The Dean of Chichester has overall responsibility for co-ordinating and developing the life of the Cathedral, in order to further its mission and ministry. As a member of the Bishop of Chichester's Senior Staff, Bishop's Council and the Diocesan Synod he represents the Cathedral in the Diocese and the county of Sussex.
As head of the Cathedral Foundation and its principal dignitary after the Bishop, he Chairs the Cathedral Chapter, and with it directs the life and work of the Cathedral.
The Dean presides over the College of Canons ensuring that the College is encouraged and enabled to make a full contribution to the life of the Cathedral and exercises leadership in the Cathedral's liturgy, preaching and pastoral care, to develop team working (with both lay and ordained colleagues) in its ministry, and is personally committed to its pattern of daily prayer.
The Dean ensures that the Constitution and Statutes are faithfully observed together with Chapter and has oversight of the Cathedral's development. He takes the lead in securing funds for a secure, stable and financially independent future for the Cathedral, including staff, finance, compliance and the care of the fabric.
Edward was educated at Christ Church Oxford and trained for ministry at Westcott House, Cambridge, subsequently completing a doctorate at Durham University. He was ordained deacon in 1994, and served his title at Christ Church, Southgate, in the Diocese of London.
From 1997, he served as Assistant Curate of St Mary’s, Somers Town, London and in 2001 he was appointed Tutor and Director of Pastoral Theology, at St Stephen’s House, Oxford, where he served as Vice Principal from 2003 to 2009.
In 2010, he was appointed Vicar of St John and St Luke, Clay Hill, London, and from 2013, he additionally served as the Continuing Ministerial Education Officer for the Edmonton Episcopal Area and Chair of Governors at Bishop Stopford’s School, Enfield.
In 2016 Edward was appointed Archdeacon of Hastings and since 2020, served as Priest-in-Charge of St John the Evangelist, Crowborough. He was also the Chaplain to the High Sheriff of East Sussex.
Edward is married to Anna, a journalist for The Guardian, and they have two children at university.