Human Resources
The Clergy Handbook provides advice and guidance to working arrangements for all clergy holding the Bishop's licence, although some sections will specifically apply to those on Common Tenure. It is a useful resource for all authorised ministers, ordained or lay, bringing together advice and guidance on working arrangements along with various regulations, policies and practices. The Clergy Handbook is a working document, with an annual review of all contents.
Links for Clergy and stipendiary Licensed Lay Workers.
Further information on common tenure can be found in the national Church of England FAQs.
The Clergy Transitions Service is a confidential, personal support service for those at a vocational crossroad or seeking fresh opportunities. This service is provided by the Church of England.
There’s also some helpful information in the Family Leave Policy guidance.
For further help and support in relation to clergy terms of office, Statements of Particulars (SOP) or any other HR related matter, please email the Clergy HR Team.
A guide to ministry with Permission to Officiate
Retired clergy and those approaching retirement
Two Area Retirement Officers (AROs), on behalf of the Bishop of Salisbury, have an overview of the pastoral care and support for around 600 retired clergy in this diocese. This includes both those who hold the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate (PTO) and those who are no longer involved in formal ministry, those who have been in stipendiary ministry and those who have been self-supporting.
The AROs work closely with the Deanery Retirement Officers (DROs) for each deanery, who are appointed locally in conjunction with the rural dean. Typically, the DROs monitor the well-being of retired colleagues in their deanery, arranging social events and sometimes discussions on matters of common interest, keeping in touch in times of serious illness or family concerns.
DROs communicate with their ARO when retired clergy move into or away from their deanery, at times of bereavement, or when there are concerns relating to housing, clergy pensions, or ministry issues. Some deaneries have someone else who organises events for retired clergy.
The AROs also work with the Widows’ Officers in each archdeaconry, who are able to give practical and pastoral support to partners when clergy die. The AROs attend clergy funerals on behalf of the Bishop of Salisbury and, together with the Widows’ Officers and DROs, maintain contact with the bishops’ and area offices in order to support the administrative processes required when circumstances change.
The role of the Clergy Retirement Officer is to:
The diocese has also signed the Armed Forces Covenant to support veterans. You can also find a variety of Grants which can assist you.
Contact the Area Retirement Officers
The Revd Canon John WoodFor Dorset |
VacantFor Sherborne |