Helen Bailey, new Dean of Women's Ministry

Revd Helen Bailey, vicar of St John’s Church in Broadstone, has been appointed Dean of Women’s Ministry for the Diocese of Salisbury, a role which offers advocacy for, and support, of women clergy. It is recognised at national level that there are still matters relating to women’s ordained ministry which need to be heard and addressed.

"I am so pleased to be stepping into this role," Helen said. "Having been ordained 15 years, I bring my own experiences as well as my observations of matters at national level. Our call is that all may flourish, and my role will pertain to supporting how women in particular can flourish as clergy."

Helen worked in education before being ordained, as Assistant and Joint-Acting Head of English in various secondary schools, and also taught language and gender studies at A Level. She has several study guides published, including one on female Victorian poets, which she wrote due to her concern that the voices of women writers were not being heard in the curriculum. 

Part of Helen’s remit will be to meet with and advise Bishop’s staff once a year on matters which inhibit the flourishing of women clergy as well as meeting with women clergy and understanding their needs. She will be at clergy day on 9 July.

She will be available to all women in ordained ministry for support, encouragement and advice, and hopes to enable both peer-group networking and opportunities for mentor support where requested. You can contact Helen by email: revdhelenbailey@gmail.com