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 -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 Statement of particulars include but are not limited to:-

2. Clergy Terms of Service Handbook - 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 Accompanies your Statement of Particulars

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

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

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

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 – currentIncumbents on Common Tenure The CanonsApply Capability ProcedureDoes not applyApplies 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 appliesNew 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 houseLegal title vested in incumbent as corporation sole

Incumbents – currentIncumbents on Common Tenure Removal from officeOnly 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 SeveranceSchedule 4 of the Pastoral Measure Sale of parsonage house An absolute veto over the sale of the parsonage house Statement of rights and responsibilities NoStatement of particulars has to be provided within one month of starting the post Right to a minimum stipend NoYes – full time stipendiary clergy must be paid at least the National Minimum Stipend Right to specified time off Not statedA minimum of 36 days’ annual leave and one day off per week Unfair dismissalNo right of appealRight to appeal to Employment Tribunal if removed from office following capability procedure

Find out more at Or speak to:- Mrs Ali Ng – HR Adviser