 SECTION C APPOINTMENTS OF STIPENDIARY

MINISTERS (C1-23)
CONTENTS
C1. Stipends
C2. Chaplaincies
C3. Lettings
C4. Fees
C5. Assignment of Fees
C6. Sickness
C7. Easter Offerings
C8. Working Expenses
C9. Car Loans
C10. Pensions
C11. National Insurance
C12. Holidays
C13. Days Off and Working Hours
C14. Care of the Family
C15. Job Descriptions
C16. The Bishop’s Licence
C17. Permission to Officiate
C18. Provision of Pastoral Cover
C19. Occasional Duty and the Payment of Fees
C20. Annual Revision of Wedding and Funeral Fee Rates
C21. Winchester & Portsmouth Diocesan Clerical Registry
C22. Council Tax and Water Charges
C23. Study Leave

 C1. STIPENDS.
Stipends, apart from any local income from chaplaincies and fees, etc., for which see below, are paid
monthly on the last day of the month via the Church Commissioners. All stipendiary clergy are
required to complete an annual income and expenditure return (forms PSA/PUN or PSA/PUB) each
year for use by the diocese and the Church Commissioners. The Diocesan Office uses the
information on this form to calculate the following year’s level of payment and to give instructions to
the Commissioners. It is helpful if the form can be returned via the Diocesan Office as soon as
possible after each 1st April. For information about the current levels of stipend, please contact the
Diocesan Office.

 C1.1 Incumbents.
A national minimum stipend for incumbents is determined each year by the Central Stipends
Authority following discussions with the dioceses. The diocese then determines its own diocesan
basic stipend. In the Diocese of Portsmouth the level of stipend is reviewed annually by the
Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF).

 C1.2 Clergy of Incumbent Status.

Incumbents, priests-in-charge and members of a team ministry are all paid the diocesan basic stipend.
(For further information about some of the legal aspects of these appointments see Section B2.4.)
 C1.3 Assistants.
A national scale for assistants is determined each year by the Central Stipends Authority following
discussions with the dioceses. Assistant clergy in the Diocese of Portsmouth are paid on the national
scale. Points on the scale are normally increased each year by a percentage increase related to the
increase in the national minimum stipend for incumbents. In special cases the archdeacons will
consider a request by an assistant to be paid at a higher point on the assistants’ scale.

 C2. CHAPLAINCIES.
Income received by stipendiary clergy for part-time chaplaincy duties forms part of stipend and must
be declared on the annual income/expenditure return from the Church Commissioners which all
stipendiary clergy are required to complete. The Diocesan Office should be notified of any changes
in chaplaincies.

 C3. LETTINGS.
Letting of part of the parsonage house should only be undertaken with the agreement of the diocesan
authorities.

 C4. FEES.
Fees from weddings and funerals, etc., form part of stipend. If an assistant earns fees these will also
form part of the incumbent’s stipend. The incumbent must declare the total fee income for the year
on the annual income/expenditure return issued by the Church Commissioners. (See Section C19.)

 C5. ASSIGNMENT OF FEES.

As noted in C4, fees from weddings and funerals, etc., (including those ‘earned’ by an assistant) form
part of an incumbent’s stipend. The incumbent may receive the money directly or may choose to
‘assign’ the fee income to the DBF. If the latter is chosen, he/she must enter into an agreement with
the DBF. The PCC Treasurer will be asked to retain the fee income on behalf of the Incumbent and
pay it over to the DBF on a quarterly basis. It will then be credited to the Diocesan Stipend Fund.
The Incumbent will be paid an equivalent amount by the Church Commissioners with the rest of the
stipend. This avoids fluctuations in monthly income which many clergy find difficult. An incumbent
wishing to assign income from fees should contact the Diocesan Office.

 C6. SICKNESS.
Stipendiary clergy who are sick and cannot perform normal duties for four or more consecutive days
should complete a ‘self-certificated sick leave’ form and forward it to the Church Commissioners.
All clergy should have a self-certificated sick leave form, but if it cannot be located when required,
please contact the Diocesan Office and a form will be supplied. A full stipend will be paid for a
period of sickness, currently up to 28 weeks, following which the situation will be reviewed.

 C7. EASTER OFFERINGS.

The Easter offering is part of the ‘locally generated income’ in a parish. It should be paid to the
Incumbent as of right, but will be treated as part of the stipend.

 C8. WORKING EXPENSES.

Parishes are responsible for the reimbursement of the proper parochial expenses incurred on their
behalf by their parochial clergy and other licensed and accredited staff. These sums do not form part
of the stipend calculation but the level of diocesan stipend pre-supposes full reimbursement of these
expenses. It is essential that at the very start of taking up an appointment an incumbent or assistant
should discuss working expenses with the PCC by means of a consultation with the Churchwardens.
It is suggested that agreement should be reached at such a meeting between the Churchwardens and
the Minister (and the Incumbent too where an assistant is involved), on those expenses to be paid
directly by the PCC and those to be reimbursed. Procedures for monthly reimbursement and the
claim form to be used should also be discussed. The booklet entitled ‘The Parochial Expenses of the
Clergy’ issued by the Central Stipends Authority is a useful guide. Copies are obtainable from the
Diocesan Office. The matters covered by the booklet include:
Postage and Stationery; Telephone; Secretarial Assistance; Office Equipment; Maintenance
of Robes; Hospitality; Travel - Car and Public Transport; Books; Use of Study - Help with
Replacement Furnishings.
The Archdeacons are available to give advice or to help in matters of interpretation. Some parochial
clergy bear at their own wish a proportion of parochial working expenses, and in fact allowance is
made for this on the Church Commissioners’ Income Return. Despite this, it is recommended that
rather than forego some reimbursement, clergy should charge their expenses in full and then make a
contribution to parochial funds so as to ensure that the parish is aware of the full extent of its
liability. Furthermore it will ensure that misunderstandings as to the correct level of expenses do not
occur upon change of the Minister.

 C9. CAR LOANS.

Car loans are available for stipendiary ministers from the Church Commissioners. Details of the
scheme and application forms are available from the Diocesan Office. Repayments are made monthly
by means of an automatic deduction from the stipend paid via the Church Commissioners. There is
also a Car Leasing Scheme, details of which can be obtained from the Diocesan Office.

 C10. PENSIONS.
Clergy, Licensed Lay Workers and Church Army Officers engaged in parish duties belong to a
scheme under the Church of England Pensions Measure administered by the Church of England
Pensions Board. Contributions are paid by the DBF and form part of the diocese’s annual budget.
C10.1 The scheme provides for pensions at ordinary retirement, survivorship pensions for the
spouse (and children under 18), disability pensions, retirement lump sums and death in service
benefits. In addition the Pensions Board can, in certain circumstances, offer supplementary pensions
and augmentation grants.
C10.2 The Pensions Board administers a scheme for retirement housing available from age 62 for
men and 57 for women (and in cases of disability or for a widow(er) at an earlier age).
C10.3 Further information on all these benefits and schemes is available from the Church of England
Pensions Board at 7 Little College Street, London SW1P 3SF.
C10.4 In addition to these main schemes for the retired, the diocese is able to offer limited
assistance to clergy widows/widowers. Enquiries can be made at or after retirement to the Diocesan
Office.
C10.5 Advice in preparation for retirement is available, in confidence, from the Archdeacons acting
as Retirement Officers. A day conference for those within five years of normal retirement age and
giving some guidance and understanding about retirement is arranged from time to time.

 C11. NATIONAL INSURANCE.

For the purposes of National Insurance only, clergy are treated as being of employed status.
Employee contributions are deducted from stipend payments each month alongside ‘pay as you earn’
tax deductions. Employer’s contributions are paid by the diocese.

 C12. HOLIDAYS.
See Appendix 1 - Bishop’s Notice No. 1.

 C13. DAYS OFF AND WORKING HOURS.

Clergy and ministers should have a day off each week. It is also important to ensure that adequate
time is made available for family and home life. The establishing of a sensible pattern of work is
particularly important to those newly ordained. See Appendix 1 - Bishop’s Notice No. 1.

 C14. CARE OF THE FAMILY

C14.1 The Bishop, Archdeacons and Rural Deans are available to the clergy, and their ministry has
a special concern for this matter.
C14.2 In addition, the Parsonages and Property Committee of the Diocesan Board of Finance has a
responsibility to ensure that the provision of suitable housing is given proper emphasis - the
Archdeacons should be consulted if particular problems arise in this area.
C14.3 Clergy must also ensure that they make sufficient provision in their lives for their own care as
well as for the support of their spouse and members of their family, where this is appropriate (see
Section C27 for further advice).

 C15. JOB DESCRIPTIONS.

In the appointment of assistant clergy and licensed workers, the Incumbent should consult with the
Diocesan Director of Ordinands about preparing a job description. A job description must be agreed
between incumbent and assistant before a new appointment becomes effective.

 C16. THE BISHOP’S LICENCE.

The granting of a licence under seal is entirely a matter in the Bishop’s discretion and is normally
only available to those involved in stipendiary ministry and to others engaged in pastoral
responsibilities. Where a licence is made available it is usual for it to be given at a service in the
parish or institution where the clergy officiates (except where it is granted at the time of ordination)

 C17. PERMISSION TO OFFICIATE.

The Bishop’s Permission is available to all clergy living in the diocese and who are not in receipt of
the Bishop’s Licence. It is for the clergy themselves to ask the Bishop for such a permission, which
is effective only within the Diocese of Portsmouth. Whilst it is not essential for clergy to hold the
Bishop’s Permission it is considered appropriate for all to do so.

 C18. PROVISION OF PASTORAL COVER.

The responsibility for the conduct of worship and for pastoral care of a parish lies with the
Incumbent. Cover for holidays and also during other periods away from the parish (such as
sabbaticals and study leave) is the responsibility of the Incumbent. In times of sickness the Rural
Dean should be consulted. During the period of a vacancy it is usual for the Rural Dean to act as
priest- in-charge (see Section E15).

 C19. OCCASIONAL DUTY AND THE PAYMENT OF FEES.

 C19.1 General Principles.

There are three circumstances in which the payment of fees and expenses to clergy are made:
(1)for services conducted during a vacancy;
(2)for services conducted during the absence of an incumbent or priest-in- charge;
(3)for services conducted during the illness of an incumbent or priest-in- charge. The general
principles which apply in all three circumstances are:
(a) If there is a stipendiary curate in the parish, then normally no question of the
payment of fees arises.
(b) Incumbents/priests-in-charge, stipendiary and non-stipendiary assistant clergy
should normally be given their travelling expenses at the current rates, but no fees
should be paid.
 (c) Retired clergy should be paid fees and travelling expenses at the current rates.

 C19.2 The Paying of Fees.

Where, noting the above advice, fees and expenses are payable, payments should be settled in one of
the following ways:
(1)for clergy not engaged through the Clerical Registry, the parish or parishes concerned are
responsible for the payment of the fees and expenses and should pay the visiting clergy,
preferably by cheque;
(2)for clergy engaged through the Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Clerical Registry,
the Registry is responsible for paying the retired minister who takes the services and it will
then render an account:
(a) during a parish vacancy and during sickness to the Diocesan Office.
(b) during clergy holidays, to the PCC.

 C19.3 The Paying of Fees during a Vacancy.

As noted in C19.2 above, any costs incurred by a parish during a vacancy through the use of the
Clerical Registry are charged direct to the diocese. In all other cases fees (where appropriate) and
expenses should be paid by the parishes from the income of the sequestration account. If there is no
income or insufficient income, ministers should be paid by the PCC and reimbursement claimed
quarterly from the Diocesan Office. Details of fees and expenses payable during a vacancy and how
the PCC will be reimbursed are made available to every parish at the beginning of each vacancy.

 C19.4 The Payment of Fees during Holidays.

Incumbents and priests-in-charge will need to make their own arrangements for the covering of
services during their holidays. PCCs should make budgetary provision for meeting the costs of
holiday cover and should take responsibility for the payment of fees and expenses where applicable
(see C19.1 above). Where the Clerical Registry is used it will arrange to pay the retired clergy and
will render an account to the PCC.

 C19.5 The Payment of Fees during Sickness.

Clergy are expected to complete a self-certificated sick leave form, supplied by the Church
Commissioners. Where applicable the PCC should pay the expenses and fees of deputising clergy
and submit a claim for reimbursement to the Diocesan Office. Where the Registry is used it will send
an account direct to the diocese and no payment should be made by the PCC. (See Section C6.)

 C19.6 Regular Additional Help.

Where a retired priest gives regular help to a parish, e.g. in a parish with more than one place of
worship, the PCC is advised to agree to pay an annual lump sum to cover fees and expenses. If the
retired priest is required to give additional help either during a vacancy or during sickness, then
additional fees and expenses should be paid.

 C19.7 Current Rates for Fees and Travelling Expenses.

Up-to-date rates for fees and travelling expenses will be sent to parishes as and when these are
revised, normally annually.

 C20. THE ANNUAL REVISION OF WEDDING AND FUNERAL FEE

RATES.
These are revised and become payable when a new Parochial Fees Order comes into operation.
When this happens copies of the new tables of fees are sent to all incumbents. Further copies of the
current tables may be obtained from the Diocesan Office.
 C21. THE WINCHESTER AND PORTSMOUTH DIOCESAN
CLERICAL REGISTRY.
The Registry, founded in 1913, has an office and secretary in Cathedral Close, Winchester. The
object of the Registry is to provide parishes with adequate and trustworthy help to meet the
requirements of :
(1)Incumbents needing assistance through sickness or to cover leave periods;
(2)Churchwardens having to provide for the care of parishes, particularly during interregna;
(3)Clergy wanting occasional opportunities to exercise their ministry. A Register of Clerical
Members is kept in the Registry Office in Winchester and arrangements are made through the
Secretary. Please see the Diocesan Directory for the name of the current Secretary. As
outlined in Section C19, the Registry arranges for the collection of fees from parishes and
pays the clergy concerned direct. Travel is payable (via the Registry) at cost or at the
standard car mileage rate, and parishes are invited to provide hospitality as and when
required.

 C22. COUNCIL TAX AND WATER CHARGES.

The Diocesan Board of Finance is responsible for the payment of Council Tax on properties
occupied by stipendiary clergy. If there are any queries please contact the Diocesan Office. The
payment of water charges is the responsibility of either the PCC or the DBF. The PCC is responsible
for the payment of all water charges for incumbents and other stipendiary clergy, except for assistant
clergy under training and diocesan officers, which are paid by the DBF.

 C23. STUDY LEAVE

For the diocesan policy for Extended Study Leave see Appendix 2.