Who we are

The Very Revd Dr Mandy Ford

Dean of Bristol

As Dean of Bristol, Mandy is head of the Cathedral foundation, she chairs the Cathedral Chapter, and with the Chapter directs the mission and ministry of the cathedral. She exercises leadership in the cathedral's worship, preaching and prayer. She represents the cathedral in the diocese and is a crucial important point of contact between the city and the diocese. She is the senior priest in the diocese and shares in the Bishop's oversight of the diocese. She is a member of the Bishop's Staff and Diocesan Synod.

The Revd Canon Nicola Stanley

Canon Pastor & Vice Dean

Nicola is Vice Dean and in that role shares in the leadership of the Cathedral as a member of Chapter. As Canon Pastor she is responsible for the care and nurture of the Cathedral community.

The Revd Canon Jonnie Parkin

Canon Missioner

In his role as Canon Missioner, Canon Jonnie will build up our relationships with children and young people, will be responsible for evangelistic outreach, and will deepen the discipleship of those in the Cathedral congregation.

The Revd Canon Dr Martin Gainsborough

Diocesan Canon

Canon Martin is responsible for developing Cathedral and Diocese ties with the wider city around issues of national and international concern, including social, economic and environmental justice. Martin's main role in the Diocese is as Chaplain to the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, the Bishop of Bristol. 

The Revd Dr Minty Hull

Cathedral Chaplain for Spirituality, Minor Canon

As Chaplain for Spirituality, Minty is tasked with care for spiritual wellbeing and supporting spiritual development at the Cathedral. She is also Advisor for Spiritual Direction in the Diocese of Bristol. 

The Revd Mel Parkin

Minor Canon for Worship

Mel is responsible for worship and liturgy in the Cathedral, working closely with the Master of the Choristers & Organist, Music Administrator, and Vergers. 

The Revd Nic Harris

Cathedral Curate and Chaplain for Housing

Nic is the Cathedral Curate who shares this training position with her role as Chaplain For Housing in Bristol Diocese, in which she is working in partnership with others in housing across the city and region to help the Church play our part in providing solutions and change to the housing crisis in the UK.

Canon Elizabeth Cairncross

Lay Canon

Elizabeth is a Lay Canon at Bristol Cathedral, and a member of the Cathedral Chapter, which has overall responsibility for the governance of the Cathedral. 

Canon Naomi Miller

Lay Canon

Naomi Miller is Deputy Director at Bristol Ideas, a leading arts and cultural organisation for public debate and learning, bringing together diverse artists, audiences and organisations in festivals and programmes to explore key issues of our time. She was Development Director at Bristol Cathedral between 2014-18, where she worked with the team to reinvigorate the Cathedral’s fundraising efforts, enhance the Cathedral’s profile and relationship with the wider city, and bring in new types of programming. She is co-Chair of the Wardrobe Theatre and sits on the board of Destination Culture.

Canon Stephen Parsons, MBE

Lay Canon

Stephen is Chair of the Cathedral Trust and is Chair of the Fitzhardinge Society. He is Chair of the MAT Cathedral Schools Trust and Vice Chair of Bristol Cathedral Choir School, a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, he previously held Governance posts in the Diocese of Bristol Academies Company (DOBAC), and Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust (DBAT), In 2015 he was awarded an MBE for his services to education and the community. He is a former Bristol Cathedral Chorister.

Canon Dr John Savage, CBE

Lay Canon, Canon Treasurer

John has responsibility for the financial portfolio on the Cathedral Chapter.  

Ben Silvey

Chief Operating Officer (Chapter Clerk)

Ben is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Cathedral.  His responsibilities include finance, fabric, events, HR, health and safety and child protection. 

Sarah Morris

Executive Assistant

Sarah has several areas of responsibility.  She is the Dean's PA and also coordinates the Cathedral diary and events schedule.  She is the first point of contact for anyone wanting to arrange a special service, event or concert at the Cathedral.  She can also arrange guided tours and provide advice about our volunteer groups. 

Frances Bircher

Visitor Experience Director

Frances has responsibility for the ways in which visitors interact with the Cathedral, including accessing worship, exhibits and displays. She offers insight into the Cathedral’s vision and mission, and works closely with volunteers and colleagues.

Jess Cainey

Visitor Experience & Events Officer

Jess is part of the Visitor Experience Department and helps deliver an exceptional visitor welcome to everyone who visits. She also plans events, from film nights and concerts to talks and workshops, and works closely with Bristol Cathedral’s volunteers.

Andy Webb

Finance and Operations Director

Andy is the Finance and Operations Director. He leads on the Cathedral finances, and heads the Operations Team. He is responsible for Health and Safety, and oversees the day to day management of our property.

Chrissie Graham

Operations Officer (Finance & Safeguarding)

Chrissie provides support to the Cathedral's finance department, and leads on the administration of the Cathedral's safeguarding policies, acting as deputy safeguarding lead.

Miranda Payne

Operations Officer

Miranda is one of our Operations Officers. She supports the operations of the Cathedral in a number of areas including human resources, fabric, databases and events.

Mark Lee

Master of the Choristers & Organist

Mark is responsible for the training, direction, and management of the Cathedral’s music, notably the Cathedral Choirs.

Paul Walton

Assistant Organist and Director of the Cathedral Consort

Paul Walton accompanies and assists in the training of the Cathedral Choir, gives regular recitals, and directs the Cathedral Consort and the Cathedral Chamber Choir. More information on Paul can be found on his website.

Tim Popple

Music Administrator & Marketing Co-Ordinator

Tim supports the musical and liturgical work of the Cathedral, and is the main point of contact for the Cathedral Choir and for visiting choirs. He also has responsibility for the marketing, communications, and social media for the Cathedral.

Sarah Jenkinson

Safeguarding and Pastoral Officer (inc. Choir Tutor)

Sarah is the Cathedral Safeguarding Officer: she ensures that case work with children, young people and vulnerable adults is managed well and concerns are flagged with the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor; she supports the Canon Pastor in pastoral work; and she supervises and supports the children and young people in the Cathedral Choir.

Fiona Dorman

Education Officer

Fiona leads Cathedral Kids at Sunday services and supports our work with schools

Roger Dubois

Head Verger & Sub-Sacrist

Roger is responsible for the Verger team who oversee the day-to-day running of the Cathedral's services, concerts and events. Their responsibilities include; security, first aid, health and safety and the general maintenance and management of the Cathedral building and precincts.

Christopher Jones

Deputy Head Verger

As Deputy Head Verger, Christopher is the lead Verger for building maintenance and development, health and safety, and supports and deputises for Roger in his duties as Head Verger.

The Vergers are responsible for maintenance and management of the Cathedral. They also perform a role in worship and special events.

Adam Bullivant

Verger

The Vergers are responsible for maintenance and management of the Cathedral. They also perform a role in worship and special events.

Laura Friedlander

Verger

The Vergers are responsible for maintenance and management of the Cathedral. They also perform a role in worship and special events.

Caroline Wren

Café Manager

Caroline is responsible for the Café. She oversees its operation and ensures it runs properly.

Dyon Smith

Café Assistant Manager

Dyon assists Caroline in running the Café.

Lisa Wilkey

Cleaner

Lisa works hard behind the scenes to make sure the Cathedral and offices are clean and welcoming.