By-elections 2026
for 1 clergy member and 1 lay member
Following the resignations of Revd Chris Bessant and Mr Gordon McFarland from the Bishop’s Council, there is now a requirement to fill the vacancies for one elected clergy member and one elected lay member.
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 (they also become ex-officio members of the company if they are not already members of Diocesan Synod). In addition, they sit as the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee and the Parsonage Board. It is expected that the Council will meet up to nine times per year plus a Saturday away-day. Meetings (except the away-day) will normally be from 5.30 – 7.30pm. Any successful candidate will take office following the election count and remain in post until 31st December 2027.
Clergy Forms
Laity Forms
Timetable
- Monday 12th January 2026
Notice of Election and Nomination Papers issued - Monday 2nd February 2026 (12 noon)
Close of Nominations
If required Ballot Papers issued - Monday 23rd February 2026 (12 noon)
Close of Voting
Any successful candidate will take up office immediately after the election count until the 31st December 2027.
Further information about Bishop's Council
Questions can be directed to synod@cofeguildford.org.uk