitative and qualitative findings will be analysed together to identify areas of common ground, differences between groups and perspectives that may otherwise be less visible. Subject to the final agreed scope, the programme will also include locally available non-digital response formats, providing additional ways for people to participate.
Accessibility, inclusion and participant wellbeing will be central throughout. The consultation will use clear, accessible language and offer appropriate routes for participation, while M·E·L Research’s trauma-informed approach will help ensure that people can contribute safely and with meaningful control over what they choose to share.
The research matters because decisions about future leadership are strengthened when they are informed by a broad and credible evidence base. Bringing together the views of church stakeholders and the wider population will help provide a fuller understanding of the communities the Diocese serves, the issues that matter to them and the expectations they have of visible, inclusive and effective leadership.
“We’re really pleased to be supporting this important piece of work. At M·E·L Research, we believe strongly in creating meaningful opportunities for people to be heard, particularly where experiences and perspectives can be diverse or complex. This project reflects our commitment to inclusive, ethical and independent research, and to producing evidence that can genuinely support thoughtful decision-making and positive change.”
The project builds on M·E·L Research’s wider experience of delivering large-scale consultation and sensitive social research across the public and third sectors. Our work includes major population surveys, community engagement and research with people whose voices can be underrepresented in traditional consultation. Across projects covering health and wellbeing, equality and inclusion, public services and community life, we combine robust research methods with a strong focus on accessibility, safeguarding and turning insight into practical, actionable evidence.
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