The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) has invited the public to share their views on potential candidates for the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Church of England has emphasised that the consultation, running until 28th March, provides an opportunity for a broad range of perspectives on the skills and qualities needed for the role.

Unlike traditional job applications, there will be no public advertisement for the position. Instead, candidates will be identified and "invited in" to the selection process.

Those interested in contributing their views can do so via the Church of England website.

The CNC panel, consisting of 20 members, has yet to be fully assembled.

For the first time, it will include five representatives from Anglican churches abroad. The commission is set to meet in May, July, and September to deliberate and nominate a candidate.

The chosen individual must secure the approval of two-thirds of the 17 voting members before their name is presented to the prime minister, who will then seek formal approval from the King.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigned in the wake of a report detailing the abuse carried out by John Smyth, who was found to have subjected more than 120 boys and young men to brutal sexual, physical, and psychological abuse since the late 1970s.

The report concluded that Mr Welby bore "personal and moral responsibility" and that he "could and should have done more" to address the issue.

Initially resisting calls to resign, Mr Welby ultimately stepped down on 12 November, stating that his decision was made "in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse".

However, his departure was met with further controversy. In December, abuse survivors reacted with "disgust" to his farewell speech in the House of Lords, in which he made jokes. He later apologised for the remarks.

Before leaving office, Mr Welby refrained from delivering his usual Christmas Day sermon at Canterbury Cathedral and did not broadcast a New Year’s Day message on the BBC.