DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

33
YORK DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK Revision 1.0.3 April 2013

Transcript of DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

Page 1: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

YORK DIOCESANCLERGY

HANDBOOK

Revision 1.0.3 April 2013

Page 2: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

2

CONTENTS

1. Introduction......................................................................................................................52. Common Tenure................................................................................................................5

2.1 Freehold......................................................................................................................52.2 Common Tenure .........................................................................................................62.3 Qualified Common Tenure .........................................................................................62.4 Clergy Not Covered By Common Tenure....................................................................6

3. Statement of Particulars ...................................................................................................74 Role Descriptions...............................................................................................................75 Stipend ..............................................................................................................................86 Augmentation of Stipends ................................................................................................87 Allowances ........................................................................................................................98. Grants ................................................................................................................................9

8.1 First Appointment Grant.............................................................................................98.2 First Incumbency Grant ..............................................................................................98.3 Removal Grants and Expenses....................................................................................98.4 Continuing Ministerial Development Grant .............................................................108.5 Other Grants & Benefits ...........................................................................................10

9. Parochial Fees..................................................................................................................1010. Expenses ......................................................................................................................1111. Termination of Appointment......................................................................................11

11.1 Full Common Tenure................................................................................................1111.2 Qualified Common Tenure .......................................................................................12

12. Housing ........................................................................................................................1212.1 Incumbents ...............................................................................................................1212.2 Other Clergy..............................................................................................................1212.3 Vacating the Premises ..............................................................................................1312.4 Removals...................................................................................................................1312.5 Housing Allowances..................................................................................................1312.6 Guidance on Housing................................................................................................13

13. Ministerial Development Review ................................................................................1314. Continuing Ministerial Development ..........................................................................14

14.1 Aims for Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD)..............................................1514.2 Expectations..............................................................................................................1514.3 Current CMD Programme.........................................................................................1514.4 CMD Grants...............................................................................................................1514.5 Extended Study Leave/Sabbatical.............................................................................15

15. Well-Being ...................................................................................................................1616. Annual Leave ...............................................................................................................1617. Rest Period...................................................................................................................1718 Special Leave ...............................................................................................................1719. Entitlement to Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay..............................17

19.1 Maternity Pay ...........................................................................................................1819.2 Paternity Pay.............................................................................................................1919.3 Adoption Pay.............................................................................................................19

20. Entitlement to Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Parental Leave...........................2021 Time off for dependants..............................................................................................2222. Time off for public duties ............................................................................................22

Page 3: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

3

23. Jury Duty......................................................................................................................2324 Sickness........................................................................................................................23

24.1 Cover for Sickness.....................................................................................................2324.2 Sickness Payments ....................................................................................................23

25. Pension ........................................................................................................................2426. Retirement Housing.....................................................................................................2627. Disciplinary Measures..................................................................................................2628. Capability Procedure ...................................................................................................2629. Grievance Procedure ...................................................................................................2630. Pastoral Care................................................................................................................2731 Spiritual Direction........................................................................................................2732. Grants ..........................................................................................................................2733. Holiday & Retreat Accommodation.............................................................................2834. Other Guidance and Policies .......................................................................................28Appendix 1: Fees for Casual Duty...........................................................................................29Appendix 2: Charities who can support clergy and their families..........................................31

Page 4: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

4

Page 5: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

5

1. Introduction

At the end of January 2011, significant changes occurred in the way in which clergy holdoffice in the Church of England. These changes were the result of a number of years ofcareful deliberation concerning the way to deal appropriately with the issues that havedeveloped from the increased level of legislation in the secular world, which affects theemployment of individuals and groups.

The handbook contains both new information and existing information which has beenbrought together to form one document. The document is set out on the Diocesan websiteand has links that enables other Diocesan and national documentation to be easilyaccessible.

The handbook contains a range of matters that apply to all clergy and that are not directlylinked to clergy terms of service. Although not all sections apply to all clergy many sectionswill apply to both stipendiary and non-stipendiary or self-supporting clergy.

Clergy who hold office under Common Tenure are entitled to a written Statement ofParticulars that sets out the obligations and rights of office holders conferred by theEcclesiastical Terms of Service Measure and Regulations. This is supported by the DiocesanClergy Handbook which provides additional (more detailed) information.

This document will develop and change over time as new policies are introduced andfurther information of interest and help to clergy becomes available. You are encouraged tocheck on the Diocesan website for the current version.

http://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/diocesan-info/help-for-clergy/common-tenure/

It should be noted that neither the Statement of Particulars nor the Diocesan ClergyHandbook constitutes a contract of employment.

2. Common Tenure

Over the years, it has become apparent that the process for holding office that exists in theChurch of England no longer sits comfortably with the process of employment. Therefore,the church has sought to maintain the system of office holding which is valued by bothclergy and laity in the church while allowing for the introduction of rights that areequivalent to those rights enshrined in employment law for those in secular occupations.

Common Tenure is the new form of office holding introduced by the Ecclesiastical Offices(Terms of Service) Measure 2009. This form of holding office applies to all those appointedto office after the implementation date of 31st January 2011. It also applies to those whoheld office prior to that date but did not have the freehold.

Those who held the freehold at the date of implementation were invited to transfer toCommon Tenure but were not obliged to do so.

This means that following the implementation of the Measure and Regulations the Churchof England has a variety of arrangements for tenure of office.

Clergy on freehold will be able to opt into Common Tenure at any point following theimplementation date.

2.1 Freehold

The traditional method of holding office in the Church of England for incumbents.

Page 6: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

6

2.2 Common Tenure

The new method of holding office resulting from Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service)Measure 2009. Common Tenure applies to both stipendiary and non-stipendiary or self-supporting priests.

2.3 Qualified Common Tenure

Under regulation 29 some Common Tenure posts are on a fixed term or under terms whichprovide for the appointment to be terminated on the occurrence of a specific event andthis is known as Qualified Common Tenure. It occurs in situations where the post is

created to cover the absence of another office holder

held by a member of clergy over the age of 70

a training post

probationary

subject to all or part of the remuneration package being funded by a 3rd party(other than the Church Commissioners, a cathedral or a PCC)

under Bishop’s Mission Order

held with another office or employment

subject to limited leave to remain

a post designated as a Locally Supported Ministry Post*

*A post may only be designated as a Locally Supported Ministry Post if

It is held by an assistant curate who is not in sole or principal charge of theparish in which he or she serves;

The PCC has entered into a legally binding agreement with the DBF to meet allthe costs, including stipend, expenses, pension and housing;

The office holder, Bishop and PCC have all given their consent in writing.

Under regulation 30, an office may be designated as subject to potential pastoralreorganisation and the Statement of Particulars must contain a declaration of thisdesignation. Should the office cease to exist compensation will be based on the loss of oneyear’s service.

2.4 Clergy Not Covered By Common Tenure

2.4.1 Those with permission to officiate (PTO)

2.4.2 Non-stipendiary Readers, Deaconesses and Lay Workers

2.4.3 Honorary Canons

Page 7: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

7

2.4.4 Employed Clergy

There are some posts that are likely to be classed as employment when consideredunder the legislation and therefore these posts are held on contracts ofemployment and not common tenure.

These include

Post Employer

Diocesan Roles such as :Director of Training, Mission & MinistryDiocesan Advisor in VocationsChildren’s Work Advisor

DBF

Archbishop’s Chaplain Archbishop (in his corporatecapacity)

Hospital, university, school chaplains Institution or DBF

Clergy paid by the parish Parish

N.B. These posts may have different terms and conditions to clergy who hold officeunder common tenure.

3. Statement of Particulars

3.1. The Statement of Particulars (SOP) is a factual statement of the basic terms andconditions of service that apply to the office holder of a particular office.

3.2. Under the Ecclesiastical (Terms of Service) Regulations 2009 the Diocesan Bishop isrequired to nominate officer(s) to prepare the Statement of Particulars. Thenominated officer for this Diocese is Canon Peter Warry, the Diocesan Secretary.

3.3. All clergy on Common Tenure will be issued a Statement of Particulars within onemonth of the date from which the office holder took up office or moved ontoCommon Tenure.

3.4 The information that must be provided in the Statement of Particulars is set out inthe Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations 2009. Further informationcan be found on the Common Tenure website – www.commontenure.org

4 Role Descriptions

4.1 A role description is not mandatory under the Terms of Service legislation but itmakes sense and is good practice in the context of making appointments,Ministerial Development Review (MDR), grievance and capability.

4.2 This Diocese will be introducing role descriptions in parallel with the MDR cycle.Clergy will be involved in the production of their own initial role descriptionsthrough a series of workshops. These will then be refined through the MDRprocess.

Page 8: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

8

4.3 Eventually role descriptions will be revised when there is a vacancy. It will also begood practice for the new incumbent to review it with the Archdeacon after about 6months in office.

4.4 In addition to the to the role description there are a number of other sources whichdefine the role of the priest.

4.4.1 The Ordinal which describes the role of a priest in a number of differentways at ordination.

4.4.2 Canon Law sets out church legislation which governs the way a priest shouldcarry out their role.

4.4.3 The licence from the Bishop.

4.4.4 Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of Clergy is a more recentdocument, which provides guidance on acceptable conduct:Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy

4.4.5 Legislation of a more general nature that affects the role of the priest.

5 Stipend

5.1 Full time clergy receive an annual stipend of not less than the national minimumstipend or a stipend that together with any other income related to the office is notless than the national minimum stipend.

5.2 Part time clergy are entitled to a stipend that is determined in accordance with theDiocesan Stipend Policy.

5.3 The national minimum stipend is determined by the Archbishops’ Council anddetails of this together with other information about matters relating to the stipendcan be found at:http://www.churchofengland.org/clergy-office-holders/clergypay/your_stipend.

6 Augmentation of Stipends

It is the responsibility of the Diocesan Board of Finance to ensure that all incumbents’stipends are made up to the Diocesan Minimum Stipend for incumbents after taking intoaccount their income from the following:

a) Guaranteed Annuities and Personal Grants

b) Parochial giving direct for stipends (including contributions towards the costs ofheating, lighting and cleaning the parsonage house)

c) Easter Offering

d) Fees (both church fees and non-church fees)

e) Income from chaplaincies and public and educational appointments (after allowingfor agreed expenses properly incurred in earning this income)

f) Income from local trusts.

Page 9: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

9

The computation of income for augmentation purposes does not include:

a) Spare-time earning

b) Spouse’s earning

c) Private Income

d) Income from the informal letting of parsonages house rooms

e) Approved working expenses.

7 Allowances

The Diocese does not pay additional allowances to clergy, although additional expenses inrelation to non-parochial responsibilities (for example, Rural Dean or Diocesan Advisoryroles) will be met within budgets as agreed between the individual, the suffragan bishopand the Diocesan Secretary.

8. Grants

The Diocese pays the following grants to clergy:

8.1 First Appointment Grant

The Diocese pays a First Appointment Grant of £2,230 (at 01/04/13). This is paid toAssistant Curates, Deaconesses and Licensed Lay Ministers taking up their firstappointment and is towards the cost of robes, theological books and any otherequipment that they need for the new appointment.

8.2 First Incumbency Grant

The Diocese pays a First Incumbency Grant of £2,230 (at 01/04/13) . This istowards the cost of setting up home for the first time in a house of the sizenormally provided for an incumbent or post of equivalent status.

8.3 Removal Grants and Expenses

The Diocesan policy on removal expenses is the lowest of three quotes, to beobtained by the person taking up the appointment. Insurance is arranged withEcclesiastical where the clergy household insurance does not cover removals.

Whilst the Diocese will pay for packing and removal of standard household goods,this does not extend to large specialist items such as grand pianos.

The Diocese pays a an additional resettlement grant of £2,230 (at 01/04/13)towards the costs associated with setting up a new property. See below forassistance with decorating costs.

Page 10: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

10

8.4 Continuing Ministerial Development Grant

Grants for Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) are by application.

Guidelines on amounts available and the conditions governing grants can be foundat:http://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/uploads/attachment/424/cmd-grants-policy.doc.

8.5 Other Grants & Benefits

8.5.1 Decorating Materials:A grant of up to £200 is available from the Property Team at Diocesan Officetowards the cost of materials for decorating in the first year of occupancy. Grantsof up to £100 per annum thereafter are available towards the cost of decoratingmaterials. Details can be found in the Guidelines for Occupants of Parsonage andother Diocesan Properties, available at http://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/diocesan-info/help-for-clergy/common-tenure/.

8.5.2 Retirement:A grant of up to £500 is available towards the cost of removals on the retirement ofthe post holder.

8.5.3 Health Screening and Professional Counselling:Details of the services that can be funded by the Diocese are obtainable from theArchbishop’s Advisor in Pastoral Care (see Section 30).

8.5.4 Childcare Vouchers:Details of the scheme operated via Clergy Payroll whereby clergy can take childcarevouchers in lieu of stipend (with reduced statutory dedctions) can be accessed viathe following link.http://www.churchofengland.org/clergy-office-holders/clergypay/childcare.aspx

9. Parochial Fees

9.1 The current level of fees can be found athttp://www.churchofengland.org/weddings-baptisms-funerals/fees.aspx.

9.2 Following the implementation of the Ecclesiastical Fees (Amendment) Measure2011 clergy office holders are no longer entitled to receive fees personally. The onlyexception are those Incumbents who were in post prior to July 2011, had previouslyretained fees and who had registered their intention to continue retaining feesbefore December 31st 2011.

9.3 Clergy must report all fees received, arising from their office, to the DBF. Forms areprovided for this purpose and additional copies can be downloaded from theDiocesan website. If fees are not assigned then the amount received in fees will betaken into account in calculating the stipend that is to be paid.

9.4 No other clergy or readers are entitled to retain fees. They should be passed to theincumbent or forwarded to the DBF if the benefice is in vacancy.

Page 11: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

11

9.5 See Appendix I for the Diocesan policy in relation to fees paid to retired, formerlystipendiary clergy. Note that is not an entitlement to fees, but a policy that may bereviewed and amended in the light of changing legislation or national guidance. Thismay be downloaded from the website at:

http://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/diocesan-info/help-for-clergy/fees-for-duty/.

10. Expenses

10.1 The Central Stipends Authority’s annual recommendations for the level of stipendsare made on the basis that parochial expenses are reimbursed in full. If, therefore,clergy do not claim all their expenses, or their expenses are not fully reimbursed,they are receiving less than their full stipend. PCCs should be committed toreimbursing clergy expenses in full.

10.2 The Statement of Particulars for those on Common Tenure sets out the entitlementto be reimbursed for expenses reasonably incurred in connection with carrying outthe office. It also makes it clear that reimbursement is the responsibility of thePCC(s).

10.3 A booklet that gives guidelines to parochial clergy and PCC treasurers about thereimbursement of expenses is available from the Church of England website usingthis link:

http://www.churchofengland.org/clergy-office-holders/remuneration-and-conditions-of-service-committee/the-parochial-expenses-of-the-clergy.aspx.

10.4 The diocese recommends that the Inland Revenue rates for mileage be used. Therates for the current year including those for cycling can be found using this link:

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye/exb/a-z/m/mileage-expenses.htm.

11. Termination of Appointment

11.1 Full Common Tenure

The term of the office may only be terminated on the following grounds

11.1.1 Resignation

Clergy are required to give written notice of not less than 3 months toresign their office but this is variable by agreement with the DiocesanBishop.

11.1.2 Capability

The Diocesan Bishop is required to give written notice of not less than 3months to remove a member of clergy from office following a decision todo so under the capability procedure.

11.1.3 Discipline

A member of clergy can be removed from office following a finding of guiltunder the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963 or the Clergy DisciplineMeasure 2003.

11.1.4 Death

Page 12: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

12

11.1.5 Reaching retirement age

The office terminates when the office holder reaches the retirement agespecified in relation to the office in the Ecclesiastical Offices (Age Limit)Measure 1975 or the expiration of any period which the office holder ispermitted to remain in office after retirement age.

11.1.6 The office ceases to exist because of a pastoral scheme or order.

11.1.7 The office is designated as held in conjunction with another office oremployment which ceases to exist.

11.1.8 Where the office holder is a priest in charge and the vacancy ends.

11.2 Qualified Common Tenure

In addition to the reasons given in section 13.1 above Qualified Common Tenure may beterminated at the expiry of a fixed term.

11.2.1 Under Common Tenure a person may be appointed to office for a fixedterm or under terms which allow the office to be terminated on theoccurrence of a specified event. The circumstances under which thisQualified Common Tenure can be used are set out in paragraph 2.3 of thehandbook.

11.2.2 Where a Qualified Common Tenure post is terminable under specifiedcircumstances or is fixed term, the circumstances or end date of the fixedterm must be included in the statement of particulars.

11.2.3 For Qualified Common Tenure appointments the compensation for loss ofoffice is limited to a maximum of one year under schedule 4 of the PastoralMeasure.

12. Housing

The majority of stipendiary clergy are required to live in accommodation provided for thebetter performance of their duties.

12.1 Incumbents

Incumbents generally occupy the parsonage house owned by the benefice, unlessotherwise agreed by the Bishop. This is subject to the rights and duties set out inthe Repair of Benefice Buildings Measure 1972 and its code of practice.

12.2 Other Clergy

Every office holder other than an incumbent who receives a stipend is entitledunder the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Measure to be provided by therelevant housing provider with accommodation reasonably suitable for thepurpose. This is known as a ‘house of residence’. It is occupied for the betterperformance of the duties of the office holder. It does not create a relationship oflandlord and tenant between the relevant housing provider and the office holder.

Page 13: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

13

Details relating to the provision of housing and the duties and responsibilities ofthe housing provider and officer holder can be found at paragraphs 12-14 of theEcclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations. The Regulations can beaccessed at www.commontenure.org.

12.3 Vacating the Premises

Clergy are required to vacate the house within one month of vacating office orwithin such longer period as the housing provider may allow.

12.4 Removals

See section 8.3 for details of the Removal Grant.

Clergy will receive details of the procedure to be followed from Diocesan Officewhen formal notification has been given of the appointment. Until the welcomepack has been received, please direct any queries relating to removals and housingto the relevant Archdeacon.

12.5 Housing Allowances

The policy of the Diocese is that it does not pay housing allowances in lieu of theprovision of accommodation.

12.6 Guidance on Housing

Further detailed information on diocesan housing policies and procedures can befound in Guidelines for Occupants of Parsonage and other Diocesan Propertieswhich can be accessed online at: http://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/diocesan-info/help-for-clergy/housing/.

13. Ministerial Development Review

13.1 Under common tenure each Diocesan Bishop is required to provide a scheme forMinisterial Development Review and each office holder is required to co-operateand participate.

13.2 In providing a scheme, the Bishop has to have regard to Archbishops’ CouncilGuidance.

13.3 MDR is about having a guided discussion framed round the office holder’s ministry.It should allow reflection on the last two years and the opportunity to plan for thefuture.

13.4 The basis and purpose of Ministerial Development Review is best summarised byquoting from the Ministerial Development Review Interim Guidance booklet.

‘Ministerial Development Review is founded on the assumption that all officeholders are responsible to God for the ministry entrusted to them and that they areaccountable to the Church and to one another for the way in which it is exercised.Ministry is a gift and a trust for which each individual holds account.

Accountability is about preparedness to grow and develop on the basis ofexperience and the learning gained from it. It is also about how the work is done

Page 14: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

14

and how individual ministry can make a real difference. It is about affirmation andencouragement as well as challenge’.

13.5 Each Diocese is able to develop its own scheme which incorporates principles,which have been established nationally. It is important to develop a scheme thatreally supports clergy in the development of their ministry.

The national principles include

making it available to all

that it should be carried out not less than once every two years

reviewers to be appointed by the Bishop

should be one to one

it should include written feedback from a range of those who know about theperson’s ministry

it should result in objectives being set

it should be recorded.

13.6 The pattern of Ministerial Development Review in the Diocese of York consists ofan interview every two years between each priest and, alternately, the SuffraganBishop and the Archdeacon or another member of the Archbishop’s Staff. Theinterviews are set within the context of a pastoral relationship, and are bestructured according to a set of notes, based on themes drawn from the Ordinal.Following the interview, a mutually-agreed note is filed.

The pattern of review is the same for stipendiary and non-stipendiary clergy underretirement age, including the Archbishop’s Staff, although the general patternoperates in a slightly different way for those in title posts, reflecting the fact thatthe Church of England is in the final stages of devising a scheme of ongoingappraisal and review for those who are at that stage of public ministry.

In addition, there is an opportunity to follow up particular issues in the interveningyears between reviews.

Full details of the scheme can be accessed athttp://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/diocesan-info/help-for-clergy/ministerial-development-review/.

13.7 Although there is no requirement that those who remain on the freehold shouldtake part, the Diocese will continue to offer it to everyone.

14. Continuing Ministerial Development

Continuing Ministerial Development is about equipping and developing the church’sministers in order that they may stimulate and enable the whole church to participate morefully in the mission of God in the world. It involves fostering a culture of lifelong learningwhich applies to clergy, readers and licensed lay ministers.

Page 15: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

15

14.1 Aims for Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD).

14.1.1 To provide, resource and encourage professional development in ministry.

14.1.2 To help clergy to engage in dialogue with scripture and tradition and to develop theskills of theological reflection.

14.1.3 To assist clergy in understanding contemporary culture and how the gospel may berelated to the key issues.

14.1.4 To assist in developing a culture of life-long learning in the Diocese.

14.2 Expectations

The Archbishop expects that clergy, readers and other ministers will set asideregular time for study and for professional development in ministry and that fulltime ministers will undertake at least five days per year. Consideration ofcontinuing education and professional development is a key aspect of MinisterialDevelopment Review.

14.3 Current CMD Programme

Details of the current programme of CMD events are available from the ContinuingMinisterial Development Adviser or can be accessed on the diocesan website at:

http://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/diocesan-info/training/events/.

14.4 CMD Grants

Full details on grants in support of CMD can be accessed athttp://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/diocesan-info/training/cmd-grants/.

14.5 Extended Study Leave/Sabbatical

The opportunity to devote time to a period of study or a personal project, whichincludes rest completely free from parish duties can be an enriching and affirmingexperience. It need not necessarily be for a long period, though a month would bethe minimum for any real benefit. For some, it may only prove possible when aperson is between jobs, but it should be a period genuinely away from thedemands of day-to-day work.

At present clergy are encouraged to take a sabbatical of 3 months at a suitablepoint in their ministry. We have an aspiration of encouraging a sabbatical every 10years of ordained ministry, and we are working towards that. The full currentdetails can be accessed on the Diocesan website.

14.6 Further Information

If you wish to discuss any issues relating to clergy ministerial development, pleasecontact the Director of Training, Mission and Ministry, the CMD Adviser, or yourArchdeaconry Training Adviser; contact details can be found on the website.http://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/diocesan-info/training/people/.

Page 16: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

16

15. Well-Being

Clergy are encouraged to develop and maintain a good work-life balance. Ordainedministry is demanding – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. No priest can ever‘switch off’ his or her vocation and calling to serve Christ. However, periods of rest,refreshment and time off are important and should be taken.

The Revd Andrew De Smet, the Archbishop’s Advisor in Pastoral Care is available to providesupport (see Section 30).

http://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/diocesan-info/help-for-clergy/counselling-support/

16. Annual Leave

16.1 Clergy as officer holders are responsible for planning their working lives andensuring that sufficient time is allowed for holiday and rest. The Bishops andArchdeacons will support the clergy to achieve a proper balance.

16.2 Clergy are encouraged to discuss and coordinate their holiday plans and days offwith fellow clergy in the parish, team, cluster or chapter, and to plan holidayabsence well in advance so that proper provision for cover can be organised. It istheir responsibility to organise cover for periods of absence from the parish.

16.3 Clergy should ensure that the Rural Dean is informed of any absence from theparish.

16.4 Churchwardens and PCCs are encouraged to ensure that their clergy are takingtime off in accordance with this guidance, and to help make this possible.

16.5 Clergy are encouraged to take time for an annual retreat (maximum of six days andnot including a Sunday) and for CMD. This is in addition to the annual leaveentitlement.

16.6 Clergy wishing to take other time away from the parish (for example attending non-CMD conferences, leading parish weekends, participation in trips and visits) shoulddiscuss this with their churchwardens prior to making the arrangement.

16.7 Where there is any uncertainty about the appropriateness of clergy having timeaway from the parish this should be resolved with the involvement of the RuralDean in the first instance.

16.8 Clergy on Common Tenure

16.8.1 Full time clergy on Common Tenure are entitled to take 36 days (6 workingweeks) annual leave in each leave year. This includes leave traditionallytaken after Christmas and Easter.

16.8.2 The leave entitlement for part time clergy is calculated pro rata based on asix-day working week. This is set out in the Statement of Particulars.

16.8.3 The leave year begins on 1st January each year. Clergy appointed part waythrough a leave year are entitled to take a pro rata amount of annual leave.

16.8.4 In addition full time clergy are entitled to the following bank holidays:

New Years DayEaster MondayMay Bank Holiday Monday

Page 17: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

17

Spring Bank Holiday MondayAugust Bank Holiday MondayBoxing DayPlus a day off in lieu for Christmas Day and Good Friday.

16.8.5 Clergy may not take annual leave on the following days:

More than 6 Sundays in a yearAny of the principal feasts of the Church of England as set out in Canon B6paragraph 2Ash WednesdayGood Friday.

16.9 Clergy on Freehold

For clergy on freehold holiday arrangements continue as before Common Tenurewas introduced. Information can be found in the Advice and Resources for ClergyHouseholds booklet.

17. Rest Period

17.1 Clergy on Common Tenure are entitled to a minimum rest period of 24 hourswithin any 7 days. Although this is not an entitlement for clergy on freehold, it isthe policy of the Diocese to encourage all clergy to take this rest period.

17.2 Rest days must not be taken on

A SundayAny of the principal feasts of the Church of England as set out in Canon B6paragraph 2Ash WednesdayGood Friday.

17.3 Clergy are often required to work evenings and long, unsociable hours. They aretherefore encouraged to take reasonable breaks within the working day.

18 Special Leave

Special leave is usually granted on compassionate grounds. It is subject to the Archbishop’sdiscretion and should be applied for by contacting the appropriate Suffragan Bishop.

19. Entitlement to Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay

Stipendiary office holders are entitled to statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay inthe same way as employees, by virtue of their payment of National Insurancecontributions. This applies to office holders on freehold and common tenure.

Page 18: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

18

19.1 Maternity Pay

19.1.1 Statutory Maternity Pay

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is payable for 39 weeks, at two differentrates

• for the first 6 weeks, 90% of normal weekly earnings

• for the remaining 33 weeks £128.73 per week or 90% of normal weeklyearnings, whichever is the lower.

For a woman to be eligible for SMP, the following conditions must besatisfied.

(a) She must have been continuously employed for at least 26 weeks atthe end of the Qualifying Week (the fifteenth week before theExpected Week of Childbirth (“EWC”). For office holders paid throughNCIs’ Clergy Payroll Services the number of weeks on the payroll is, inpractice, treated as continuous service for this purpose

(b) Her normal weekly earnings are at least the lower earnings limit (“LEL”)for National Insurance purposes (£102 from 6 April 2011)

(c) She must give at least 28 days’ notice (or as much notice as isreasonably practicable) of the date she intends SMP to start

(d) She must still be pregnant 11 weeks before the start of her EWC, orhave already given birth

(e) She must supply, no more than 3 weeks after the birth, a certificatefrom a midwife or doctor confirming the date of her EWC

(f) She must have ceased to work.

19.1.2 Diocesan Maternity Pay

Subject to the eligibility below, clergywomen and licensed lay workers whoexpress an intention to return to work and who have completed at leastone year’s service at the beginning of the 14th week before the ExpectedWeek of Childbirth (EWC), will receive 39 weeks’ paid maternity leave onfull stipend.

To qualify for Diocesan Maternity Pay it is necessary to

a) have one year’s continuous service at the beginning of the 14th weekbefore the EWC

b) be in paid service at the time maternity leave begins

c) stop work at the earliest after the start of the 11th week before theEWC

d) give notice to the Diocesan office in writing of the intention to takematernity leave before the end of the 15th week before the EWC. TheCommissioners’ Clergy Payments Department should then confirm thedate in writing, including the date when the clergywoman or licensedlay worker is expected to return to work. The clergywoman/licensed

Page 19: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

19

lay worker can change her mind about the dates but should give 8weeks’ notice of any changes, which should again be confirmed by theCommissioners’ Clergy Payments Department in writing

e) give an undertaking of the intention to return to work after the birth

f) be pregnant at the 11th week before the EWC, or have had the baby.

Women whose babies are stillborn, or who miscarry after the 24th week ofpregnancy, still qualify for the full scheme terms.

The payment of Diocesan Maternity Pay includes any entitlement to SMP.

19.2 Paternity Pay

19.2.1 Statutory Paternity Pay

Statutory Paternity Pay is paid during periods of statutory paternity leave(see paragraph 22.2 below) at the prescribed rate set by the Governmenteach tax year or 90% of the individual’s normal weekly earnings whicheveris the lower.

The eligibility conditions are

(a) the individual must have been continuously employed between theQualifying Week and the child’s birth

(b) the individual must have at least 26 weeks’ continuous service at theend of the Qualifying Week

(c) the individual is the father of the child or is married to, the civil partneror the partner of the child’s mother

(d) the individual has, or expects to have, responsibility for the child’supbringing or (if not the child’s biological father) expects to have mainresponsibility other than that of the mother for the child’s upbringing

(e) the individual’s absence is for the purpose of caring for the child, orsupporting the mother in her care of the child

(f) the individual must have had normal weekly earnings of at least the LELover the 8 weeks ending with the Qualifying Week

(g) the individual must have ceased to work.

19.2.2 Diocesan Paternity Pay

The Diocese will give 2 weeks’ paternity leave on full stipend, subject to thesame conditions and eligibility criteria as apply to Statutory Paternity Payand Leave set out above.

19.3 Adoption Pay

19.3.1 Statutory Adoption Pay

This mirrors SMP, except that the rate of pay is 39 weeks at the prescribedrate set by the Government each tax year or 90% of the individual’s normalweekly earnings whichever is the lower.

Page 20: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

20

The qualifications for statutory adoption pay are

(a) the individual must be the child’s adopter

(b) the individual must have continuous service for at least 26 week endingwith the week the adopter is notified of being matched with a child

(c) the individual must have agreed the date of placement with theadoption agency

(d) over the eight weeks ending with the date on which the adopter isnotified of the match, the individual must have had normal weeklyearnings of at least the LEL

(e) the individual must have ceased to work.

Within 7 days’ of being matched with a child, the adopter must notify theemployer of the expected date of placement and the date the individualintends the adoption leave to start.

19.3.2 Diocesan Adoption Pay

The Diocese will follow the CSA recommendations and give clergy andlicensed lay workers who intend to return to work up to 39 weeks’adoption leave on full pay, followed by a further period of unpaidadditional adoption leave, subject to the conditions and eligibility criteria.

Either partner may receive Adoption Pay, but not both. The other partnermay receive, if they have been continuously employed for the periodbetween the end of the week in which the adopter is notified of beingmatched and ending with the day on which the child is placed for adoptionand subject to eligibility conditions.

20. Entitlement to Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Parental Leave

20.1 Office holders do not have a corresponding entitlement to maternity, paternity,adoption and parental leave. The Archbishops’ Council in the exercise of itsfunction as Central Stipends Authority has made Directions for the grant ofmaternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave for those under common tenureas employees are entitled to under the Employment Rights Act 1996. The periodsand conditions of such leave are the same as for employees.

20.2 An office holder who exercises any entitlement to leave under the Directions shallin consultation with a responsible person or authority, use all reasonableendeavours to make arrangements for the duties of the office to be performed byanother person or persons during the period of leave.

20.3 Maternity Leave

In addition to paid maternity leave clergy women or licensed lay workers may wishto take an additional 13 weeks’ unpaid maternity leave after the end of the periodof paid maternity leave.

In accordance with the recommendation of the CSA the Diocese gives clergy andlicensed lay workers the right to return to work regardless of length of servicefollowing their maternity leave.

Page 21: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

21

20.4 Paternity Leave

The individual is entitled to a maximum of 2 weeks within 56 days after the birth,subject to the same qualifying conditions that apply to Statutory Paternity Pay andLeave.

20.5 Adoption Leave

In addition to paid adoption leave clergy or licensed lay workers may wish to takean additional 13 weeks’ unpaid adoption leave after the end of the period of paidadoption leave.

20.6. Parental Leave

20.6.1 The Diocese allows Clergy and licensed lay workers to take parental leave,subject to the same conditions and eligibility criteria as applied by statuteto employees.

20.6.2 The objective of Parental Leave is to enable employees with parentalresponsibility to have time off to spend time with and to look after a child,or to make arrangements for the child’s welfare.

20.6.3 Individuals are entitled to a maximum of 13 weeks unpaid leave (of whichup to 4 weeks may be taken in any one year) before the child’s 5th birthdayor the 5th anniversary of the child’s adoption. If the child is disabled, theentitlement is increased to a maximum of 18 weeks to be taken before thechild’s 18th birthday or the 18th anniversary of the child’s adoption.

20.6.4 Leave must normally be taken in blocks of one week or more, up to amaximum of four weeks in a year for each child. If less than a week weretaken at a time, under the statutory scheme, this would count as a wholeweek. However, parents of disabled children can take leave in blocks ormultiples of one day.

20.6.5 The eligibility conditions are as follows:

(a) the individual must have at least one year’s continuous service

(b) the individual must have, or expect to have, responsibility for the child

(c) the individual must have given at least 21 days’ notice of intention totake leave

and the employer must not have postponed the leave.

20.6.6 Leave may be postponed by the Diocese for up to six months from the daterequested where it is considered that an office holder’s absence would beunduly disruptive.

If, because of postponement, the period of Parental Leave falls after thechild’s 5th birthday, the employee is entitled to take leave after that date.

Leave cannot be postponed where an office holder gives notice to takeParental Leave immediately after the time a child is placed with the familyfor adoption or the birth of a child.

20.6.7 The Diocese has the right to request sight of evidence that the office holderis the parent of a child or has parental responsibility for the child.

Examples of what might be considered suitable evidence are:

Page 22: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

22

Information contained on the child’s birth certificate

Papers confirming a child’s adoption or the date of placement inadoption cases

In the case of a disabled child, the award of disability living allowancefor the child.

20.7 Pensionable Service

All unpaid Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Parental leave should bepensionable, and pension contributions should continue to be paid during thisperiod, as, under the present rules of the scheme, death in service payments canonly be made during pensionable leave.

21 Time off for dependants

21.1 An office holder may make a request to the Bishop to allow him or her to take timeoff work or make adjustments to the office to care for a dependant.

21.2 For the purpose of the right to time off, a dependant is defined as follows:

“A partner, child or parent of the employee, or someone who lives with the employeeas part of their family e.g. elderly aunt or grandparent”.

In cases of illness or injury, or where care arrangements break down, a dependantmay also be someone who reasonably relies on the employee for assistance. Thismay be where the employee is the primary carer or is the only person who can helpin an emergency.

21.3 The request should be made in writing.

21.4 The Bishop must consider the request and may agree to any adjustments or timeoff as they consider reasonable. There is no obligation to agree to the request.

21.5 The Bishop may impose conditions including an appropriate variation in stipend.

22. Time off for public duties

22.1 Office holders are entitled to reasonable time off for public duties. This does notinclude time off for activities that would normally be considered to be part of theoffice.

22.2 Public duties are defined as

(a) any work done for a public authority including membership of a court or atribunal, or for a charity within the meaning of the Charities Act 2006 or aregistered friendly society and

(b) and work done in connection with the activities of an independent trade unionrepresenting office holders of a description which includes the person inquestion.

22.3 In circumstances where there is compensation for loss of income when undertakingpublic duties, the office holder should claim from the appropriate body and notifythe Diocese so an appropriate reduction can be made to the stipend.

Page 23: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

23

23. Jury Duty

On receipt of notice of jury service, you should inform the Archdeacon andDiocesan Secretary.

You are expected to claim the attendance allowance and that allowance will then bededucted from your stipend.

24 Sickness

24.1 Cover for Sickness

In times of illness, office holders must use all reasonable endeavours to makearrangements for the duties of the office to be covered by another person. Inparochial posts where the individual is unable to do this the responsibility lies withthe churchwardens, in consultation with the Area Dean where necessary.

In cases of serious illness, please ensure the Archdeacon is informed as soon aspossible.

24.2 Sickness Payments

24.2.1 All stipendiary clergy are entitled to payment of statutory sick pay byvirtue of the payment of national insurance contributions.

24.2.2 In order to comply with the statutory requirements for statutory sick payyou must report your sickness absence to the Diocesan Secretary, thedesignated person for this purpose and comply with the Diocesanarrangements for sickness reporting.

24.2.3 Clergy are entitled to receive in full any stipend which is payable inrespect of their office if they are entitled to receive statutory sicknesspayments under part XI of the Social Security and Contributions andBenefits Act 1992(a)

24.2.4 Statutory sick pay (SSP) is payable for 28 weeks in respect of any oneperiod of incapacity for work. One period of incapacity can be linkedto another if they are separated by no more than 56 days. The linkedperiods constitute a single period for the purpose of calculating themaximum entitlement.

24.2.5 The payment of full stipend will include the entitlement to SSP.

24.2.6 If the sickness absence continues beyond the date when entitlementto SSP ceases, the continued payment of stipend will be at thediscretion of the Diocesan Bishop.

24.2.7 In cases where the payment continues, it shall be reviewed every threemonths in the light of the medical evidence available.

24.2.8 After 28 weeks of SSP, the office holder is entitled to claimEmployment and Support Allowance (ESA) directly from thegovernment. Office holders will be notified by the ChurchCommissioners, Clergy Payments Dept when SSP ceases and will be

Page 24: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

24

given information on how to claim ESA. The stipend will be reduced bythe amount of ESA received.

24.2.9 There is no entitlement to SSP during a phased return to work.

24.2.10 Where there is no prospect of the individual returning to work in thenear future and all reasonable efforts have been made to resolve thesituation, a decision may be taken by the Diocesan Bishop to ceasepayment of the stipend.

25. Pension

25.1 The service of stipendiary clergy is pensionable within the Clergy Pensions Scheme.

25.2 Non-stipendiary clergy are not covered by the Clergy Pensions Scheme.

25.3 If you retire at normal pensionable age and you have acquired full-timepensionable service in the Church of England, you will get a full pension which(from 1 April 2010 will be £13,486 pa plus a lump sum retirement benefit of£40,458). If, when you retire, you have less than full pensionable service, yourpension and lump sum will be reduced appropriately. Pensions are linked to thenational minimum stipend for incumbents and are reviewed annually by the Churchof England Pensions Board taking effect from 1 April.

25.4 Under the Ecclesiastical Office (Age Limit) Measure 1975 clergy automaticallyvacate office on the day they attain the age of 70 (if they have not voluntarilyretired earlier). With effect from 1 January 1992, all new entrants to the clergypensions’ scheme had a minimum normal pension age of 65. In 2010, clergypension arrangements were reviewed and from 1st January 2011 the retirementage will increase to 68. For further details of changes to the Pension scheme seethe Pensions Board webpage at http://www.churchofengland.org/clergy-office-holders/pensions-and-housing/pensions/ceps.aspx.

25.5 Clergy may retire earlier on a Clergy Pension within 5 years of normal retirementage.

25.6 Early retirement may also take place because of permanent ill health.

25.7 Additional Voluntary Pensions Contributions

It is possible to buy an increased pension by making additional voluntarycontributions for this purpose.

There is an approved supplementary pension scheme operating under the C of EPensions Measure. This scheme enables you to save regularly on a voluntary basis.You will obtain full income tax relief on the amounts you save at the highest rate oftax you pay on earned income and your savings will accumulate in fund free tax onincome and capital gains.

The benefits built up by your savings will eventually emerge at retirement as tax-free cash sum or a pension, which will be in addition to all other benefits you aregoing to receive. As substantial tax reliefs are available, the contributions andbenefits are subjected to certain limits set by the Inland Revenue.

Page 25: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

25

The scheme is administered by the Pension Board who also act as Trustee. Fordetails apply to:

The SecretaryThe Church of England Pensions Board29 Great Smith StreetLondonSW1P 3PS

25.8 Further details on the scheme can be obtained by accessing ‘Clergy Pensions – theFacts’ and ‘Your Pension Questions Answered Online’ using the link below.http://www.churchofengland.org/clergy-office-holders/pensions-and-housing/pensions/ceps/info/ypqaonline.aspx.

25.9 The Pensions Department is responsible for the administration of the schemes andcan be contacted as follows

e mail: [email protected]: 020 7898 1800Fax: 020 7898 1801

or by post at the address above (25.7)

25.10 From 1st January 2011 a number of changes to the scheme were implemented. Thechanges are summarised below.

The Clergy Scheme will be contracted into the State Second Pension Scheme(S2P). This means that clergy will receive S2P in addition to the Basic StatePension. The full pension from the Clergy Scheme will, in consequence, reducefrom two-thirds of National Minimum Stipend (NMS) to half of NMS for futureservice. This means members will thereby earn a smaller scheme pension but ahigher State pension for future service. This change will have a broadly neutraleffect on total pension entitlement from all sources.

The Archbishops’ Council, acting as the Central Stipends Authority, will adopt apolicy that the NMS will, in future, increase on average in line with annualchanges in the Retail Prices Index (RPI), subject to the need to review theposition if high levels of inflation establish themselves and also once the deficiton the pensions fund has been cleared.

The accrual period for future service from 1 January 2011 will be 41½ yearsrather than 40 years.

In the context of the wider ill-health proposals endorsed by Synod in February,the CEFPS rule has been amended, in particular so that, in future, standard ill-health retirement pension will be based upon years earned without reductionfor early payment plus a graduated enhancement calculated according tocompleted years of service.

Pension rights in relation to Civil Partners will be the same as for spouses.

Page 26: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

26

26. Retirement Housing

26.1 The Church’s Housing Assistance for the Retired ministry (CHARM) came intooperation in 1983 and the Pensions Board is able to assist beneficiaries withretirement accommodation through the Shared Ownership Scheme, with rentalproperties or in Supported Housing Schemes (formerly known as ResidentialHomes).

For details see http://www.churchofengland.org/clergy-office-holders/pensions-and-housing/housing.aspx.

26.2 The Pensions Board administers over 1000 properties which are available fromtime to time for letting to retired clergy or their widows/widowers who cannotafford, even with help of the pensions Board’s Equity Sharing Scheme, to buy ahouse if their own. Occupants are required to pay a Maintenance Contributionwhich is a restricted percentage of gross income. If occupants have exceptionallyhigh costs or low income, smaller contributions may be allowed at the discretion ofthe Board.

26.3 Details of the Equity Sharing Mortgage scheme are obtainable from the PensionsBoard. The Board can extend a loan on an equity-shared basis to all clergy normallyfrom 62 years of age – thus helping you to buy a house in advance of yourretirement. Lower age limits apply in certain cases: the Pensions Board will adviseon individual circumstances.

27. Disciplinary Measures

The disciplinary rules and procedures which apply to clergy on both freehold and commontenure are contained in the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963 and the ClergyDiscipline Measure 2003.

28. Capability Procedure

As part of Common Tenure, a procedure for dealing with capability issues has beenintroduced for those who hold office in this way.

Details of this procedure can be accessed at www.commontenure.org.

29. Grievance Procedure

Common Tenure also introduces a new procedure for dealing with the grievances of theclergy who hold office under the Measure.

Details of this procedure can be accessed at www.commontenure.org.

Page 27: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

27

30. Pastoral Care

To seek help at times of personal crisis and stress is a sign of strength not weakness.Moreover, for some people, skilled and professional help at an early stage can be the factorthat prevents a major breakdown with all the hurt and waste that that involves. Therefore,it is important that clergy and their partners should know where appropriate help isavailable.

The Revd Andrew De Smet, the Archbishop’s Advisor & Coordinator of Pastoral Care, is aBACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy) accredited counsellor and canoffer counselling (general, stress management, depression, anxiety, bereavement, spiritualissues), or a one off confidential space to talk something through. He can also offer shortterm supervision to reflect on difficult or challenging work or pastoral situations. Thisservice is available to clergy (including NSMs) their families, diocesan employees andreaders; strict confidentiality is kept.

He has access to external professional specialist counseling services which can usually befunded by the diocese. He can also advise on obtaining Health Screening, work consultancyand mentoring and provide support (as well as external contacts) for mediation.

Details of other agencies can be found in the “Advice and Resources for Clergy Households”booklet, obtainable from Andrew via [email protected] or on 01439 770760.

31 Spiritual Direction

For those looking for spiritual direction, the Revd Andrew De Smet is available to helppeople find somebody appropriate. The following people coordinate spiritual direction intheir respective Archdeaconry: Cleveland - the Revd Andrew de Smet (01439 770760) & theRev’d Adam Reed (01751 474858); East Riding – Revd David Jago (01482 443566); York - theRevd Dr Susan Collier (01904 706064). Please see above or the Diocesan Directory foradditional contact details.

32. Grants

Grants to assist clergy in a wide variety of circumstances are available from a number ofinstitutions. In applying for help, it is important to apply to those sources most likely togive help for your specific purpose and at the level you have in mind. A list of nationalcharities can be found at Appendix 2. Locally there are three key charities that can providefinancial assistance in case of financial need:

Lady Elizabeth Hastings Charity:Details from your Archdeacon. Grants offered for the relief of need including requests forfinancial assistance towards holidays

York Diocesan Ministers Relief Fund:Details from the Diocesan Secretary or your Archdeacon. Grants offered for the relief ofneed

East Riding Clergy Charity:Details from the Archdeacon of the East Riding. Limited funds available for clergy serving inthe East Riding

Page 28: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

28

Emily Wilson Barkworth Charity:Details from the Archdeacon of the East Riding. Limited funds available for evangelicalclergy of incumbent status, serving in the East Riding.

33. Holiday & Retreat Accommodation

Some charities will be prepared to help with holidays; the Church Army have someprovision; St Deiniol’s Residential Library are glad to welcome retired clergy for holiday andrefreshment at special rates. The friends of the Clergy Corporation offer holiday flats inEastbourne. See also www.oscar.org for information on holidays for Christian workers.

The ecumenical magazine ‘Retreats’ lists nation-wide retreat houses, as does the RetreatAssociation Web site. You can apply to your Archdeacon for financial assistance for retreatsor conferences.

The Quiet Garden Trust has several gardens in this area, some of which can be used forquiet days. Your Archdeacon or Andrew De Smet will give you details if you are interested,or go direct to the Quiet Garden Trust web site.

34. Other Guidance and Policies

The Diocese has other guidance, information and policies available on the diocesanwebsite. Useful links include:

http://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/diocesan-info/help-for-clergy/

http://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/diocesan-info/legal-matters/

http://www.dioceseofyork.org.uk/diocesan-info/help-for-pccs/

Page 29: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

29

Appendix 1:Guide to Fees for Casual Duty and Occasional OfficesThis appendix should be read in conjunction with the national Table of Parochial Fees(http://www.churchofengland.org/weddings-baptisms-funerals/fees.aspx).

Who can receive payment for officiating at Sunday or Weekday Services?Casual duty fees for Sunday or Weekday services are only due to retired clergy who wereformerly stipendiary. They are not due to any other ministers, stipendiary, house for duty, self-supporting or voluntary although they should be offered travelling expenses (see below).

The Archbishop assumes that most retired clergy would not expect to receive a fee for assistingin the benefice where they regularly worship and that should be considered the norm exceptduring a vacancy.

Who should pay the fee for casual duty?Casual duty fees and expenses for parishes in vacancy will be met by the diocese for SundayServices, Principal Feasts & other Principal Holy Days (listed in bold red type in CommonWorship pp1-16) and Harvest & Patronal Festivals. Only one payment will be due when twoservices follow from each other in the same church (e.g. baptism following a morning service).

In cases where there are well attended mid-week Eucharistic services, the Archdeacons mayauthorise claims to be submitted to the diocese, but this must be confirmed in writing by theArchdeacon. The Rural Dean should countersign all claims for payment before they aresubmitted to Diocesan House.

At all other times (e.g. to cover holiday absence) they are the responsibility of the PCC,although in situations of extended (i.e. in excess of 4 weeks) absence due to ill health, theArchdeacons may authorise claims to be submitted to the diocese

What about Readers?PCCs and Churchwardens are reminded that the use of Readers should be considered whenservices of Morning and Evening Prayer are being arranged, especially during vacancies.Readers may not take any fees personally, but should receive travel expenses from the Dioceseor PCC body as appropriate (see below).

Fees for Occasional Offices (Parochial Fees)People are required by law to pay for some services provided by the church and by clergy,including marriages and funerals. These payments are called parochial fees. The fees rates areprepared by Archbishops’ Council and approved by General Synod (usually increased annually).Parochial fees are composed of two elements: from 1 January 2013 these are ‘fee payabletowards the Diocesan Board of Finance’ (previously ‘fee payable towards stipend ofincumbent’) and ‘fee payable to parochial church council’.

The DBF recommends that the people paying the fee (e.g. marriage couple, undertaker) shouldbe encouraged to pay the total sum including both fee elements by cheque to the PCC. ThePCC treasurer should then make a monthly (quarterly for returns of £400 or less per quarter)payment by cheque or BACS for the total of the DBF’s fees (us less anything that was paid to aretired clergy person who might have taken the service ) to the DBF, together with theappropriate Return of Fees form.

Who may receive payment for officiating at occasional offices?A minister who conducts a wedding or funeral may receive payment (from the DBF) if and onlyif he or she is a retired priest, who, at some stage before retirement, had a stipendiary post (i.e.received a curate’s or incumbent’s stipend). The rate set in this diocese follows the national

Page 30: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

30

recommendation of the Archbishops’ Council and is equivalent to approximately 80% of theDBF fee.

Readers and non-stipendiary ministers may not keep any portion of the DBF’s fee: that is acondition of the licence that they hold. They may receive out-of-pocket travel expenses, butnot compensation for lost earnings. House-for-duty clergy may not normally keep fees, butsome individuals may have written permission from the bishop to retain them. Ask thearchdeacon or the bishop’s office for advice if you have any queries in relation to these points.

Under what circumstances may fees be waived?Under the new arrangements, there are no fees due for funerals of those under the age of 16.It continues to be the advice in this diocese that fees should be waived for all those under theage of 18.

The national guidance is that fees may be waived at the discretion of the incumbent or priest incharge for example in cases of clear financial hardship. (Retired clergy, curates, Readers etc donot have the authority to decide that fees should not be charged: in case of uncertainty pleaseconsult the archdeacon.) The incumbent may not waive fees generally – (s)he must be able topoint to something about the particular case that would justify waiving the fee, and beprepared to produce a justification if asked, as part of an audit trail. We recommend thatincumbents and churchwardens should make a written note of any waivers that have beenmade.

The DBF will expect confirmation that in those cases where the DBF fee has been waived, asimilar waiver has applied to the PCC fees. You should be aware that checks may be made by,or on behalf of the Archdeacons to ensure that proper records are being kept of all funerals andthe associated fees.

ExpensesThe payment of expenses is completely separate from the payment of fees. Any person takingoccasional offices should be fully reimbursed for their expenses by those requesting theservice.

Persons undertaking casual duties should also be fully reimbursed for their expenses. Theexpenses should be paid by the PCC or DBF following the same guidelines as set out above revacancies and illness. For your reference, the Diocese currently reimburses mileage at thefollowing rates which have also been adopted by many of our PCCs:

Type of vehicle Rate per mileCars and vans 45pMotorcycles 24pCycles 20p

Diocesan Payments for Casual Duty and Occasional Offices (at January 1 2013)

Sunday&WeekdayPublicWorship £25 No more than £50.00 to be claimed in respect ofcasualdutyonanyoneday.

Marriage £140

Funeralinchurch £70

…followedbyburialinchurchyard £8

…orcremation,orburialincemetery £21

Crematoriumonlyfuneral £110

Burialofcrematedremains £36

Page 31: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

31

Appendix 2:Charities who can support clergy and their families

Henry Smith’s CharityThe Director, The Henry Smith Charity, 124 Chancery Lane, London EC4A I BU –020 7320 6884 www.henrysmithcharity.org.uk.For the relief of poor, aged or sick members of the clergy and their spouses, widows, widowersand dependants. For further details, please call the Information Line on020 7320 6884.

The Friends of the Clergy CorporationThe Corporation of the Sons of the Clergywww.friendsoftheclergy.org.uk (web site gives information about both charities)FOCC – Holidays, Primary school clothing, Retirement, Infant, adult and clerical clothing,Hospital visiting, Convalescence, Maintenance for children at universities/colleges.CSOC - Secondary school fees and clothing, School travel and trips of an educational nature,Musical instruments and lessons, Maintenance for dependent children of single parent families,Book grants for ordinands.If your need falls into one charity’s listed area, please contact that charity only. Otherwiseplease contact either the Registrar of the CSOC (020 7799 3696 [email protected]) or the Secretary of the FOCC (020 7222 2288 [email protected]) either of whom will be pleased to advise you.

Frances Ashton’s CharityMrs Barbara Davis, The Receiver, Frances Ashton's Charity, CAF, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent,ME19 4TA – 01732 520081.Provides grants of variable amounts for needy clergy of the Church of England, serving orretired, and the widows or widowers of such clergy. Completed applications are required by 1June for the annual distribution in September.

Foundation of Edward StoreyStorey’s House, Mount Pleasant, Cambridge CB3 OBZ – 01223 364405 –[email protected] clergy widow branch gives financial help and limited accommodation for women who are:1. Widows of clergymen of the Church of England2. Dependants of clergymen of the Church of England3. Women Deacons and Deaconesses of the Church of England4. Missionaries of the Church of England5. Other women closely involved in the work of the Church of England.

Society for the Relief of Poor Clergymenc/o CPAS, Athena Drive, Tachbrook Park, Warwick CV34 6NG – 01926 334242 –[email protected] 1788 to aid evangelical ministers and their dependants in times of financial distressdue to sickness, bereavement or other difficulties.

Page 32: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

32

Newton’s TrustChapter Office, 19a The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LD – 01543 306104 – [email protected]’s Trust is established to provide financial assistance to widows or unmarried daughtersof deceased clergymen and to divorced or separated wives of clergymen of the Church ofEngland. Applications are considered by the grants committee appointed by the Trustees, andone-time cash grants are made at their discretion.

The English Clergy AssociationAlmoner: The Revd J. Charles Stallard MA, Greengates, Cae Melyn, Aberystwyth SY23 2HA01970 624269 – www.clergyassoc.co.uk.Holiday grants are given, in many cases of a sufficient size to make a significantly helpfulcontribution to clergy (and their family’s) enjoyment of human life.

Queen Victoria Clergy Fund020 7898 1310Assisting (through the Dioceses) Church of England clergy in financial need.

The Buttle TrustAudley House, 13 Palace Street, London SW1E 5HS – 020 7828 7311 –[email protected] support grants – for an item or service which is critical to the well being of the child.School fees grants – to help meet the costs of schooling for children with acute needs thatcannot in practice be met with the state education system or where there is a strong need forthe child to be found a place in a boarding school.Grants for students and trainees – to provide assistance with the acquisition of academic,trade, professional or vocational qualifications to young people facing severe social, emotionalor health problems.

Tranquillity HouseThe Grant Secretary: Mrs Ridgeway, Tranquillity House Trustees, 9 Merrivale View Road,Dousland, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6NS.The Tranquillity House Trust is a grant-making charity whose particular function is to assisttowards the cost of holidays for clergy, and in the making of awards it is required to haveparticular regard to those clergy who are for any reason in need. Nominations are made by theBishop.

Dr George Richards’ CharitySecretary: Dr P D Simmons, 98 Thomas More House, Barbican, London EC2Y 8BU– 020 7588 5583 – [email protected] assistance for Anglican clergy retired early through ill health; also widowers anddependent children. A 2-sided A4 application form needs to be completed. Trustees meet inJune and November.

Page 33: DIOCESAN CLERGY HANDBOOK - Diocese of York

33

The Women’s Continuing Ministerial Education Trustc/o The Director, Ministry Division, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3NZ.The object of the WCMET is to further the Continuing Ministerial Education of women in theChurch of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church by means of grants to ordained women,female Accredited Lay Workers (including Church Army sisters) and religious sisters (lay orordained) who, in the opinion of the Trustees, are in need of financial assistance.The Trustees’ policy is to assist their work and professional ministry in areas that go beyondnormal diocesan financial responsibilities or where normal diocesan resources are insufficient,for example in-service training, academic study, sabbaticals and travel.Applications should be made on the form provided. Applications will normally be consideredquarterly, at the end of: March, June, September and December.

Rustat Grants at SchoolsThe Dean, Jesus College, Cambridge CB5 8BL – 01223 339421.The Trustees give assistance to needy clergy whose children are being educated in maintainedschools. Although any deserving cases will be considered, they would particularly like to helpclergy below the status of incumbent with children at school. Applications have to be approvedand signed by the diocesan authorities, and should include a financial statement and details ofchildren’s ages and schools.The Trustees are also able to provide bursaries for clergy children who gain a place to study atJesus College. The intention is to attract good applicants from clergy families, and tosupplement the successful candidates’ maintenance awards, reducing the need to take outstudent loans.

Pyncombe CharitySecretary: Mrs Kate Jonas, 2 Priory Cottage, Crowcombe, Taunton, Somerset TA4 4AD01984 618665 – [email protected] of about £10,000 applied to assist needy serving clergymen in financial difficulties dueto illness or other special circumstances within the family. Applications to be made through theDiocesan bishop.

The St George’s TrustSecretary: Mrs Carol Fen, 7 Brookside, Hornchurch RM11 7RR.Make grants for purposes that encourage the Anglican Communion. Trustees are keen tosupport sabbatical studies and in some cases gap year students wanting to work overseas.Trustees meet in March and September.