The Diocesan Board of Patronage serves as a body corporate within every diocese, holding the right of patronage in relation to certain parishes. Its primary purpose is to present a clergy person to a Church of England benefice.
The Board ensures that the appointment of a priest to a benefice is made by the Bishop, maintaining the legal and corporate form of the clergy post, and oversees the appointment process when a vacancy occurs.
The Board’s functions are set out in section 26-28 of the Patronage Measure 1986 and it plays a crucial role in the Church of England’s checks and balances system, to ensure a broad spectrum of belief and practice with the Church.
The Board often receives patronage rights from other patrons who either can not, or do not wish to, carry on their patronage, either in life or after death.
Bishop’s Council of Trustees
Bishop’s Council advises the Bishop on matters of policy and pastoral supervision.
Board of Education
This is a statutory body established under the Diocesan Boards of Education Measure 2021.
Board of Finance
The Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance Ltd (NDBF) hold the assets of the Diocese and are responsible for its finances.
Deanery Synods
Each deanery has its own Deanery Synod which consists of lay members and clergy.
Diocesan Synod
Every diocese has its own Diocesan Synod which consists of the bishops and archdeacons and elected laity and clergy.
General Synod
The national assembly of the Church of England who make decisions on doctrine and practice.