What is Common Tenure The Ecclesiastical Offices

What is Common Tenure?

The Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Measure received Royal Assent in April 2009 It introduced a new way of holding an ecclesiastical office called Common Tenure

Why do we need Common Tenure? • • Better ongoing support for officeholders Security for the vulnerable Shared accountability Getting in line with employment legislation

What will Common Tenure require? 1. Description of the particular office 2. Handbook 3. Regular ministerial review 4. Engagement in continuing development 5. Capability and grievance procedures 6. Appointments & Role Descriptions

1. Description of the particular office Statement of particulars include but are not limited to: - -Appointment and office -Termination of appointment -Stipends, grants and other benefits -Parochial and other fees -Expenses -Housing -Rest periods /annual leave / time off -Sickness -Pension

2. Clergy Terms of Service Handbook Accompanies your Statement of Particulars - Appointment and office Termination of appointment Stipends, grants and other benefits Parochial and other fees Expenses Housing MDR and CME Rest periods /annual leave / time off Sickness Pension Capability and grievance procedures Dignity at Work Informal Support or Conversation

3. Regular Ministerial Review An opportunity to review your ministry in a supportive setting • Celebrating success • Sharing difficulties • Listening to others • Trying different things • Seeing the way ahead

4. Engaging in Continuing Education Establishing a culture of life long learning • Growing stronger • Responding to vocation • Equipping for change • Maintaining confidence

5. Capability and grievance procedures Procedures that are fair, clear and well understood • When things go wrong • Talking and praying • A fair and clear framework • Encouraging reconciliation • Fostering recovery

6. Appointments and Role descriptions • Best practice in appointments • Role Descriptions for all clergy on common tenure

Timeline • Draft statement of particulars (SOP) sent out by 30 th October • Clergy to return SOP by 30 th November • Final SOP and Handbook sent to all clergy automatically transferring in January 2011 • Clergy to confirm receipt by end February 2011 • Bishop James to write to all those on Freehold inviting them to move to Common Tenure from March 2011 onwards

Incumbents – current Incumbents on Common Tenure The Canons Apply Capability Procedure Does not apply Applies Clergy Discipline Measure Applies Continuing Ministerial Education No legal requirement to participate Bishop has duty to ensure opportunities are afforded to participate in appropriate education or training. Office holders required to participate under Clergy Terms of Service Regulations where it is required by the Bishop following MDR Grievance Procedure Old procedure applies New procedure applies Ministerial Development Review (MDR) No legal requirement to participate Bishop has duty to set up and keep under review a scheme for MDR Office holders required to participate in MDR under Clergy Terms of Service Regulations Parsonage house Legal title vested in incumbent as corporation sole

Incumbents – current Incumbents on Common Tenure Removal from office Only following: a breakdown of pastoral relationships; after pastoral reorganisation; ill health; reaching retirement age disciplinary proceedings Only following: a decision to remove from office under the capability procedure after pastoral reorganisation; reaching retirement age disciplinary proceedings Severance Schedule 4 of the Pastoral Measure Sale of parsonage house An absolute veto over the sale of the parsonage house Statement of rights and responsibilities No Statement of particulars has to be provided within one month of starting the post Right to a minimum stipend No Yes – full time stipendiary clergy must be paid at least the National Minimum Stipend Right to specified time off Not stated A minimum of 36 days’ annual leave and one day off per week Unfair dismissal No right of appeal Right to appeal to Employment Tribunal if removed from office following capability procedure

Find out more at www. commontenure. org Or speak to: - Mrs Ali Ng – HR Adviser