Gavin Foster

Gavin is a barrister and partner, and an ordained minister in the Church of England. He was previously a barrister in chambers in Southampton, a Senior Crown Prosecutor in Dorset, a Bishop’s Chaplain in Winchester and a Vicar in the Diocese of Portsmouth. He is now part of the Registry team, specialising in advising bishops, bishop’s staff, diocesan staff, clergy and church officers about the law as it affects the Church of England at every level. He has a particular interest in safeguarding and clergy discipline, and is available to advise and represent respondents to clergy discipline complaints.

The Registry work is exceptionally varied and includes the church faculty jurisdiction governing changes and additions to consecrated church buildings, safeguarding, clergy discipline, parish administration and governance, church conveyancing, clergy licences, charity and trust advice. We are involved in supporting and setting direction in pastoral difficulties, reorganisations, and resolution of all sorts of problems, large and small. We are a resource largely paid for and provided by the dioceses for use by clergy and laity for advice on legal matters arising in relation to the parish, or wider afield within the dioceses. No two days are the same but our focus is always on support of the ministry and mission of the Bishops and diocesan staff, clergy and laity within the Church of England.

Out of the office, Gavin is married to Hazel and they have three boys. He enjoys walking by the sea near their home on the south coast.