Structure & committees

Structure & committees

Information about the work of our boards, committees and synods (assemblies/councils of church members).

The Bishop’s Committee for Books and Documents

The Committee exists to support the preservation of and access to parochial and diocesan books and documents in the Diocese of Norwich.

General Synod

The national assembly of the Church of England who make decisions on doctrine and practice.

Diocesan Synod

Meets three times a year to consider matters affecting the Church of England in the diocese. It acts as a forum for debate of Christian opinion on matters of religious or public interest and it formulates diocesan policy on a wide range of issues.

Deanery Synods

Each deanery has its own Deanery Synod which consists of lay members and clergy.

Bishop’s Council

Advising the Bishop on matters of policy and pastoral supervision.

Board of Finance

The Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance Ltd (NDBF) hold the assets of the Diocese and are responsible for its finances.

Board of Education

This is a statutory body established under the Diocesan Boards of Education Measure 2021.

DAC (Church buildings committee)

The DAC is a statutory committee which provides advice to parishes, the Diocesan Chancellor and the Archdeacons, in relation to church buildings, their contents and churchyards.

Licensed Lay Ministers’ Committee

Supporting the Warden of Readers in the administration and development of licensed lay ministry.

Retired Clergy, Widows & Widowers Committee

Supporting all retired clergy personnel including spouses (male and female, plus sons and daughters).

Vacancy in See Committee

This committee is required to be in existence at all times in every Diocese, but only meets when the post of Bishop of Norwich is vacant.

Terms of Reference and Constitutions for committees

Find the Terms of Reference and Constitutions for committees here.

Related content elsewhere on the website:

Diocesan Churches Trust

Enabling church buildings to be used for occasional services but their legal responsibility to be held by the Trust.

Spire: Project management & consultancy

Spire Property Consultants is a building consultancy and property management service providing support to church schools, academies, parochial church councils and other charities.