Published on: 23/11/2025
Diocesan Synod met on Saturday 22 November 2025 at Tankersley Hub, beginning at 9.00am.
[Please note, this article offers highlights and general commentary of the meeting, with useful links and downloads. It is not a replacement for the minutes.]
Members were warmly welcomed by the Bishop of Sheffield, who expressed thanks for their ongoing commitment to the life and mission of the diocese. Opening worship was led by Mrs Yvette Cooper, Headteacher of Tankersley St Peter’s CofE School, together with pupils who offered prayers, reflections and songs that set a hopeful tone for the morning.
The meeting was chaired by the Revd Canon Dr Matthew Rhodes, who introduced the agenda and noted apologies for absence. Minutes from the previous meeting, held in July 2024, were presented for confirmation, and Synod received a brief update on matters arising.
Synod then heard again from Yvette Cooper and pupils from the local school, who shared insights into the life of Tankersley Deanery, including community engagement, growing partnerships, and the spiritual life of children and families. Many of their parents had also joined for this part of the meeting to watch the wonderful input from the children. Their contribution was warmly received.
Next, Julia Newton presented the report from Bishop’s Council, summarising key areas of work since the last Synod. Members were invited to ask questions and reflect on the ongoing governance and strategic discernment taking place at diocesan level.
The Synod then formally convened as the Board of Finance, with Canon Ian Walker taking the chair.
Ian invited Tony Gardiner, Director of Finance, to provide an update on the review of 2025 finances. The presentation outlined the proposed 2026 Diocesan Board of Finance budget, including key assumptions such as a 3% Common Fund increase, significant stipend uplifts, controlled property costs, and a planned £1.24m deficit, alongside forward projections and the need for careful reserves management. After some time for questions, members were invited to approve the budget as recommended by the Finance Committee. The budget was passed. The slides from this presentation can be viewed here.
The meeting then returned to Diocesan Synod, with Canon Rhodes resuming the chair.
The Revd Amanda Barraclough introduced the new diocesan policy Dignity in Ministry and at Work, outlining its purpose, key commitments, and the culture of safeguarding and respect it seeks to embed across all diocesan environments. The work was warmly received. Download slides as a PDF here.
The numbers to be elected to Deanery Synods for the 2026-2028 three year term were put forward and an amendment proposed by the Revd Charles Burton which would increase the number of reps on a sliding scale based on the Electoral Roll figure for each parish.
A point of order was raised to move to next business, but this was overwhelmingly overturned with a majority voting against. Following debate the amendment was voted on, with a majority vote against. The substantive item was therefore voted on and carried with a substantial majority.
The Revd Canon Harry Steele and Canon LJ Buxton presented an update covering safeguarding developments and the upcoming 2026 INEQE audit. Their report reaffirmed the diocese’s commitment to transparency, victim-survivor care, and high standards of safeguarding culture and practice. The audit carried out by INEQE for the Diocese of Sheffield is scheduled for 11–17 May. This audit forms part of the wider Church of England’s five-year programme of independent external reviews to ensure every diocese, cathedral and associated body “creates environments where everyone feels safe, valued and respected”. Ahead of the visit, all documentation will be analysed and the audit team will engage with staff, volunteers, congregants, victims and survivors in focus groups and surveys to inform the review. More information, including reports from audits conducted so far, is available at Church of England: About the independent safeguarding audits.
Hannah Sandoval, Lights for Christ Enabler, offered an encouraging update on the growth of the discipleship and the Lights for Christ work across the diocese. Hannah shared stories of individuals and parishes embracing confident Christian living and everyday discipleship.
Members’ written questions and responses were noted as published on the Notice Paper. Following a couple of supplementary questions, we moved on to Bishop Pete’s Presidential Address. In the opening minutes of the address, Bishop Pete said:
“Our Lords command, for example, that we should love one another, comes six times altogether in the Gospel and Epistles of John, and about as many times again in the writings of St Paul. But you may also recall: be devoted to one another, honour one another above yourselves, serve one another, bear with one another, be subject to one another, do not judge one another, do not lie to one another, comfort one another, encourage one another, live in harmony with one another, welcome one another, wait for one another, be kind and compassionate to one another…”
You can watch the video in full below.
Sarah Beardsmore, Centenary Project Manager, presented a decade-long evaluation of the Centenary Project, celebrating its achievements in nurturing children, youth, and families’ work across the diocese. The report highlighted sustained growth, new vocations, and transformative community engagement. The slides for this presentation can be viewed here.
There was an opportunity for any other business, after which dates for the 2026 Synod meetings were confirmed:
- 7 March
- 18 July
- 21 November
Members were invited to suggest potential venues.
The meeting concluded in worship, led by members of the Centenary Project, with Bishop Pete saying the closing blessing.