General Synod Election Candidates 2026

CONTACT

% 07596134540.

& [email protected]

PROPOSED BY:

HUGH RICHARDS
LAY CHAIR OF DIOCESAN
SYNOD

STATEMENT OF SUPPORT

| have known Kashmir for over
10 years. She has taken her
roles on the Diocesan and
General Synods very seriously.
She is a “do-er”. She led the
General Synod’s commitment
to work in partnership with the
Probation Service in the
rehabilitation of prisoners. She
stepped-up as Chair of the
National Safeguarding Panel
when the Chair resigned in
controversial circumstances.
She has been Co-chair of the
Diocesan Racial Justice Forum
and was instrumental in the
adoption of its charter and
action plan. She was a
member of the CNC _ that
helped to select Bishop Hugh. |
have no hesitation at all in
nominating her for another 5
years on General Synod.

SECONDED BY:

JOHN NICHOLSON
LAY CHAIR OF GREATER DUDLEY
DEANERY

STATEMENT OF SUPPORT
It has been my pleasure to

have worked with Kashmir for
the last six years as Deanery

Lay Chairs (Kashmir in
Bromsgrove and Redditch,
myself in Greater Dudley). |
have no hesitation in
supporting her to be re-
elected to General Synod
where she has done such

sterling work representing our
Diocese.

KASHMIR GARTON

ENERAL SYNOD ELECTORAL STATEMENT

=MY BACKGROUND AND VOCATION

My Christian faith has shaped my professional life, public service and
ministry for over 30 years. | am standing for re-election to General
Synod to continue championing safeguarding, justice, inclusion and
support for our parishes.

| was baptised and confirmed at the age of 22 and have lived in the
Diocese of Worcester for 40 years. My extended family follow other
faiths which gives me a valuable insight into the importance of interfaith
dialogue and religious freedom. | have 2 adult sons and a German
daughter-in-law. | am passionate about diversity, equality and
inclusion, which continue to be core values in my life and career.

After completing my first degree in Theology, | knew | wanted to work
with people, especially those in crisis or difficult situations. | started my
career as a social worker working with children at risk of abuse. My
interest in safeguarding inspired my Masters research, which analysed
early indicators of risk in cases to facilitate swifter intervention by social
workers. Over the last 30 years, | have served within the Probation
Service leading on public protection, safeguarding and _ the
rehabilitation of those convicted of crimes.

As the National Faith Lead for the Probation Service, | work with all faith
communities across England and Wales to support them to engage in
the rehabilitation of people. In 2020, the Diocesan Synod supported my
motion to strengthen partnership work between the Church of England
and the Prison and Probation Service. This motion was debated by
General Synod in July 2023 where it was overwhelmingly welcomed and
supported.
https://www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/news/diocesan-synod-motion-
presented-to-general-synod.php

= MY COMMITMENTS AND VALUES

Equality and Inclusivity — | am fully committed to equality at all levels,
regardless of disability, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexuality and
economic background. My commitment to racial justice is evidenced by
my time as Co-Chair of the Diocesan Racial Justice Forum where |
helped to establish the Forum’s Terms of Reference, Charter and Action
Plan, creating a clearer strategic direction for racial justice across the
Diocese. | believe we can be one diverse church, supportive of those
whose convictions are different, and remain committed to ensuring all
are protected to flourish.

Safeguarding — | firmly believe that the Church should be a safe place
for all to worship, including those who have been harmed and caused
harm. It is important that we learn from past cases of abuse and listen
to the voices of victims and survivors. In 2023-24, | chaired the National
Safeguarding Panel, an independent Panel that scrutinises the
safeguarding work of the Church of England. | am currently a member of
the Safeguarding Structures Board which is responsible for introducing
independent arrangements for safeguarding in the Church of England.

= MY EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE
General Synod - Member since 2015:
¢ Contributed to General Synod debates on safeguarding, criminal justice, knife crime and rehabilitation
e Presented the Diocesan motion to General Synod in 2023 to support the rehabilitation of offenders. Motion
passed in 2023

Safeguarding:

e Over 30 years experience in the Probation service where safeguarding and public protection are central to
my work

e As Chair of the National Safeguarding Panel, | led independent scrutiny of safeguarding across the Church
of England during a period of significant change

e Member of the National Safeguarding Structures Programme Board planning the future independence of
safeguarding in the Church of England

e Representative on the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel

Racial Justice:

e Co-chair for 6 years of the Diocesan Racial Justice Forum, during which time | brought clarity about the
role and purpose of the Forum

e Safeguarding advisor to the West Midlands Regional Racial Justice Initiative

Diocesan and Deanery roles:

e Lay Chair of the Redditch and Bromsgrove Deanery since 2021

e Served on the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) in 2025 which led to the appointment of our new
Bishop

e Lay Canon of Worcester Cathedral

Other roles:

e Lay member of the Church of England Liturgical Commission and contributed to prayers for victims of
abuse and racial justice

e Canterbury Provincial Panel member for Clergy Discipline

~ =" WHY 1AM STANDING FOR GENERAL SYNOD

e The decisions made at General Synod directly impact the life and mission of our churches. | am committed
to bridging the gap between national decisions and frontline ministry. After each session, | will share honest
reflections with my Deanery to bring greater transparency to Synod’s work, ensuring everyone understands
what was decided, why it matters and what it means for us.

e -Asa member of the National Safeguarding Structures Board, | am committed to seeing the structural
reforms through to completion. Strengthening our safeguarding culture, governance and accountability is
essential if our churches are to be places of genuine safety and welcome for alll. | will bring my experience
to this work, ensuring that safeguarding reforms are implemented with clarity, compassion and integrity.

e -My ministry and professional life have taught me that the Church flourishes when its governance is
grounded in real experience, careful listening and a commitment to pastoral care. As a Senior Civil Servant
in the Probation Service, | work with people on the margins of society. This shapes my understanding of
justice, human dignity and the transformative power of local Christian presence — values that lie at the
heart of parish ministry. | want to bring my experience to General Synod for the next quinquennial, ensuring
that national decision-making remains connected to the realities faced by our local church communities.

= YOUR VOTE
Thank you for reading my statement. | would be honoured to receive your first preference vote and to

continue serving the Diocese of Worcester with integrity, experience and a commitment to the flourishing of
every church and every person.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss any points included in this statement, please feel free to
contact me on [email protected] or 07596134540

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