Administrator
Elections to Deanery Synods are triennial and are carried out at each APCM in an election year, which is 2026, 2029 and so on.
Laity representation is based on electoral roll numbers. The 2027 - 2029 letter and allocation are available here:
>> 2027-2029 Laity Deanery Synod Representation Allocation
Deanery Synod Representative
Deanery Synod Representatives act as a link between their local parish and the wider diocese, discussing and deciding on mission, ministry, and governance, while also serving as an elector for higher synods, bringing parish concerns to the fore and fostering collaboration between churches in their local area (Deanery). They bring parish perspectives to broader church discussions and are crucial in electing members to the Diocesan and General Synods, making their vote significant.
Key Responsibilities:
- Representation & Communication: Represents their parish's views at Deanery Synod and reports back decisions and discussions to their Parochial Church Council (PCC).
- Mission & Strategy: Discusses how to advance mission and ministry in the Deanery, often considering shared projects, pastoral care, and strategic planning
- Governance & Election: Elects representatives to the Diocesan Synod (next elections 2027) and the House of Laity for the General Synod (next elections are in 2026, and every 5th year thereafter)
- Debate & Decision-Making: Debates issues, submits motions, and responds to proposals from the Diocesan or General Synod, focusing on shared challenges and opportunities.
- Community Building: Encourages prayer, fellowship, and joint activities among parishes within the Deanery.
What They Do at Meetings:
- Attend regular meetings (usually three times a year).
- Engage with reports from diocesan bodies.
- Participate in discussions on mission, finances (like parish share allocation), and pastoral reorganisation (e.g., parish mergers).
- Vote on resolutions and elect officers/representatives.
In essence, they are a key voice for their parish, working collaboratively with clergy and other laity to shape the Church of England's life and mission at the local and national levels.
Safeguarding is everyone's business
Ensuring the Diocese of Derby provides a safe and caring environment for everyone - but especially children, and adults who may be at risk of abuse and neglect. Victims and Survivors are at the heart of our safeguarding work.
Safeguarding News
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Congratulations to all those who were awarded Bishop's Badges in two special services. See the photos here.
When I was a teenager my ambition was to be a missionary, taking the gospel to the indigenous people of the Amazon on a jet ski! While it’s not been quite that exciting, my faith journey has taken me through some interesting experiences, both here and abroad.
Since those early days I have remained interested in how God calls people to service; following their journey as they discern the voice of God calling them to service in the church, both lay and ordained.
I am committed to helping the church to be more inclusive in its selection of clergy. Being one of very few Black priests I think I may be particularly helpful to those from ethnic minority backgrounds, but I would be privileged to work with anyone who came to me.
Shemil was born and brought up in Kerala, South India.
He first studied for a Bachelor's and Master's degree in English language and literature, before achieving both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Theology from the University of Gloucestershire, and then an MTh from Oxford University.
He was ordained in the Diocese of Peterborough and has experience of working in Sri Lanka as a CMS mission partner.
Shemil is the Anglican chaplain at Oxford Brookes University and Vocations Adviser for the Diocese of Oxford. He is a founding member of AMEN (Anglican Minority Ethnic Network).
He is a trainer in Unconscious Bias awareness and a tutor in Contextual theology. His first language is Malayalam and has a working knowledge of Tamil and Hindi.
Shemil is married to Becky, who is the vicar of Allestree and Quandon in Derby. He holds Permission to Officiate from the Bishop of Derby.
The IICSA report was published in October 2020. A briefing setting out the key findings of the report can be found here:
Initial IICSA briefing 07.10.20
The Diocese of Derby is conscious that the work of the public inquiry may trigger memories and be traumatic for some individuals.
Bishop Libby would like to reassure anyone who is affected by the content of the IICSA report that the Diocese will take seriously any concerns or information relating to safeguarding within the Church.
Should you wish to talk to someone about this, the safeguarding team is available to work with you directly, or to signpost you to the most appropriate resource, and can be contacted on 01332 388678 or via this link: https://derby.anglican.org/en/safeguarding.html
The team is available if you want to talk about any new or non-recent concern relating to any church officer or person working within the Church.
More information about IICSA can be found at https://www.iicsa.org.uk/.
