26 May 2026
The Rev’d Dr Richard Wyld is to serve as the first Director of the new Cuddesdon Chelmsford Centre, another regional centre for Ripon College Cuddesdon (RCC).
The Centre will run its first pathway for students from this September following the announcement last year, that it is to be the Diocese of Chelmsford’s new Theological Education Institution Training Partner.
The Rev’d Dr Richard Wyld is currently the Director of Formation for RCC. He will take up the role of Director of the Cuddesdon Chelmsford Centre for a year to ensure that the Centre is set up expertly, bringing his experience having previously run the Portsmouth Pathway and of being a Senior Leader on the RCC site, and so knowing inside-out how Cuddesdon operates across its many umbrella activities.
Welcoming Richard’s appointment, the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev’d Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani said:
“Richard’s appointment is excellent news for our diocese and all those who will begin training for lay and ordained ministry on the Chelmsford Pathway from this autumn. Richard brings a wealth of experience from Cuddesdon and from theological education and ministry in the Church of England. I am grateful to him and the Principal, the Rev’d Dr Harriet Harris, for their commitment in giving the Chelmsford Centre the best possible start.”
The Principal of RCC, the Rev’d Dr Harriet Harris MBE said:
“This has been a fruitful partnership from its initial inception. We are delighted to be working with Chelmsford Diocese, and have a great sense of excitement about the new students, God's call in them and our shared call in creating the Cuddesdon Chelmsford Centre."
Speaking about his appointment as Director of the Cuddesdon Chelmsford Pathway, the Rev’d Dr Richard Wyld said:
“I've already met so many wonderful people, those exploring God's call to ministry, as well as the staff team serving here. I'm delighted to be working with such a faithful, generous, and welcoming community."
For over 30 years the Diocese of Chelmsford has had a theological training centre preparing people for lay and ordained ministry. The appointment of Ripon College Cuddesdon in October 2025 as the Diocese’s new Theological Education Institution Training Partner, followed the decision of St Mellitus College to end its partnership with Chelmsford Diocese in June 2026.
