Diocesan Synod Summary – 9 May 2026
Diocesan Synod 9 May 2026
On Saturday 9 May the Diocesan Synod met at the Minster School, Southwell with the Revd Kate Byrom (Head of Ministerial Development and Wellbeing) and Tom Walters (Contemporary Worship Lead) leading the opening worship.
Annual General Meeting
Synod voted unanimously to receive the Annual Report and Consolidated Finance Statements, for the year ending 31 December 2025 as recommended by Bishop’s Council following their meeting on 20 April 2026. The Revd Colin Bourne, Interim Chair of Finance, paid tribute to Katrina Proctor (former Finance and Operations Director and Deputy Chief Executive) for her valuable work and that of her team which is reflected in these accounts. Colin introduced the new Finance and Operations Director, Sean Barnes to Synod.
Martin Cooper (Diocesan Chief Executive) provided an overview of financial performance and position. The Diocese reported an operating deficit (approx. £1.6 million) linked to strategic investment and parish revitalisation and growth initiatives. The balance sheet remains strong (circa £90 million in assets) providing financial reliance.
Key financial themes included:
- A year of significant progress in implementing the latest phase of our Growing Disciples mission, accelerated by Diocesan Investment Programme (DIP) funding.
- A challenging year financially, primarily due to clergy housing maintenance costs – an area requiring ongoing focus.
- Continued progress made with our Journey of Generosity, but still a long way to go to reach long term financial sustainability.
- Leadership emphasised a commitment to continued investment in growth, whilst exercising good financial stewardship.
Synod voted unanimously approve the re-appointment of Sumer Auditco Ltd as Auditors for the year 2026 at a fee to be agreed by Bishop’s Council.
Bishop’s Address
Bishop Paul’s address will soon be available on our website.
Growing Disciples Update
Encouraging attendance growth trends were reported. There has been a notable rise in children and young people participation, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Case studies demonstrated growth in rural and urban churches and successful mixed ecology church models. Stronger links between churches and schools were highlighted. One of the key themes underlined was the importance of sustaining spiritual vitality alongside numerical growth.
Loretta’s Living Hope Story was shared.
Synod was asked to feedback using Slido on the following questions:
- What is the most encouraging thing you are seeing at your church in terms of life change and Living Hope?
- In which of the seven areas of focus does your church feel most vulnerable?
- What interventions can we offer as a Diocese into this area of vulnerability?
- Sum up the intervention you would like in one word.
General Synod Report on February 2026 Group of Sessions
A verbal update from Mr Ian Boothroyd was provided from the February Sessions of General Synod.
Work is beginning on a major review of funding ahead of the next triennium (2029-2031).
General Synod formally endorsed a move towards significantly more independent safeguarding arrangements across the Church of England. A new national safeguarding organisation (Independent Safeguarding Authority) will be set up which will be a separate charity and not part of church structures and will be governed by a majority-independent board with responsibility for national safeguarding oversight, policy and casework. A Chief Safeguarding Officer will lead professional safeguarding work. Synod did not move to full independence of diocesan safeguarding teams at this stage and diocesan and cathedral safeguarding staff remain locally employed. Further work is ongoing to consider whether full structural independence is feasible.
The current General Synod term (the 2021–2026 quinquennium) is coming to an end in July 2026. Southwell and Nottingham Diocese has 7 elected representatives in total (3 clergy and 4 laity). Synod members were asked to encourage parishes to nominate for Deanery Synod members.
General Synod approved a House of Bishops resolution to conclude the LLF programme. The House of Bishops set up new structures with the expectation that the Relationships, Sexuality and Gender (RSG) Working Group will report back to General Synod with the first two years of the next Synod.
Reporting
Synod noted the Annual Reports from the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE), The Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), The Caring for Creation Annual Report and the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP). The Independent Chair of DSAP (Sally Hodges) gave a brief presentation and answered questions. Sally thanked Lucy Grimsey (Interim Diocesan Safeguarding Officer) for her significant contribution to Safeguarding in the Diocese. Lucy will be stepping down from her role to move onto pastures new. Synod took the opportunity to express its sincere gratitude for all that Lucy has contributed to the team.
Questions
A pre-submitted question by Melanie Pozzo (Nottingham South Deanery) regarding the balancing the priority for emerging generations with valuing and enabling people of all ages. A response was provided by Revd James Halstead (Newark & Southwell Deanery) as Director of Discipleship and Ministry.
Mr Martin Cooper, Diocesan Chief Executive, May 2026