accountability,baptist,benefice,catholic,disciples,inclusive,llf,pcc,poverty,safeguarding,save the parish,stress,young people

William Peachey
[email protected]
07493436359

Dear General Synod Lay Elector,
I am writing to seek election as one of your Coventry lay representatives to
the General Synod for 2026-2031.
Experience has taught me how vital good governance, care for the person,
and church life in the parish are for the health of the Church. Bringing fresh
eyes to the role, I want to contribute to supporting these challenges
nationally working with Save the Parish.
I would like to thank Donna Bothamley and Nicola Perryman both of
Kenilworth Deanery for proposing me. I hope that you will be able to place
me 1, 2 or 3 when you vote in this election.
Since my early 20s I have been part of the Anglican church in Oxford and Birmingham, I am confirmed
and attend Holy Trinity Hatton just outside Warwick. My parents had Catholic roots and found faith in
a Baptist church in Leeds where I was nurtured as a child. Family breakdown and poverty meant It was
a difficult childhood, but I was sustained in faith. My background shapes my belief that my faith
should inform and permeate all aspects of my life – home, work, play and church.
I work flexibly and have the time, energy and commitment to take on this important role.
As a new candidate for General Synod, I want to outline the five areas that are important to me and
show how they relate to my background so you can understand what I will seek to get involved in at
Synod.

A Church rooted in shared life following Jesus.

My wife Ann is a vicar in a rural benefice. Experiencing both church in the city and rural church has
given me a real sense of the depth of the cure of souls, the beauty of belonging, and the challenges
clergy and their families face. A church rooted in shared life including everyone in the Parish,
following Jesus, and growing disciples, is one where we are formed together, reconciled to Christ.

Strong governance and accountability in safeguarding and pastoral processes.

When I was a child my family church split. I attended a small house church for a short time and
this gave me a strong motivation to value good governance, financial accountability, safeguarding
and pastoral oversight. My post graduate study and professional life has been focused on how this
is done in a commercial setting; with your support, I would like to bring this experience to the
national church.

Expanding opportunities for education and formation for all in the Church.

I left school with two CSEs, but I was able to study while working and benefited from opportunities
and people who encouraged me to progress. I want to see lay leaders and clergy from all
backgrounds have opportunities to grow and thrive. More importantly to be cared for and
encouraged, and the duty of care throughout the church to be exercised responsibly.

Supporting clergy and lay leaders, and their families.

A key issue for the church is the care we show to those who serve us. Finding the balance between
disciplinary measures and pastoral care, while maintaining real practical safeguarding steps, is
critical to the health and success of the church. As someone who has made their professional life
leading teams and running organisations of people, I want to see this balance held in tension for
the good of us all.

Championing children and young people as they engage with God.

My children all grew up in church. I know the stress of getting there on time and the joy of them
discover something of God for themselves. This blessing is all of ours. I want a church which can
be welcoming, and finds new ways to invest in young people and all who care for them.
These five areas align with the manifesto of Save the Parish which I support.
I commit to fulfil my obligations faithfully to pray as I seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I will provide
regular reports on Synod proceedings, and be accountable. I will be available by email or in person,
individually or as a guest at Deanery Synods to answer questions and receive input.
On LLF, my view is the Church must consider carefully, pastorally, and properly. Recognising there is
pain on all sides but a real desire to be more inclusive in the church. I am not of a settled view and so I
commit to hear your concerns, reflect the debate and journey through these issues honestly with you
if elected. LLF doesn’t feel like the only contentious issue to face the church over the next five years.
Having space to hear each other and reflect honestly seems to be the only certain way forward.

After 30 years of experience dealing with complex and critical issues around the world in corporate
roles in business management, I stepped back recently to explore new opportunities and work more
closely with my wife Ann as she took on new responsibilities as a vicar.
I work full time, but, working for myself, I have flexibility to take time to attend Synod and commit to do
so.
• Director PWP Talent Ltd (specialist advisory firm for global audit, professional services and IT
firms).
• Fellow of CIPD (The professional body for HR & people development).
• Treasurer, Parish of Holy Trinity Hatton and St Mary’s Haseley, Kenilworth Deanery.
• MSc Economics
I have been a trustee of Hospice Africa, and a Non-executive director for School of Code (a startup
company securing novice coders their first job in IT).
I have served as a PCC member, Treasurer and Deanery Synod member.

Thank you again for considering voting for me to be your representative in the House of Laity at
General Synod.
Kind regards

Will