29 July 2024
Saira Salimi appointed as Deputy Chancellor of the Diocese of Chelmsford
The Chancellor of the Diocese of Chelmsford, Philippa Hopkins KC, has appointed Saira Salimi as Deputy Chancellor of the Diocese of Chelmsford.
Saira currently serves as Counsel to the Speaker of the House of Commons and was previously Deputy Official Solicitor to the Church Commissioners for England.
The Diocesan Chancellor acts as the independent judge of the Consistory Court, overseeing legal issues across the Diocese, especially those which relate to the use of and alterations to church buildings, land and property. As Deputy Chancellor, Saira will support the Chancellor in the work of determining petitions for Faculty expeditiously and fairly, mindful of the Church’s mission.
Saira will work closely with the Diocesan Registrar, the Archdeacons and the Diocesan Advisory Committee.
Commenting on her appointment, Saira Salimi said:
“I am delighted to have been asked to serve as deputy Chancellor in the Diocese of Chelmsford, and look forward to supporting the mission and ministry of the diocese through that office.”
Philippa Hopkins KC said:
“Saira brings considerable experience to the role of Deputy Chancellor from her previous position with the Church Commissioners and with Synod, and is a very welcome addition to the team.”
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, welcomed Saira’s appointment saying
“I am delighted that Saira is to be the new Deputy Chancellor of Chelmsford Diocese. The extensive experience she will bring to the role will be of great benefit to our diocese and our parish churches. I am very much looking forward to welcoming Saira to the Diocese and to working with her”
The previous Deputy Chancellor, Philippa Hopkins KC, was appointed as Diocesan Chancellor in 2022 and the Deputy role has been vacant since then.
About Saira Salimi
Since October 2016, Saira Salimi has been Speaker’s Counsel of the House of Commons and head of the House of Commons legal team, responsible for the provision of legal advice to the Speaker, the Clerk, and Committees and departments of the House.
Between November 2011 and 2016, Saira served as Deputy Official Solicitor to the Church Commissioners for England, providing specialist legal advice on a wide range of issues of charity and ecclesiastical law. She was also part of the General Synod legal team, providing advice to the committees of the Synod on legislative proposals and instructing Legislative Counsel on drafting, as well as appearing before the Ecclesiastical Committee and liaising with the Parliamentary authorities.
Saira lives in the Diocese of London and attends church there.
