The Bishop's Council is the Standing Committee for the Diocesan Synod, advises the Bishop and helps to form policy for the diocese. It provides oversight of the diocesan strategy and aligns resources, both financial and people, to ensure the strategy is fulfilled. The Guildford Diocesan Board of Finance is both a charity and a company limited by guarantee The Bishop's Council members are the trustees of the charity and the directors of the company. In addition, they sit as the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee and the Parsonage Board,
According to Synod Standing Orders, the Bishop's Council consists of:
Ex-officio members
- The Bishop of Guildford
- The Archdeacon of Surrey
- The Archdeacon of Dorking
- The Chair of the Board of Finance
Elected members
- The Chair of the House of Clergy of Diocesan Synod
- The Chair of the House of Laity of Diocesan Synod
- 4 ordained persons having the Bishop's licence
- 6 lay persons on the electoral roll of a parish in the diocese or declared by the Dean to be a habitual worshipper at the Cathedral
Elected members must not be disqualified from serving as a company director or charity trustee.
Co-options
- The Council may co-opt up to four additional members
Nominations
- The Bishop may nominate up to four additional members, two of which should be the Suffragan Bishop of Dorking and the Dean of Guildford Cathedral
Following the closing date for nominations to stand for election to Bishop's Council, there were 7 valid nominations for the 4 clergy seats and 8 valid nominations for the 6 lay seats. A ballot is now being held and the closing date to receive ballot papers is 12 noon on Monday 16th November. The new Bishop's Council will take up office on 1st January 2025 and serve for a term of three years, finishing on 31st December 2027.
Election Timetable
31st October |
Notice of Election and nomination papers for Cahirs of Diocesan Synod, Bishop's Council |
14th November | Nominations close for Chairs of Diocesan Synod + 100 word supporting statement Candidate information sent to Diocesan Synod members |
23rd November | Election of Chairs at Diocesan Synod |
25th November (12 noon) |
Close of Nominations for Bishop's Council, Vacancy-in-See Committee Voting papers issued for Bishop's Council, Vacancy-in-See Committee (if required) |
16th December (12 noon) |
Voting closes for Bishop's Council, Vacancy in See Committee |