General Synod Election Candidates 2026

Why am I standing for General Synod?
I feel called to serve on General Synod as I am passionate about giving a voice to those
who don’t feel able, for whatever reason, to speak out for themselves.
I believe that we are ALL made in the image of Christ and are equally deserving of God’s
love.
I am committed to equality for everyone, at all levels and roles within the church,
regardless of disability, economic power, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, learning disability,
mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality.
Who am I?
Married Mum of three all of whom are neurodiverse
Most importantly I am a Mum to two Jack Russel X Chihuahuas, Juniper and Rex!
I have a physical disability which I try desperately to ignore!
I am passionate about championing the beautiful county which we live in, having
lived in Matlock my entire life and my family for generations. I occasionally get into
arguments with people from Yorkshire about which county is better!
Social Justice is REALLY important to me.
I set up and ran a network of support groups for parents of children with additional
needs and disabilities which ran for 12 years throughout Derbyshire and South
Yorkshire to support parents to gain the best education they could for their children.
I am a Lay Reader at St Giles and an Honorary Lay Canon at Derby Cathedral.
I serve on a number of different committees within the diocese including the Board of
Education, Business Committee and Bishop’s Council.
Nationally, I have served as a Trustee on the Central Readers’ Council and as the
Chair of Girls’ Brigade, England and Wales.
Honorary Lay Canon
Emily Brailsford
Nominated by
James Taylor, LLM - Hardwick Deanery
and
Barbara Fearnley - Peak Deanery

I am a proud Mothers’ Union member and I am the current Diocesan President for the
Diocese of Derby. Being part of a network of Diocesan Presidents from around the United
Kingdom means that I am aware of the challenges faced by other dioceses. Until
recently worked as the National Programme Manager for Mothers’ Union developing the
work MU does on modern slavery, domestic abuse and prison work. If you have a RISE UP!
poster in your church hall, that’s thanks to me.
I have always been very aware of the issues faced by rural churches, but I am now
working as the Director of Derby MultiFaith Centre, which has opened my eyes to the
challenges and rewards of living, and worshipping, in the city. My new role has shown me
the immense value of ecumenical and interfaith work within the community. I am aware
that concerns around safeguarding have been a sginificant issue oer the past 5 years
and I warmly welcome moves towards the establishment of an independent
safeguarding body to scrutinise the Church of England in this respect. I believe that
safeguarding is so very important that I have taken on the role of the Business Committee
trustee with responsibility to safeguarding within the diocese.
If I was elected to General Synod I would encourage us to look towards building a
relevant and sustainable church for the people of today.
The people of today are worried about climate change, cost of living, the safety of their
family. The people of today are more inclusive. I would vote to move the Church in a
direction that mirrors this and becomes financially prepared, relevant, engaging,
inclusive, safe and staffed. Whilst I am aware that at a local level there are dioceses
which are struggling, I am not convinced that the way to deal with this is to cut back on
clergy numbers. We must look at how we all, as the body of Christ, carry out the mission
of the Church and proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom to the people of today.
Why me?
I am not in this for myself, I will truly listen
and speak out about what matters to you.
I am used to public speaking and getting
my point across, I will not shy away from
‘prickly’ topics and I can be persuasive when
I want to be! I do the ground work and
research to ensure I know what I am talking
about. I really do encourage you to contact
me (details below) and tell me what
your hopes and concerns are for
the Church of England in our diocese.
[email protected]
Tel 07973616043

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