The Vacancy in See Committee is a permanent committee of the Diocesan Synod, with both ex-officio and elected members. The term of office for the current Committee ends on 31st December 2024 and it is required, therefore, that an election be held to fill the elected places on the new Committee which will begin its three year term of office on 1st January 2025.
The election will be held to fill the elected places on the Guildford Diocesan Vacancy in See Committee including:
- Archdeaconry of Dorking clergy
- Archdeaconry of Dorking laity
- Archdeaconry of Surrey clergy
- Archdeaconry of Surrey laity
The Vacancy in See Committee Regulations 1993 (as amended) require at least two elected clergy and two elected laity, to ensure the Committee is as nearly equal as possible, and that each archdeaconry be adequately represented. . As we do not yet know which archdeaconry each of the Chairs of Houses will come from, we will need to wait until after their election on 23rd November 2024 to calculate the precise number of vacancies in each category.
Should the number of candidates exceed the number of vacancies in any constituency, a ballot will be held by Single Transferable Vote in accordance with the rules laid down by General Synod, as required by the Regulations. Voting papers will be issued as soon as possible after nominations close.
Following the election, the Bishop’s Council will meet to appoint a chair and to consider if it wishes to nominate up to 4 additional members who represent a special interest in the diocese. It will also appoint a Secretary, who shall not be a member of the Committee.
The Vacancy in See Committee comprises:
Ex-officio members
- The Suffragan Bishop of Dorking
- The Dean of Guildford Cathedral
- The Archdeacon of Dorking
- The Achdeacon of Surrey
- General Synod Clergy (4)
- General Synod Laity (4)
- Chair of the House of Clergy
- Chair of the House of Laity
Elected Clergy Members and Elected Lay Members
- The number of vacancies in each category will be advised following the election for the Chair(s) of Houses on 23rd November 2024.
Election Timetable
| 31st October | Notice of Election and nomination papers for Chairs of Diocesan Synod, Bishop's Council and Vacancy-in-See Committee |
| 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 |
| 16th December (12 noon) |
Voting closes for Bishop's Council, Vacancy-in-See Committee |
Nomination Forms