The deans in the Church of England are the senior Anglican clergy who head the chapter of a collegiate church (almost all of which are cathedrals). If they are dean of the diocesan chapter, they are the senior priest of the diocese and often also undertake some other diocesan and civic duties in the area. , there are 46 deans (including vacancies): 44 of cathedrals plus the two royal peculiars.
Under the Cathedrals Measure 2021, the bishop must appoint a canon residentiary as "interim dean" during a vacancy in the deanery.