Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Measure: 227th report

This Measure puts in place a legislative framework to enable the introduction of new terms and conditions of service (to be known as ‘common tenure’) for clergy and certain lay ministers in the Church of England. At present, the clergy of the Church of England can hold office in three different ways: ‘freehold’ offices as archbishop, bishop, dean or residentiary can on of a cathedral, archdeacon or incumbent of a benefice; hold office under a licence from a diocesan bishop, and engaged as chaplains or in other types of ministry, usually under a contract of employment, coupled with a licence from a diocesan bishop. The Measure retains the established office-holder status of clergy - while conferring upon them, for the first time, many of the legal rights enjoyed by employees. These include rights to stipend and housing, a statement of particulars of office, annual and other leave and continuing ministerial education. The legislation also specifies the circumstances in which an office can be terminated, and defines certain particular cases where an appointment can be made on a fixed or limited-term basis. The Measure enables regulations to require office holders to take part in regular ministerial development reviews, as well as introducing a capability procedure designed to address issues of poor performance. The Committee is of the view that the proposed move towards uniform tenure arrangements will establish a clear, consistent and transparent framework for the terms of service of the clergy as a whole and will give many clergy, for the first time, substantial employment-type rights. The text of the Measure is contained in HL 35-I/HC 270 (ISBN 9780104014400).