Every year, we support parishes to submit key data to the National Church Research and Statistics department in three areas: Statistics for Mission, Finance Statistics and the Energy Footprint.
Completing the Statistics for Mission return is especially important, as it includes the parish’s Worshipping Community figure. This figure is used to help calculate Parish Share, so it is important that the PCC reviews and agrees the information before it is submitted.
How your information is used
In your parish
Your data feeds into the Parish Dashboard, helping parishes reflect on trends, support mission planning and strengthen funding or grant applications.
Across the Diocese
Parish Returns help the diocesan team identify where support, training or investment may be most helpful and where new mission opportunities are emerging.
Nationally
At national level, parish data builds a shared picture of church life across the country, supporting learning, strategy and long-term planning. You can find out more about how data is used on the Church of England’s Data Services website, Church of England Data Services.
What you need to do
Parish Returns are usually completed by churchwardens, treasurers, PCC secretaries, administrators or clergy.
Submission deadlines (for the previous calendar year)
- Statistics for Mission: 31 January
- Finance Return: 30 June
- Energy Footprint Tool: 30 June
How to submit
Online (recommended)
Use the Parish Returns Portal, where you can:
- Save progress and return later
- Access built-in guidance
- Check for common errors
- View and download previous years’ data
This user guide provides detailed information on how to use the system
Alternative options
If you cannot use the portal, you can:
- Submit a digital form by email (Download the form(s))
- Complete and return a paper form
- Complete your return by phone with support
Help and support
If you need help with access, passwords or completing your return, the Parish Support team is here to help:
Email: parishsupport@salisbury.anglican.org
Telephone: 01722 411922
Statistics for Mission 2025
Submission deadline: 31 January 2026
Statistics for mission matter – not because numbers matter for their own sake, but because every number represents a person, a story and our shared mission to Make Jesus Known. The statistics for mission 2025 return covers 1 January – 31 December.
Why statistics for mission matter
Statistics for mission help your parish, the Diocese and the national Church understand what is happening on the ground. By submitting your annual figures, you help build a clear, accurate picture of:
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Attendance at services
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The size and makeup of our worshipping community
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Trends in mission, growth and local needs
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Baptisms, weddings and funerals
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Community engagement
This information is used to support parish planning, deanery strategies, diocesan investment, mission development and even grant applications. If a parish does not send in its data, the national Church will estimate figures, which means the picture may not reflect the reality in your parish. Submitting your real figures ensures your parish is accurately understood and properly supported.
What you need to do
There are three ways you can submit your statistics for mission.
Online
This is the easiest way to submit your figures. You do this through the Parish Returns Portal, Parish Returns Portal. If you need an account set up, or a reminder of either your login details or password, the Parish Support team is here to help:
Email: parishsupport@salisbury.anglican.org
Phone: 01722 411922
Digital or paper forms
If you are unable to use the Parish Returns Portal, you can also:
- Complete a digital copy of the form, which you can download here, and return it to the Parish Support team at parishsupport@salisbury.anglican.org
- Print out and complete a hard copy of the form and return it to the Parish Support team, Emmaus House, The Avenue, Wilton, Salisbury SP2 0FG. If you do not have access to a printer, please contact parishsupport@salisbury.anglican.org with your details and the team will post a copy to you
By phone
The Parish Support team can help complete your return over the phone. Please call them on 01722 411922.
If you have any questions about completing your statistics for mission return, please contact the Parish Support team. We are here to help.