A deanery synod is a part of the government of the Church of England. (A 'deanery' is a collection of parishes, and 'synod' means 'council'). The synod consists of all licensed clergy and a certain number of elected lay representatives from each parish in the deanery. Deanery synod members are the electorate for the diocesan synod and the General Synod. St. James's is in Hampton Deanery and the Parochial Church Council elects five lay representatives to the deanery synod triennially at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. A representative must be on the Electoral Roll.

A deanery synod does not have a great deal of power, but can have influence when significant matters are referred to it by a diocesan synod or the General Synod. It provides a forum for the sharing of information between churches locally, and between the diocese and national church, and the local church.

The deanery synod has two houses, the House of Clergy and the House of Laity. From the deanery synod, representatives are elected for both the diocesan and the General Synod. In the diocesan and the General Synod there are three Houses - The Houses of Bishops, Clergy and Laity.

Members of the congregation take advantage of courses and other activities that are available. These are publicised in the weekly pewsheet, on notice boards and are drawn to the attention of individuals who might have an interest. There are also wider links as identified in the work of the Charities and Links committee and in our charitable giving.