The former is divided into the rural deaneries of City of Leicester; Framland (Melton Mowbray); Gartree First and Second; and Goscote.

The diocese owns a retreat house at Launde Abbey near East Norton.

In the 19th century there were suffragan bishops of Leicester whilst the bishopric was still within the Diocese of Peterborough.

Leicestershire was included in the new Diocese of Peterborough in the Victorian era reforms, the archdeaconry of Leicester became part of Peterborough diocese on 1 May 1839[3][4] and, on 12 November 1926, the modern Diocese of Leicester was founded from Leicester and Loughborough archdeaconries and part of the archdeaconry of Northampton.

Alternative episcopal oversight (for parishes in the diocese which reject the ministry of priests who are women) is provided by the provincial episcopal visitor, Norman Banks, Bishop suffragan of Richborough, who is licensed as an honorary assistant bishop of the diocese.