A Handbook for
Clergy and their familiesFOREWORD
This handbook has been compiled to help clergy and their families and we hope it will be useful to all members of clerical households. It is not intended to contain all that there is to know about the Diocese - the Diocesan Directory has other information - but we hope that it will be helpful, especially in times of change, stress or anxiety. Behind this handbook is a team of people who care about helping you whatever you need.
+ Stephen Dover
Housing Education Health Retirement Bereavement Other Matters Useful Telephone Numbers
HOUSING
The Diocese, through the Property Committee of the Board of Finance, is responsible for the provision and maintenance of all clergy homes, together with the payment of buildings insurance premiums and Council Tax for those houses. Please ensure that the Property Services Department are informed of the date when you are to move in.
Internal decorations, insurance of contents and TV aerials, and liability in respect of third parties, are the responsibility of the occupants.
Further details are included in the Housing Manual issued by the Property Services Department.
Insurance
The insurance of the contents of a house and the liability as occupier in respect of third party claims are the responsibility of the occupier. The Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1JZ, telephone 01452/528533 is one of many companies to provide such insurance cover and would send an application form upon request. This company already insures the structure of the house and using this company for your personal insurances will have the advantage of avoiding any potential disputes between different companies in the event of a major claim.
On Appointment
The Diocesan Surveyor values the opportunity to meet you at the house as soon as possible after the appointment has been announced.
Grants
A Re-decoration grant is available on application to the Diocesan Surveyor.
A Resettlement grant towards the cost of any necessary alterations to or purchase of furnishings and other expenses incidental to the move will be paid before the appointment begins. In addition, an Ordination grant will be paid prior to Ordination and, at the discretion of the Diocesan Director of Ordinands, payment of a First Appointment grant may be made. The amount of grant is reviewed annually and you will be advised of the current figures in your letter of appointment.
Removals Expenses
Canterbury diocese has entered into an agreement with Britannia Removals, who will act as the sole recommended removal firm for clergy moving into or within the diocese. After an initial survey, Britannia will send us a quotation for approval and once the move has been completed, we will arrange payment direct with the removal firm. (Britannia's freephone number is 0800 068 8504).
Th diocese has arranged insurance cover with the EIG during clergy moves up to the value of £50,000 or £5,000 per item. If this standard insurance cover is insufficient for your particular needs, or is not covered by your own household policy, additional top up cover can be arranged at your own expense. Please contact Rob Trice, the Diocesan Accountant (or Anne Iles) to arrange this additional cover at discount rates through the EIG.
Clergy are asked to check the details of their own household insurance as many policies cover household and personal effects during a move.
Internal Decorations of the House
In subsequent years, the cost of materials may be claimed by applying to the Director of Property Services.
Cooker
The provision of a cooking stove is your responsibility.
Central Heating
The annual service and testing of the heating installation is arranged by the Property Services Department.
Repairs
In an emergency (eg burst pipes, broken windows), contact your local builder, plumber etc but inform the Diocesan Surveyor as soon as possible and send him the account.
All other repairs and minor improvements, including any you or your spouse wish to undertake yourself, must first be referred to the Diocesan Surveyor.
Letting
You should NOT sub-let any part of the house under any circumstances nor should you run any kind of business (such as Bed and Breakfast) from the house without consulting your Archdeacon. These are areas which can produce very serious legal difficulties
Quinquennial Survey
The Diocesan Surveyor arranges for an inspection of the house every five years. He sends a copy of his report to the occupier and then arranges for essential repairs and external decorations to be carried out in the following year.
THE USE OF THE HOUSE AND GARDEN
The house and garden are yours and therefore central to your family life. Only you and your family decide the way they will be used. You must not feel pressured by how they have been used in the past.
WHEN YOU LEAVE
Passing on curtains, carpets etc to your successor is a private matter. Most fixtures in the house (eg curtain fittings) are the property of the Benefice or the Diocese.
It is your responsibility to leave the house empty and clean, and to see that all rubbish is cleared from the premises.
It would be helpful if you could report any defects in the house to the Diocesan Surveyor.
Please consult the Diocesan Surveyor before disconnecting any of the services - gas, electricity. Meters should be read on leaving and on moving in.
The PCC will be responsible for ensuring that the telephone number at the house is reserved for your successor and arranging for an account of calls to date and a refund on a rental to be made to you. If you are moving within the diocese, the PCC of your new parish will make the necessary arrangements for the telephone in your new home to be in service by the time you move.
In order that the Church Commissioners (and Crockfords) can be notified of your new appointment or resignation/retirement, please ensure that Mrs Anne Iles at Diocesan House knows in advance the date of removal and your new address.
If you move to another Diocese, that Diocese will be responsible for all removal expenses.
NON-PAROCHIAL STIPENDIARY CLERGY
These priests may be paid a stipend and provided with a house owned by the Diocese in which case the conditions would be as for clergy houses; alternatively, the clergy person will receive a housing allowance and the house is entirely his / her own responsibility.
NON-STIPENDIARY CLERGY
The Diocese has no responsibility for the housing of non-stipendiary clergy.
RETIRED CLERGY
If you are retiring from a post in the Diocese, financial help with moving costs may be available - please contact Rob Trice, the Diocesan Accountant, for further information.
EDUCATION
FINDING OUT ABOUT SCHOOLS IN THE AREA.
Information can be obtained from the Local Authority (offices listed). Local libraries often hold copies of the prospectuses of schools in the area. Each school will supply their own and most schools have their own web-site. The Diocesan Board of Education at Diocesan House will be happy to advise and assist.
Choice of a Maintained School
Remember that the education system in Kent is complex, with selective education existing alongside some comprehensive schools. If you are new to Kent and you have children of school age, you are encouraged to contact Mr Rupert Bristow, Diocesan Director of Education, for some pointers to the procedures for admissions, and whom to contact in schools or LEA.
Church Schools in the Diocese
The Diocese has many Church Primary Schools, both aided and controlled (a full list may be obtained from the Board of Education at Diocesan House or through the Diocesan web site (www.canterbury.anglican.org). There is a Church voluntary aided Middle School at Minster in Sheppey, two Foundation Church secondary schools (The Archbishop's School, Canterbury and St George's Foundation School, Broadstairs) and one voluntary aided High School, Christ Church, Ashford.
Independent Schools
There is a variety of independent schools in the Diocese, a number with Church Foundations. Some offer bursaries for clergy children. For further information write to the Independent Schools Council Information service (ISCIS), Grosvenor Gardens House, 35-37 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W OBS (tel: 020-7798-1500), consult the Diocesan Board of Education , or look in the Public Library for the Handbook of Grant Making Trusts and Charities. There are no diocesan funds available for private education.
Local Education Offices of the Kent County Council
East Kent Education Office
Clover House, John Wilson Business Park, Thanet Way, Whitstable CT5 3QZ
Tel: 01227 772992 Fax: 01227 772290Mid Kent Education Office
Kroner House, Eurogate Business Park, Ashford TN24 8XU
Tel: 01622 696717 Fax: 01233 642973Diocesan Director of Education
Mr Rupert Bristow, Diocesan House, Canterbury, CT1 1NQ
Tel: 01227 459401 Fax: 01227 450964
Email: rbristow@diocant.org
HEALTH
When you move into your new home, make sure you and your family register with a general practitioner. Your Area Dean, the clergy in neighbouring parishes or the churchwardens may be able to offer helpful advice about this.
WHEN YOU ARE ILL
Inform your incumbent and / or the Area Dean and the churchwardens. They will accept responsibility for covering your duties.
SICKNESS BENEFIT
If you are ill for more than three working days, a Self-Certificated Sick Leave Form should be completed and sent to the Accounts Department at Diocesan House who will inform the Church Commissioners on your behalf. (Copies of the form can be obtained from the Accounts Department).
If "Weekly Certificates" are obtained from the Doctor, they should be kept in a safe place. The DHSS will require them after the first twenty eight weeks of sickness.
First 28 Weeks
During this period, payment to other clergy for taking church services should be made by the PCC subject to you having met statutory requirements by sending certificates of sickness to the Church Commissioners, PCCs can be reimbursed by forwarding an itemised claim to the Diocesan Accountant.
After 28 Weeks
St Luke's is still continuing to serve the the clergy community through its network of Honorary Consultants. At present this network is mainly London based, except in the area of psychiatry and psychology where we do have a more local network. The Honorary Consultants operate very much as they always have and offer free consultations to all clergy patients, if treatment is required following the consultation this is either carried out at the Consultants NHS hospital, if appropriate, or it is referred back to the local NHS practice. Unfortunately St Luke's does not have enough funds to enable private treatment.
Referrals should be sent to the Medical Secretary, Room 201, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ. Grants may be available for you - consult your Archdeacon about this.ST LUKE'S HOSPITAL FOR THE CLERGY,
1 FITZROY SQUARE, LONDON, W1 6AH
EARLY RETIREMENT THROUGH ILL HEALTH
If a member of the clergy has to take early retirement, the Diocesan Secretary will advise about housing and pension, which will be based on the length of pensionable service. A minimum level of pension is set by the Pensions Board. If the entitlement is below this amount, it may be made up - in those circumstances, an approach should be made to the Diocesan Secretary.
RETIREMENT
The Open University offers a course on " Planning Retirement" and comments "Ten years ahead is not too soon to begin thinking about retirement". There are also locally arranged courses in some of the major towns of the Diocese, including a course at the University of Kent in Canterbury. Further information on pre-retirement courses / seminars can be obtained from the School of Continuing Education, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NX. Tel: 01227 764000. A Clergy Retirement Officer is available in each Archdeaconry who will be able to officer help and advice. Their names and addresses are given in the Diocesan Directory.
RETIREMENT
Full pension and a tax free lump sum are paid on reaching the age of 65 years, having completed 37 years of service. For shorter periods of service, above a minimum of 5 years, pension benefits are calculated in direct proportion to the length of pensionable service completed.
An application for a Pension must be made about a month before retirement. Pensions are non-contributory, but voluntary contributions can purchase additional benefits. This may be helpful to those unable to complete 37 years service. The Diocesan Secretary can also advise on the availability of trust funds.
RETIREMENT HOUSING
The present Pensions Board Scheme assures financial assistance where needed, for retirement housing appropriate to individual circumstances for all who receive a Church pension. There are two possibilities, either (i) an equity (value) sharing mortgage or (ii) rented property. The Pensions Board will advise which is the more appropriate scheme for you in the light of your capital and expected income.
BEREAVEMENT
No booklet or advice can reduce the shock of bereavement. However, some practical preparations can spare you and your family the bewilderment of trying to find documents, collect information and make decisions when least able to do so.
It is helpful to have a notebook or file in which is noted:-
- Where essential documents (such as wills, marriage and birth certificates, insurance records and policies) are kept.
- Who should be notified of the death.
- Special requests with regard to funeral arrangements
- Details of bank accounts
AT DEATH (IN WORK OR RETIREMENT)
The Area Dean should be informed immediately: he/she will inform the Bishop and the Archdeacon. The Diocesan Clergy Widows' Officers will also help with the practical matters of finance and housing. Their names and addresses can be found in the Diocesan Directory.
The Diocesan Office will inform the Church Commissioners and through them, the Church of England Pensions Board.
Should a member of the clergy die in office before attaining the age of 65 years, the Diocesan Board of Finance has a life insurance policy from which the Board will provide a lump sum payment (approximately three times an annual stipend) a few days after the death has occurred.
A widow/er will be entitled to two thirds of their spouse's pension entitlement at the time of his/her death. The Archdeacons can help with arranging this.
For information about pensions, you should consult the Pensions Board which may be able to assist you. Citizens Advice Bureaux can also help, and the DHSS will usually reply to specific enquiries.
FINDING A HOME
Inevitably any dependants have to leave the clergy house in due course.
Dependants have a legal right to remain in the house for three months and this period may be extended to give time to find a new home.
The housing of clergy widow/ers whose spouses die in office and who do not have the means to buy a house is the responsibility of the Pensions Board.
The Pensions Board offers a range of schemes whose purpose is to help clergy dependants to live in suitable accommodation of their own choice, either rented or with a mortgage. Discretionary grants from Diocesan House are available for special needs.
HELP AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN
The Clergy Orphans Corporation 57B Tufton Street, London SW1P 3QL
The Corporation of the Sons of the Clergy, 1 Dean Trench Street, London SW11 3HB
and
The Friends of the Clergy Corporation, 27 Medway Street, Westminster, London SW1P 2BD and other charitable bodies offer grants and help for many needs of children's education and training - see also 'Education'. If necessary, the Bishops, the Archdeacons and the Diocesan Secretary will provide assistance with this.
OTHER MATTERS
FINANCE
Parochial and non-parochial stipendiary staff are paid each month by the Church Commissioners.
Heating, lighting, cleaning and gardening expenses (including payments made to spouses) can be set against income tax assessments and this is done directly by the Church Commissioners after authorisation of the claim by the Diocesan Accountant.
Telephone, travel, secretarial, hospitality and other working expenses of parochial staff are negotiated with the PCC. If there are any difficulties about this, you should contact your Archdeacon.
Clergy are eligible to use the National Car Loan Scheme - details of this are available from the Diocesan Accountant,
In the Diocese, there are a number of charitable trusts founded to meet a variety of needs: those of widows and orphans, reduced circumstances, unforeseen expenditure through sudden illness, a need for holiday and convalescence. The Bishops, Archdeacons and the Diocesan Secretary have knowledge of these trusts and can help with applications
TIME OFF
The Bishops expect clergy to take one day off in every week and recommend that this day should be made known so that all but the most urgent calls may be avoided.
The desirable customary holiday each year is five full weeks including Sundays. These are often taken as three weeks in the summer with an additional week after Christmas and Easter but the spread throughout the year is a matter for personal decision. In addition to this, time should be allowed for In-Service Training courses, conferences and retreats. The Bishops have access to funds from which holiday grants can be made for those in need, and clergy should not feel embarrassed in approaching them
TIME FOR A CHANGE
Family circumstances are always taken into account when a move from one parish to another in under consideration. Clergy are free to approach the Bishops if they feel that the time has come for them to move to a new ministry. They may also approach the Clergy Appointments Adviser, Cowley House, 9 Little College Street, London SW1P 3SH (tel: 020-7898-1898). The Adviser produces a list of vacancies for incumbencies, team posts, assistant curacies and specialised ministries which is available free of charge.
FOR YOUR FURTHER SUPPORT
Groups for the spouses of clergy exist in the Diocese and the Bishop of Dover will be able to put you in touch with such a group. These groups can be an antidote to feelings of isolation, as well as an introduction to some who may become good friends.
The Bishop of Dover has sent out to all clergy and their spouses and to all licensed lay workers, a list of names, addresses and telephone numbers of qualified and experienced counsellors who may be consulted in total confidence regarding stress, personal difficulties and marriage or family problems. This letter also goes to all new clergy coming into the Diocese, as well as to the newly ordained. The Diocesan Consultant in Care and Counselling is Mrs Janet King, who can be consulted for further information. Janet King's address and telephone number can be found in the Diocesan Directory (page 17). The Bishop and Archdeacons are available and willing to help, but they recognise that circumstances can arise when it is easier to talk to someone who does not hold an official position in the Diocese. Emphasis is given to complete confidentiality.
Should you wish to avail yourself of a Marriage Guidance Counsellor outside your locality, the telephone directory lists the numbers and addresses of "Relate" (Marriage Guidance Councils) in Maidstone, Ashford, Canterbury, Thanet, Sittingbourne and Folkestone, Telephone Samaritans offer a round-the-clock listening ear with complete anonymity.
The names and addresses of numerous support groups are generally to be found in the local library or local newspapers.
If you are in financial difficulties of any kind, do not hesitate to consult your Archdeacon, who will be able to advise you confidentially and may be able to offer practical assistance.
Never feel that you should have all the answers to your own problems. Working in the Diocese brings its own special joys and privileges but like everything else in life, it also has its own particular difficulties and frustrations. It is our hope that in some small measure this booklet will help with these. God bless you all.