Governance and Synods

Diocesan Synod is our primary elected, representative body and brings people together from across the Diocese. It considers resources, holds vision, drives mission, sets strategy and shapes priorities. It may respond to questions put to it by the General Synod. It is an advisory and deliberative body. It is not an executive body.

If the Diocesan Synod is carrying out its primary purpose, it debates the vision and sets the strategy and priorities, which the Diocesan Council of Trustees will take further. Diocesan Synod considers the Diocesan budget, which does not become the budget without Synod’s acceptance; it receives and adopts the Diocesan accounts.

The Diocesan Synod is made up from elected and ex-officio representatives of clergy, and lay people in the Diocese, which meets together with the Bishops, Archdeacons and other senior post holders in the Diocese to discuss matters of concern to the Diocese.

The formal rules governing the Diocesan Synod and other church structures can be in the Church Representation Rules & Synodical Government Measure.

A full list of membership of the Diocesan Synod can be obtained from the Assistant Secretary (and here).

The Revd Capt Nicholas Lebey CA (Chair of the House of Clergy)

Rebecca Chapman (Chair of the House of Laity)

Secretary:

The Diocesan Secretary from whom information and a full list of members may be obtained.

Assistant Secretary:

The Assistant Secretary is the day-to-day contact on all governance matters.

Papers from previous meetings can be found here

Handbook of Governance Synodical Triennium 2024-2027 Edition

Appendix A Background to the Handbook 2018-2024 Triennium Edition

Appendix B Articles of Association (2017)

Appendix C Memorandum of Understanding (2017)

Appendix D Organisation Chart

Appendix E Briefing for Chairs of DCT Committees

Appendix F Deanery Model Rules (2023-2026)

Appendix G Code of Conduct for Synod, Trustee, and Committee Members 

Appendix H Diocese of Southwark Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel Terms of Reference

Appendix I Southwark Diocesan Advisory Committee Constitution 

Appendix J Southwark Vision 2024-2035

Appendix K List of Acronyms 

Appendix L Constitution and Standing Orders of Diocesan Synod (2024) 

Appendix M Ethical Practices and Declaration of Eligibility, Responsibility, and Conflicts of Interest

Appendix N Role Description of the Diocesan Secretary 

Appendix O Anti-Racism Charter

Appendix P Charity Governance Code for Larger Charities 

Appendix Q Diocesan Board of Education Scheme   

Appendix R Multi-Academy Trust Articles of Association 

The Diocesan Synod normally meets three times per year. The dates for the current Triennium are:

2025:

• Thursday 10 July 2025
• Saturday 13 December 2025 (Formerly Saturday 15 November)

2026:

• Saturday 14 March 2026
• Wednesday 8 July 2026
• Saturday 14 November 2026

2027:

• Saturday 13 March 2027
• Wednesday 07 July 2027
• Saturday 20 November 2027

The link below is a downloadable calendar that will automatically add the Diocesan Synod dates to your calendar once opened on your computer or mobile device:

Diocesan Synod Dates

The General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England. It came into being in 1970 under the Synodical Government Measure 1969, replacing an earlier body known as the Church Assembly.

The General Synod considers and approves legislation affecting the whole of the Church of England, formulates new forms of worship, debates matters of national and international importance, and approves the annual budget for the work of the Church at national level.

https://www.churchofengland.org/about/general-synod 

Bishops

Bishop Christopher

Clergy

The Revd Dr Charlie Bell
The Revd Mae Christie
The Revd Nicholas Lebey 
The Revd Jonathan Macy
The Revd Andrew Moughtin-Mumby
The Revd Jago Wynne
The Revd Canon Anna Norman-Walker

Co-Opted Clergy

The Revd Aneal Appadoo
The Revd Sandra Schloss

Laity

Mrs Helen Ainsworth
Mrs Rebecca Chapman
Mr Adrian Greenwood
Mr Matthew Parkes
Mrs Alianore Smith
Mr Paul Waddell
Miss Rosemary Wilson

Ex-Officio Laity

Mr Carl Hughes (Chair of the Archbishops’ Council Finance Committee)
Marsha de Cordova MP (Second Church Estates Commissioner)

Purpose

The Diocesan Council of Trustees holds, through its three constituent bodies, responsibility for the policy, financial and pastoral decisions necessary to implement the vision and strategy of Diocesan Synod.

The three constituent bodies of the Diocesan Council of Trustees are:

• the Bishop’s Council
• the Diocesan Board of Finance 
• the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee

The Handbook of Governance sets out the Terms of Reference and constitutions for many of the Diocese’s governing bodies and committees, including the Diocesan Council of Trustees and its sub-committees.

These remain legally distinct bodies with identical membership. Their meetings are normally distinct but not separate.

All members, whether elected or nominated, of the Diocesan Council of Trustees are full voting members of all its constituent bodies. They engage in debate and decision from the perspective of all these bodies.

As members of the Diocesan Board of Finance, members are also Directors and Trustees. Members of the Diocesan Council of Trustees therefore have all the usual responsibilities of trustees.

As Trustees, members take responsibility for timely, accurate and local communication. They are expected to consult with and to report to deaneries and parishes by means of whose election they become members.

The Diocesan Council of Trustees normally meets five times per year. The dates for the current Triennium are:

2025

• Monday 17 February (Residential)
• Wednesday 16 July
• Saturday 15 November (Formerly Thursday 16 October)
• Thursday 11 December (Contingency)

2026

• Thursday 26 February
• Thursday 21 May
• Thursday 16 July
• Thursday 22 October
• Thursday 10 December (Contingency)

2027

• Thursday 25 February
• Thursday 20 May
• Thursday 15 July
• Thursday 21 October
• Thursday 9 December (Contingency)

The link below is a downloadable calendar that will automatically add the DCT dates to your calendar once opened on your computer or mobile device:

Diocesan Council of Trustees Dates

• The Bishop of Southwark
• The Bishops of Croydon, Kingston, and Woolwich
• The Archdeacons
• Chair of the House of Laity
• Chair of the House of Clergy
• Chair and Vice Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance

Elected members:

Croydon Area

• The Revd Antonio Garcia Fuerte
• The Revd Dr Nicholas Peacock
• Mr Paul Waddell
• Mr Joseph Goswell
• Mr David Williams

Kingston Area

• The Revd Dr Charlie Bell
• The Revd Jonathan MacNeaney
• Ms Vasantha Gnanadoss
• Miss Rosemary Wilson
• Mr Roshan Jathanna

Woolwich Area

• The Revd Dr Eddie Scrase-Field
• The Revd Anne Bennett
• Mr Marshall Manson
• Mr James Murdoch
• Mr Adrian Greenwood

Elected members from across the Diocese

• Miss Sola Ogun
• Mr Grahame Woods
• (Lay Vacancy)

Elected members with particular experience

• Dr Nicholas Burt (Chair of the Policy and Finance Committee)
• Mr Alan Saunders (Chair of the Investment Committee)
• His Honour Nigel Seed K.C (Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee)
• (Vacancy)
• (Vacancy)
• (Vacancy)

Bishop’s Nominees:

• The Revd Bridget Shepherd
• (Vacancy)
• (Lay Vacancy)
• (Lay Vacancy)

Chair: Gill Reynolds
Secretary: The Diocesan Secretary

The Audit Committee has a wide remit. It has authority from the Diocesan Council of Trustees (Diocesan Board of Finance) to:

1. investigate any activity
2. seek any information that it requires from any employee of the Board; all employees are directed to co-operate with any request made
3. inquire as to the numbers of committee meetings, cancellations of meetings and additional meetings of Diocesan governance bodies throughout the year, as well as to note the number of non-governance meetings
4. obtain outside professional advice as deemed necessary; such advisors may attend meetings as invited
5. support the Diocesan Council of Trustees (Diocesan Board of Finance) in overseeing all issues of financial probity
6. support the Diocesan Council of Trustees (Bishop’s Council, Diocesan Board of Finance) in scrutinising the ongoing suitability of governance.

Frequency of meetings

The Audit and Risk Committee shall meet least four times a year but the chair may determine that there should be more meetings in any one year.

Membership

At least two members of the Diocesan Council of Trustees but not the Chair or Vice-Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance.

The Audit & Risk Committee normally meets four times per year. The dates for the current Triennium are:

2025:

• Thursday 23 January
• Thursday 24 April
• Thursday 19 June
• Thursday 6 November

2026

• Thursday 22 January
• Thursday 23 April
• Thursday 11 June
• Thursday 5 November

2027

• Thursday 21 January
• Thursday 22 April
• Thursday 17 June

The link below is a downloadable calendar that will automatically add the ARC dates to your calendar once opened on your computer or mobile device:

Audit & Risk Dates

Chair: Dr Nicholas Burt
Secretary: The Diocesan Secretary

The Policy and Finance Committee is the standing committee of the Diocesan Trustee Body (which receives its minutes) and is responsible for its agenda.

The Policy and Finance Committee makes recommendations for policy in line with strategy. It resources the Diocesan Council of Trustees for good decision-making. It supports the Diocesan Council of Trustees (Bishop’s Council) in its work as the standing committee of the Diocesan Synod. It advises the Diocesan Council of Trustees on how proposals for the use of Synod’s resources can make effective progress. It advises and guides management in the work of Diocesan administration, scrutinising the draft budget and acting as the stipends committee.

The committee holds the work of the Diocesan Secretary and, through the Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan officers to account. Heads of Department and Executive Officers may be asked to attend by the Chair for the purpose of scrutiny and accountability. [1]

It may appoint working groups to support its work. These shall be limited to one year but after review and on the approval of the Audit and Risk Committee may be extended for up to three years with a review also at the end of the second year.  Its secretary is the Diocesan Secretary who attends all meetings.

Frequency of meetings

The Committee normally meets six times a year.

(1) Including the Deputy Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan Surveyor, Directors of Communications, Training, Vocations, Mission, Head of Office Support Services; Archdeacons and others with line management responsibilities.

The Policy and Finance Committee normally meets four times per year. The dates for the current Triennium are:

2025

• Thursday 6 February
• Thursday 1 May
• Thursday 2 October
• Thursday 27 November

2026

• Thursday 5 February
• Thursday 7 May
• Wednesday 16 September
• Thursday 26 November

2027

• Wednesday 3 February
• Thursday 6 May
• Thursday 16 September
• Thursday 25 November

The link below is a downloadable calendar that will automatically add the PFC dates to your calendar once opened on your computer or mobile device:

Policy & Finance Committee Dates

This is a sub-committee of the Policy and Finance Committee

 Chair: Mr Alan Saunders
Secretary: The Diocesan Secretary

Purpose

1. To advise the Diocesan Council of Trustees (Diocesan Board of Finance,) directly or through the Policy and Finance Committee, on investment policies, management of the Glebe, and alternative investment proposals
2. To implement such policies on behalf of the Policy and Finance Committee and actively monitor their effectiveness
3. To determine the optimal means of realising such incomes as are required by the agreed Diocesan budget, and advise the Budget Committee as appropriate
4. To review the performance of investment managers, comparing performance achieved with relevant indices and make appropriate decisions concerning appointing and removing managers in line with Diocesan policy and committee purpose
5. To review asset allocation and make recommendations to the Policy and Finance Committee concerning any changes to the statement of investment principles
6. To recommend the selection of relevant and current professional advisers, notably in relation to the Glebe and Investment management
7. To initiate proposals, within the sphere of this committee, aimed at optimising the financial effectiveness of the Diocese, including the investment of any surplus funds available for investment
8. To undertake, on behalf of the Policy and Finance Committee, other appropriate functions as required by the Glebe and Endowments Measure 1976 and successor legislation.

Frequency of meetings

The Committee will meet at least once a quarter.

Membership

The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Finance Committee (although not as Chair), one Archdeacon, and up to six further members with relevant experience.

This is a sub-committee of the Policy and Finance Committee

Chair: The Diocesan Bishop
Secretary: The Diocesan Secretary

Purpose
The sub-committee shall, on receipt of appropriate recommendations from the Diocesan Secretary:

1. review and agree the remuneration for Diocesan Secretary, and other senior employees
2. agree any changes carrying a material financial implication to employment policies
3. scrutinise and approve the Diocesan expenses policy prepared by the Diocesan Secretary.

Frequency of meetings

The Remuneration Committee shall meet annually.

Introduction

The Vacancy-in-See (ViS) Committee is one of the committees which requires election following triennial Diocesan Synod elections, by the Diocesan Synod. It is established, in the event that there is a vacancy in the role of Diocesan Bishop, to act as Diocesan representatives and provide key roles in the selection of a new bishop. It is a statutory committee and is not intended to be used or meet unless there is a vacancy.

If needed, the Committee prepare a brief description of the diocese and a statement setting out the desired profile of the new Bishop and elect the diocesan representatives to the Crown Nominations Commission. The Committee will meet at least twice during a vacancy and its Code of Practice and regulations can be found here.

Membership

Bishops

The Rt Revd Alastair Cutting

The Rt Revd Dr Martin Gainsborough

The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett

Elected Archdeacons

The Venerable Moira Astin

The Venerable Chigor Chike

Chairs of the House of Laity & Clergy

Rebecca Chapman

The Revd Captain Nicholas Lebey CA

Ex-Officio

The Very Revd Mark Oakley (Dean of Southwark)

Elected Proctors in Convocation

The Revd Dr Charlie Bell

The Revd Mae Christie

The Revd Jonathan Macy

The Revd Andrew Moughtin-Mumby

The Revd Jago Wynne

The Revd Canon Anna Norman Walker

The Revd Aneal Appadoo

The Revd Sandra Schloss

Elected Laity of the General Synod

Helen Ainsworth

Rebecca Chapman

Adrian Greenwood

Matthew Parkes

Alianore Smith

Rosemarie Wilson

Carl Hughes

Paul Waddell

Marsha de Cordova MP

Elected Clergy

The Revd Antonio Garcia Fuerte

The Revd Gill O’Neill

Elected Laity

April Alexander

Sade Bademosi

Eve Bradshaw

Emily Fletcher

Peter Graystone

Ruth Inwood

Gareth Lewis Jones

Ruth Martin

Bishop’s Council Nominations

To be appointed in February

Secretary

To be appointed in February

Introduction

The Diocesan Board of Patronage (DPB) are called upon to consider any vacancy in a parish that occurs for a benefice whose patronage is in the hands of the DBP.  Members may also be asked to consider proposals for pastoral re-organisation of a benefice whose patronage is in the hands of the DBP as, under the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011, the patrons are one of the ‘interested parties’.

Ex-Officio 

The Bishop of Southwark

Elected Clergy 

The Revd Canon Patrick Eggleston

The Revd Angela Rayner

The Revd Canon Leslie Wells

Elected Laity 

Eve Bradshaw

Adrian Greenwood (Chair)

Joseph Goswell

Rosemary Wilson

Peter Wolstenholme

Additional roles to be included for any business in each Archdeaconry in which the benefice sits are the Archdeacon, Area Dean and Deanery Lay Chair.

The Deanery Lay Chairs are appointed at the start of a Triennium by the house of laity of the deanery synod from among its own members. All the Deanery Lay Chairs meet together twice a year at the Diocese. The meeting dates for this Triennium are:

2025

• Wednesday 11 June 2025
• Wednesday 1 October 2025

2026

• Wednesday 13 May 2026
• Wednesday 7 October 2026

2027

• Wednesday 12 May 2027
• Wednesday 6 October 2027