Following Andy’s departure, the formal running of Bramley is the legal responsibility of the Area Dean (Rev Canon Roy Woodhams) and Churchwardens (the Sequestrators).

How does the parish function without an Incumbent? Whilst the Area Dean will provide oversight and support, he is also a busy incumbent and will not be able to be present in the way that Andy was. Most of the work, therefore, will be coordinated by the vacancy management team who are accountable to the PCC. This will consist of the churchwardens, administrator, treasurer, and others who share in ministerial and administrative support. It will meet regularly to ensure things continue as normal. For good reason, the Area Dean will ensure that no strategic decisions are taken during the time when there is no incumbent in the parish.

How is our new Incumbent chosen? Who decides on our new Vicar? There are eight people who will be on the formal interview panel: The Patron Lord Chancellor (Helen Dimmock), Bishop of Dorking (Rt Rev Paul Davies), The Archdeacon of Surrey (The Venerable Catharine Mabuza), The Area Dean of Cranleigh (Rev Canon Roy Woodhams) and the four Parish Representatives (elected by the PCCs).

What is the Timescale for all of this? We  eed to go through a process that is laid down by the Patronage (Benefices) Measure (1986). We have already started to prepare for this process. The dates that have been set are below:

Advertise Post: Vicar of Bramley & Grafham (on Diocesan website and in Church Times) 10th , 17th , 24th , 31st May 2024 Closing date for applications (final date on which applications submitted) 4 th June 2024 Shortlisting via zoom (interview panel meets to shortlist candidates) 11th June 2024 4.00pm Interviews (held in the Parish over two consecutive days) 3rd & 4th July 2024

The Bottom Line… So when can we expect to welcome our new Incumbent? If we are successful in appointing a new incumbent in July, we might expect an induction during October.