District Chair of Sheffield from September 2025

Following the recommendation of the Chairs Nomination Panel and the DLT, the Synod of the Sheffield Methodist District has agreed to nominate to the Conference that the Revd Victoria (Vicky) Atkins be designated to be the Chair of the Sheffield District from 1st September 2025. This will be for an initial period of 6 years, subject to the annual stationing of the Conference. Vicky Atkins is currently serving as Superintendent Minister of the Calderdale Circuit, in the Yorkshire West District.

This recommendation was agreed and resulted from following the relevant processes under Standing Order 423A.

Reasoned Statement
Nomination for Chair of the Sheffield District
The Revd Vicky Atkins

The Revd Vicky Atkins is currently serving as Superintendent Minister of the Calderdale Circuit. She has previously served as a presbyter in two circuits and as Chaplain to the Woodhouse Grove School; prior to that she was a deacon, serving as a District Mission and Evangelism Enabler and in a circuit diaconal appointment. Before following her call into ministry, Vicky spent time in social work, managing teams of volunteers and prior to this taught art therapy to adults and children – which is something she has continued to utilise in her ministry. Vicky demonstrated to the Chairs’ Nominations Committee that she will bring a broad range of skills and a depth of experience in strategic leadership, pastoral care, creativity and oversight to the role of Chair of the Sheffield District.

Recommendation: That the Revd Vicky Atkins be nominated to the Synod/Conference as Chair of the Sheffield District from 1st September 2025 for a period of six years.

Please pray for all who are involved in this discernment and those who would be impacted by this nomination, as they discern God's calling upon their lives and ministry in the coming months.

Rev'd Margaret Mwailu,

Convenor of the Chairs Nomination Committee on behalf of the Sheffield Methodist District Synod