Journeying together: a summary of Diocesan Synod, 18 October 2025

Diocesan finances and our Net Zero Carbon strategy were the focus of conversation at the Derby Diocesan Synod, as it met for its 147th session on Saturday, 18 October in St John’s Church, Walton.

This was a really active meeting and our thanks to everyone who attended and provided their input.

If you want to know more, read the summary of the meeting here.

Church Urban Fund is a national charity working with local leaders, churches and other faith groups all over England. Our local partners are committed to serving and strengthening the community where they live.

Click on their logo to go to their introduction page.

NEW: easyfundraising Impact Fund : 20 x £500 unrestricted grants

The new easyfundraising Impact Fund is now open with 20 unrestricted grants of £500 for UK not-for-profit organisations to help them continue or enhance their work. The grant is unrestricted, so it can be used wherever the money is needed most to support your work.

When to apply: 23 February – 5 April

Who can apply:

The fund is open to UK based:

• Registered charities
• Other not-for-profit organisations
• Sports clubs and teams
• Schools and education settings
• Social enterprises and CICs
• After-school and youth groups
• Churches and religious organisations

How it’s awarded: The application form is straightforward. Grants will be awarded to organisations that best explain how they would use the £500. The grants will be awarded across a mix of categories and locations, and the fund is open to organisations of all sizes and structures. Apply here: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/impact-fund

The breadth of funding streams potentially available for your project

Note: Many of these funders flow in and out of funding so it will be necessary to check directly to see if they are currently open to applications.

 Youth Work Project

• National Lottery Funding – Flexible, supports salaries, equipment, and community-led youth projects.
• The Childs Charitable Trust– Supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel, including youth work.
• John James Charitable Trust – Supports Christian education and youth ministry.
• The Cinnamon Network – Offers micro-grants for churches starting youth-focused projects.
• Laing Family Trusts – Support Christian youth initiatives, including capital improvements.
• Joseph Rank Trust – Supports youth-focused Christian projects and church property improvements.
• Garfield Weston Foundation - Garfield Weston Foundation funding youth work.

Community Outreach Project

• National Lottery Funding– Strong fit for community-led outreach, especially in disadvantaged areas.
• Benefact Trust – Supports projects with community impact and Christian ethos.
• MB Reckitt Trust – Funds Christian social action and community cohesion.
• Sir Halley Stewart Trust – Supports innovative social projects that promote human flourishing.
• The Bishop Radford Trust – Supports Christian ministry with community impact.

 Mental Health Support Project

• National Lottery Funding– Supports mental health initiatives, especially in underserved communities.
• Sir Halley Stewart Trust – Funds pioneering social and medical projects.
• Benefact Trust – Supports projects tackling social issues, including mental health.
• Joseph Rank Trust – May support if framed within practical and spiritual needs.
• MB Reckitt Trust – Supports Christian social thought and action, including mental health.
• The Bishop Radford Trust – Supports Christian ministry, including pastoral care.

Funders that May Support Equipment (with the right framing):

• Benefact Trust – Typically funds capital projects, so if the equipment is part of a building upgrade or a tangible, lasting asset, it may be eligible.
• Biffa Award– Focuses on building improvements, but may include fixtures and fittings (e.g. kitchen equipment, heating systems).
• National Lottery Funding– Very flexible and can fund equipment, especially if it supports community benefit.
• Joseph Rank Trust– May support equipment if it’s part of a broader Christian community or educational project.
• Laing Family Trusts– Could support equipment if it’s essential to a Christian youth or community initiative.
• The Cinnamon Network – Their £2,000 micro-grants could be used for small-scale equipment needs tied to a recommended project.

 Possibly Suitable for Salaries or Staff Costs

• The Childs Charitable Trust – Supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel; may fund staff if aligned with mission.
• John James Charitable Trust – Supports individuals in ministry training and Christian education; may support youth workers if aligned.
• Benefact Trust - This is another funder that can support salaries for community-based projects.

Building Renovation Project

• Biffa Award – Excellent for community building renovations; must meet location criteria and provide 10% match funding.
• Benefact Trust – Funds capital projects with Christian ethos and community impact.
• Joseph Rank Trust – Supports church property improvements for community use.
• Laing Family Trusts – Fund capital improvements for Christian organisations.
• John James Charitable Trust – May support building improvements for Christian youth work.

 Funders Likely to Offer 100% Funding

• National Lottery Funding flexible and equity-based; can fund full project costs including salaries, equipment, and delivery.
• The Childs Charitable Trust No mention of match funding; supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel.
• The Cinnamon Network offers fixed micro-grants (£2,000); no match funding required.
• John James Charitable Trust supports individuals and organisations; no match funding mentioned.
• Sir Halley Stewart Trust focuses on innovative projects; no match funding requirement stated.
• Slavanka Trust supports Christian ministry and education; no match funding mentioned.
• Saltley trust funds Christian learning and education; no match funding requirement noted.
• The Bishop Radford Trust supports Christian ministry; no indication of match funding needed.
• MB Reckitt Trust Funds Christian social thought and action; no match funding required.

Funders That Require or Prefer Match Funding

• · Biffa Award requires a 10% third-party contribution. This is a strict condition for eligibility.
• · Benefact Trust typically funds only a small percentage of the total project cost to support more causes. Match funding is expected.
• · Joseph Rank Trust While not explicitly stated, they often fund part of a project and expect applicants to have other sources of funding.
• · Laing Family Trusts may not fund 100% of a project; co-funding is often expected, especially for capital projects

 Holy Trinity Church, Chesterfield, was alive with activity as they marked 200 years since the beginning of the modern railway.

George Stephenson Day took place on Saturday 27 August – the anniversary of the first journey of Locomotion No. 1; the engine Stephenson built in 1825.

That short 26-mile journey from Shildon to Stockton changed the world, opening up travel, trade and opportunity in a way never seen before.

Over 800 visitors walked through the doors of Holy Trinity on the Saturday. Families, railway enthusiasts, local historians and locals came together to learn about George Stephenson, who is buried at Holy Trinity.

A costumed interpreter brought him to life, meeting visitors, posing for photographs and gave talks on “The Railway That Changed the World.”

Revd Jilly Hancock said “There was a wonderful atmosphere all day, full of curiosity, conversation and community spirit. Revd Malcolm Pyatt led a short service of reflection and thanks, and it was a day full of God’s blessing, as we celebrated both our heritage and the people who made it possible. Our hope is that through this project, Stephenson’s legacy and the light of God’s presence in this place, will continue to inspire future generations.”

The celebrations continued on Sunday, with a service of thanksgiving, giving glory to God for the vision, courage and creativity that shaped our modern world.

Among those who attended the service were the Duke of Devonshire, Sir Andrew Haines - Chief Executive of Network Rail, Pam Liversidge - President of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, HM Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff Sir Richard FitzHerbert Bt and Mr Tom Ingle.

The service gave thanks not only for George Stephenson but also for the generations of railway workers, miners, engineers and families whose work has shaped Chesterfield’s story.

The weekend formed part of a wider heritage project, supported by a £240,600 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside contributions from East Midlands Railway, Cross Country Rail, the Raymond Ross Fund, Graysons Solicitors and Holy Trinity Church.

Over the next two years, the project will see Holy Trinity transformed into both a place of worship and a heritage destination, with new interpretation displays, school and community activities and a dedicated visitor space within the church.

As well as celebrating Stephenson’s life and achievements, the project will explore Chesterfield’s wider industrial story, the growth of the town in the Victorian era, the Clay Cross Company and the region’s mining history.

It will also mark 40 years since the Miners’ Strike, providing space to reflect on how industry has shaped our communities and our faith.

Holy Trinity has always been proud of its connection to George Stephenson, but this weekend was a reminder that his story is about more than engineering. It’s a story of vision, perseverance, and faith, qualities that still inspire us today.

Featured on the photograph (L-R): HM Lord lieutenant, Sir Andrew Haines, Pam Liversage, Duke of Devonshire, High Sherriff of Derbyshire and his police cadet, Revd Jilly Hancock, Revd Malcolm Pyatt, David Nightingale, Mayor of Liverpool, Mayor of Chesterfield

Resources to support promotion of the 2025 Bishops' Harvest Appeal

Word Documents

>> Text from September Diocesan message (Bishop Malcolm)

>> Parish Magazine article promoting Harvest Appeal

Harvest Appeal Logos

>> Trees for Peace banner [JPEG]

>> Trees for Peace Logo including line from Revelations [JPEG]

>> Trees for Peace Logo including statement [JPEG]

>> Website image [JPEG]

Photos from Bujumbura

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Raising funds either loaclly or from external sources (charitable trusts, government funding streams, the National Lottery etc) can be daunting.

If you have a project brief or specification worked up, and are now ready to look in to what funds maybe available, contact Gareth Greenwood, the Church Buildings Support Officer.

From time to time specific trusts or funding streams are drawn to our attention and we will list key ones here.  Please do keep in touch with us, we may be able to offer support and help and we would love to hear how you get on, successful or otherwise, so that others can learn from your experience.

This page focuses on funding - if you are looking for wider buildings support information the following links will take you to it:

All things permissions and Diocesan Advisory Committee

Broader advice helpo and signposting regarding managing, maintaining or developing your buildings

Creationtide 2025

The Season of Creation in the Christian calendar is observed from 1 September to 4 October 2025.

This season is dedicated to prayer, reflection and action for the care of God’s creation.

Rooted and guided by the bible, it offers churches and individuals across denominations a shared opportunity to renew their relationship with the natural world.

As environmental crises deepen, this season invites a faithful response, grounded in worship, repentance and hope, for us to live more gently and justly on the Earth.

>> Creationtide resources on CofE website

This Season of Creation, churches across the country are making the Great Switch to a green tariff - and we’d love you to be a part of it.

An introduction from Will Rolls, Net Zero Carbon Programme & Projects Manager

As Christians, caring for creation is not just a response to a global crisis, it’s a reflection of who we are. We are called to love God and love our neighbours, and that includes protecting the Earth that sustains us all. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity, and the Church has a vital role to play not only as a moral voice but also as a steward of buildings at the heart of communities across the country. Acting on climate is a way of living out our faith, honouring the gift of creation, and standing in solidarity with those most affected.

 
What’s it all about?

God calls us to care for His creation and to love our global neighbours.

If all churches switched to a green energy tariff, that could reduce our carbon emissions by up to 78%, helping lead the way towards a cleaner, fairer future for all. 

The global climate emergency is a crisis for our world. That’s why the Church of England has an ambition to reduce our carbon emissions to net zero by 2030.

Together, we can act in faith, taking small but powerful steps to help restore God’s creation. 

Taking a small step, to light the way.

Switching to a green energy tariff is a small but powerful step your church can take to reduce your environmental impact.

By choosing an ethical green energy supplier, we are:

• Ensuring our churches can be a beacon of hope for everyone.

• Actively increasing investment in renewable energy.

• Supporting ethical companies working hard to reduce carbon emissions, addressing global climate injustice.

• Demonstrating our faith in action.

What can you do?

• Together, we can take small but powerful steps to help restore God’s creation.

• Your church can join the movement and [pledge/switch], to a green tariff.

• The green energy market can be tricky to navigate, so the CofE has done the research needed to help you confidently choose an ethical green supplier.

• The Church of England website has guidance on choosing green tariffs. If you’re not quite ready to make the switch now, you can still join in by making a pledge.

• God calls us to care for His creation and to love our global neighbours - why not join the movement and make The Great Switch this Season of Creation.

Note - additional resources will be added as they become available

The Great Switch campaign toolkit

>> Access the toolkit and resources

We've Pledged graphics for social media

>> Version 1

>> Version 2

>> Version 3

>> Version 4 - coming soon

>> Version 5 - coming soon

>> Version 6 - coming soon

"Hero" video

>> View the Hero video on YouTube

The Bishop's Badge service for schools took place on Monday 23 June at Derby Cathedral.

Headteachers were invited to nominate pupils who had demonstrated the values of Generous Faith, Courageous Hope and/or Life Giving Love.

Bishop Malcolm joyfully presented 36 badges to pupils from 17 schools across the diocese.

The uplifting singing was led by the children from William Gilbert Endowed Church of England Primary School who have been involved with the Music in Schools programme from Derby Cathedral.

Families, governors, incumbents came to support the children and they heard from the heads the reasons for their nominations.

The event is supported by the DBE staff, Bishop's Office, Dean and the volunteers from the cathedral.

As one headteacher said "Thank you - this was an emotional day and the stand out memory of the year.'

The Church of England has recently released a new records retention schedule and accompanying guidance which helps you and your parish ensure best practice when it comes to data compliance:

>> Records and Information Management | The Church of England

This schedule (published in 2025) replaces the previous guides on retention, including: Keep or Bin, Cherish or Chuck, Chapter and Verse, and Save and Delete. Your retention policy may need amending considering this new schedule.

It is primarily designed for use by the following: Cathedrals, Minsters, Bishops Offices, Diocesan Offices (Including DBF’s DBE’s), Archdeacons, Deaneries, and Parishes of the Church of England.

Why should you use this schedule?

The schedule sets out how long records should be retained for, and the justification for that retention and what the disposal action should be. It was developed in consultation with a range of stakeholders from across the Church of England. It provides best practice for applying retention and disposition of records held by church bodies.

• • It is far more comprehensive than the previous schedules
• • It provides defensible reasons for retaining, archiving and destroying records
• • It should give you confidence that you can destroy records at the appropriate time
• • It supports the requirements of Data Protection Legislation
• • It supports good record keeping practices

Please note that this is a living document and so it will be regularly revised and updated as the need arises, for example to include new records, or when legislation or business practice changes. Keep an eye out for further guidance notes being released in the coming months

Bishop Libby writes:

It was my profound privilege to have an audience with Pope Francis soon after I was consecrated Bishop in 2015.

He was generous with his time and gracious and humorous in his conversation (spending as time discussing football with me as expressing celebration and care for my ministry).

As was his practice, Pope Francis asked that I pray for him, and I have done so for the past 10 years.

As Archbishop Stephen has noted in his tribute, ‘Pope Francis whole life was centred on Jesus who comes among us not to be served but to serve … Francis showed us how to follow Jesus and encouraged us to go and do likewise’.

He was a holy and humble man. Although I am saddened by the news of his death and recognise the grief felt by millions of Roman Catholics across the world today, having celebrated Easter yesterday, he died in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection knowing the joy of the risen Christ. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Please join me in in prayer, giving thanks for his life and ministry:

Father in heaven, we praise your name for all who have finished this life loving and trusting you for the example of their lives, the life and grace you gave them and the peace in which they rest.
We praise you today for your servant Francis and for all that you did through him.
Meet us in our sadness and fill our hearts with praise and thanksgiving,
for the sake of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ.
Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Francis.
Acknowledge, we pray, a sheep of your own fold,
a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming.
Enfold him in the arms of your mercy,
In the blessed rest of everlasting peace and in the glorious company of the saints in light.
Amen.

Recently, many Licensed Lay Ministers (Readers) came together with Bishop Libby at St Barnabas Centre in Danesmoor for a quiet day.

LLM(R)s play an important role in the public ministry of the Church by teaching the faith, enabling mission in the everyday, and leading in church and society.

They are key leaders in our churches, and work collaboratively with clergy colleagues across the diocese.

On Saturday, 3 May 2025, 12 LLM(R) candidates will be admitted to the Office of Reader 2.30pm in Derby Cathedral, after which they will take up their new ministry.

We’ll be sharing details on the LLM(R) candidates in the coming weeks.