Church Wigan itself is a collection of seven hub parishes, each of which is an independent charity (the Parochial Church Council). The parishes are grouped together under a Joint Council, which is also a separate charity in its own right. The ambition of Church Wigan is to see churches (both Anglican and other denominations) working together both effectively and efficiently, in partnership with other groups - statutory and voluntary.
Out of that rich picture, Wigan Deanery Trust was conceived and born. WDT is a separate charity in its own right, with charitable objects that are broad enough for the trust to bring together all kind of local charities - both secular and faith-based - in a 'coalition for good'.
Many of the trustees of Wigan Deanery Trust are drawn from local churches, but they operate independently of Church Wigan and have a wider agenda. The work the trust does on behalf of Church Wigan is set out in a partnership working agreement, and funded by a grant from Church Wigan. WDT staff provide services on behalf of Church Wigan, they operate completely within the policies and standards of Church Wigan, as they would for any other partner in the future. Some are line managed by Church Wigan staff, but WDT provides all equipment, training, support and overall management.