John Simmons

John Simmons is a former Canford parent, John ran the Dorset office of accountants Smith & Williamson until 1995, when he changed careers, setting up on his own to provide strategic advice to charities, and chair two local businesses. One of these was in the bakery trade in Salisbury, and the other in the leisure industry. During his time with Smith & Williamson, he advised a number of private schools and has governed several west country schools. He was ordained as a priest in the workplace in 1990, whilst still practicing as an accountant, and brings together experience in business with ecclesiastical training. He was Rural Dean of the Milton & Blandford Deanery of Salisbury Diocese until 2016. Since then he has become involved with the Diocese in its partnership with the Anglican Church in Sudan and South Sudan.