Deanery Synod elections are an opportunity for people to represent their parish, share its voice more widely, and play a part in shaping the life and mission of the Church across the deanery and the Diocese.
The next elections will take place in 2026, with successful candidates serving a three-year term from 1 July 2026.
What is Deanery Synod?
Deanery Synod is a formal part of the Church of England’s synodical structure. It sits between parishes and the Diocese, helping information, questions and decisions flow both ways.
Put simply, Deanery Synod exists to:
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consider business from Diocesan Synod and General Synod
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share and gather the views of parishes across the deanery
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ensure parishes are kept informed about wider diocesan matters
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pass local concerns and perspectives up to the Diocese
It also provides a regular meeting space where parishes within a deanery can listen to one another and reflect together on shared challenges and opportunities.
Who is on Deanery Synod?
Each Deanery Synod is made up of two Houses:
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The House of Clergy, including licensed clergy and others eligible under the Synodical Government Measure
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The House of Laity, including lay (non-clergy) representatives elected by parishes
Most lay members are elected by their parish at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). The number of representatives each parish can elect depends on the size of its electoral roll.
Lay members of Diocesan Synod and General Synod who live within the deanery are also members of Deanery Synod.
Why stand for election?
Standing for Deanery Synod is about representation rather than responsibility for everything.
As a lay representative, your primary role is to:
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speak from the perspective of your parish
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listen carefully to what is happening across the deanery
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help your PCC stay connected to diocesan conversations
People stand for a variety of reasons: some want to contribute their experience, some are curious about how the wider Church works, and others feel called to support collaboration beyond their own parish. You do not need to be an expert — just willing to listen, reflect and engage.
What does the role involve?
Lay members are asked to:
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attend up to three Deanery Synod meetings each year, usually lasting 1.5–2 hours
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serve as a link between Deanery Synod and their Parochial Church Council (PCC)
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report back to their PCC on Synod discussions and decisions
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raise matters from their parish with Deanery Synod when appropriate
Elected lay members of Deanery Synod are automatically members of their parish PCC.
Who can stand?
To be eligible for election, you must:
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be aged 16 or over
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be on your parish electoral roll
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be a communicant member of the Church of England (having received communion at least three times in the past year)
How does the election work?
Lay representatives are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM).
To stand for election, you will need to:
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complete a nomination form
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have a proposer and seconder, both of whom must be on the parish electoral roll
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return the completed form to your PCC Secretary
Nomination forms are available from your PCC Secretary or can be downloaded from the Parish Resources website.
What happens after the election?
If you are elected, the Deanery Synod Secretary will contact you with details of forthcoming meetings and any initial information you need.
Find out more
If you would like to talk through what the role involves, please contact:
Miriam Longfoot
Email: miriam.longfoot@salisbury.anglican.org
Telephone: 01722 411922
Further information about APCMs and nomination forms is available via the Parish Resources website.
Resources
Resources to help your church advertise Deanery Synod elections will be added to this page over the coming weeks.