The Vacancy in See Committee, made up of 49 clergy and lay representatives from across the diocese, has two main roles.
One is to work to create a Statement of Needs, which sets out what the diocese needs. This will be informed by a consultation across the diocese, which is expected to begin in January 2026.
The second is to identify diocesan representatives to form the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) with the two Archbishops and six members elected nationally. This group will then draw up the specification, taking account of the Statement of Needs. They also interview the candidates and then make a recommendation to His Majesty The King, via the Prime Minister.
The Vacancy in See Committee first met in December 2025, and their final meeting was on 24 March 2026.