In 2015, the General Synod as governing body of the Church of Ireland adopted the Dignity in Church Life Charter which articulates the Church’s commitment to harmonious relationships in Church life with reference to the Christian principles underpinning those relationships. The Dignity in Church Life Charter and related policies can be accessed in this section.
Dignity in Church Life Charter
Dignity in Church Life – Clergy Illness Policy
Dignity in Church Life – Clergy Illness Guidelines
Dignity in Church Life – Clergy Grievance Procedure
Dignity in Church Life – Clergy Grievance Guidelines
Dignity in Church Life – Prevention of Bullying & Harassment Policy
Dignity in Church Life – Prevention of Bullying & Harassment Guidelines
The Church of Ireland’s safeguarding policies and procedures apply to all clergy, staff and volunteers but especially those who have regular contact with children or adults who may be more at risk of harm or abuse because of their personal or life circumstances.
For more information on safeguarding, including forms, please visit our safeguarding website at https://safeguarding.ireland.anglican.org
Navigating our Safeguarding website Our safeguarding website presents our policies and procedures for Adult and Child Safeguarding, outlines the best practice for parishes, and lists events where you can get training and advice around safeguarding issues.
A simple, step–by–step programme designed to support parishes in connecting giving with faith and in so doing, enable fresh mission and ministry. The programme helps parishes to achieve a realistic financial picture and aims to change the focus from paying bills to growing God’s Kingdom.
Church members faithfully give their time, talents, skills and money to support the Church of Ireland. The information, tools and resources in this section aim to equip parishes to build on this foundation and nurture generosity.
Annual Review of Parish Giving
Run a Generous Giving Programme
Vision connects Mission and Ministry
‘Live to Give’ youth generosity resource Live to Give is a Church of Ireland Youth Department resource on generosity, giving and money, and what the Bible has to say about those issues. It seeks to help young people to think seriously about how they give their time, talents and money, to carefully and prayerfully consider how their decisions may affect others, and to learn more of God’s generosity.
A guide to setting up a GoFundMe Account A guide to setting up a GoFundMe account for parishes
Resources to support the people of the parish.
Live Streaming is Taking Place A PDF poster that parishes can use to note that live streaming is taking place within their church in accordance with GDPR.
A guide to setting up a GoFundMe Account A guide to setting up a GoFundMe account for parishes
Inside Out Outside In – 101+ ideas for churches to engage with community This short resource is a collection of ideas to help churches think about different ways to engage with the community.
Responding to the cost of living crisis Sources of support for families and individuals facing rising inflation and pressures from the cost of living. This includes key contacts for support and advice from public services and Christian charities working to respond to need, in both jurisdictions.
Spiritual care in dementia A leaflet from the Church and Society Commission providing guidance for ministers, church visitors and family members.
Disciples – Resources for the Road to Discipleship This leaflet is to highlight with you just a few of the tried and tested resources, books and courses available for you and your parish that will help disciples make disciples.
Social Media Guidance & Resources Our guidelines seek to help all members of the Church to use social media in the best way and to help prevent its misuse.
Template for a Parish Social Media Policy The Central Communications Board has produced a template document which may be used by a Select Vestry for drawing up a brief social media policy for its parish.
Financial assistance towards education for Church of Ireland children in the Republic of Ireland A list of grant awarding bodies which can provide educational assistance for Protestant children in the State.
GDPR – Live Streaming & Recording Checklist This checklist has been developed by the RCB and the Central Communications Board to support parishes in being compliant with data protection legislation when planning to live stream or film a church service.
GDPR – Data Protection & Mailing Lists Guidelines These guidelines have been developed by the RCB and the Central Communications Board to support each diocese or parish in being compliant with data protection legislation when using mailing lists.
GDPR – Data Protection & Photography Guidelines These guidelines have been developed by the RCB and the Central Communications Board to support each diocese or parish in being compliant with data protection legislation when using photography. Sample formats for invitations and notices are enclosed.
Copyright and online worship Streamed services have been widely used as a result of the pandemic lockdown and will continue to play a role in making worship widely available in future. This guide provides answers to some frequently asked questions relating to streaming and copyright.
Keeping your video conference secure Parishes are strongly advised to follow this advice regarding security for video conferencing.
Organising an online service A live streaming and recording checklist, photography guidelines, and information on setting up and running online services.
Avoiding advertising and external content Hosting online videos on an advertisement–free hosting site can help avoid distraction from other unrelated content which may play before your video begins or after when it finishes.
Guidance for Online Services & AV Content This advice seeks to assist parishes and dioceses which are providing or considering online worship opportunities or other videos featuring parishioners and others (including children and young people).
Minibus transport in Northern Ireland Clergy, youth workers, children’s workers, and others who are employed by parishes in Northern Ireland are no longer allowed to drive a minibus for the church without passing a test for a D1 licence. This notice provides information on guidance from the Department for Infrastructure.
Policy for the Appropriate Custody of Primary School Records This policy, produced by the Representative Church Body Library, guides Church of Ireland primary schools and their Patrons in how to best keep and share archived information about their work and service to their communities, with the assistance of archivists in local authorities.
Gifts in Wills are a natural part of Christian giving and legacy gifts of whatever size can have a significant impact on the life and work of the Church. This section contains information and advice on making planned gifts to the Church.