agricultural,environmental,farm,farmers,farming,finance,pcc,pension

David Hutchinson – General Synod Application Election Address – August 2026

Personal

• I have been a practising Anglican since 1975 when I was confirmed by the then
Bishop of Lynn, Aubrey Aitken, who welcomed us “into the family of Christ”
• I am 64 years old, married to Melanie and we have 3 adult children
• I was Church Warden at Sedgeford in the early 1990s
• I am Chairman and Treasurer of Ringstead St. Andrew PCC (member since
1.

Reasons for Application

• I believe that one should try to contribute to organisations that are important to
our society and, in this case, to the Christian Faith and Teachings
• The General Synod, being the national assembly and law-making body of the
Church of England, is the organisation that has the greatest influence on the
direction and development of our church
• I wish to try to contribute to the work of General Synod
• Whilst I continue to be Chairman of our family business, I do now have fewer
operational responsibilities and, therefore, more time for external appointments
• I have a strong interest in trying to contribute to the development of our society
in a positive manner during this current period when so many are searching for a
greater meaning to life and a spiritual awakening
• My career to date (professional and personal) may provide useful and relevant
experience and expertise which could be of value

Career (Professional)

• 1990 to present – Chairman of Hutchinsons, a family business that employs 580
colleagues and which provides agronomy, environmental, soil health and farm
business advice, farm management software and crop inputs to UK farmers and
also food packaging materials to food businesses. Our business was
established by my grandfather in 1938.
• 2018 to present – Director of Oxbury Bank which provides finance to farmers in
the UK, New Zealand and Australia.
• 2022 to present – Council member of Farm Data Principles, certification body to
improve trust in data throughout the British food and farming industry
• 2002 to 2013 – Agricultural Industries Confederation Board member (Treasurer
2002 to 2009 and Chairman 2010 to 2012). AIC is the trade association that
represents the interests of agribusiness 230 members
• 1990 to present – Chairman of 2 defined benefit pension schemes
• 1986 – qualified as a Chartered Accountant

Career (Personal)

• 2014 to 2023 – Governor and Deputy Chairman, Oundle School
• 2015 to present – Chairman, Charitable Trust

Summary

I very much hope to be able to make a meaningful contribution to the work of the
General Synod and I should be delighted to be offered the opportunity to do so.

David Hutchinson – 24th August, 2026