The Parish Handbook takes the form of a series of separate guidance notes organised by topic and available on the Parish Resources part of the website under the relevant topic area. The Handbook is a manual to support select vestries, parish officers and all members of the Church in the administration and organisation of parish life.
Advice for those new to serving on a select vestry, or new Church members, and background information for everyone interested in the structure, membership and governance of the Church.
Information and advice on the role and responsibilities of the select vestry as a whole, and of specific positions within the select vestry. Guidance on dealing with select vestry business.
Tools, templates and information to assist Select Vestries in the smooth running of Parishes, Unions & Groups
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for Parishes The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives individuals more rights and protection in how their personal data is used by organisations, including parishes.
Guidelines concerning Parish Records & Memorials in Burial Grounds Guidelines for the Safe Custody of and Permissions For Copying from Parish Records & Memorials in Burial Grounds.
Information to help select vestry members understand the requirements of charity governance & their role as charity trustees.
Charity Trustee Training Sessions – Autumn 2023 Dates and times for the upcoming charity trustee and governance compliance training sessions.
Parish Registration (RI) Guide to RI Parish charity registration and required documentation.
Charity Governance Code Reporting (RI) Guidelines on annual CRA Charity Governance Code reporting and required documents.
Charitable purpose and objects (RI) Statement of Charitable Purposes and Objects (RoI) – approved by The General Synod of the Church of Ireland for use by parishes and other Church of Ireland bodies in registering under the Charities Act 2009
Trustee Declaration – Change of Particulars (RI) Trustees’ declaration to accompany a notification of change of particulars in Register of Charities
Eligibility to serve as a Charitable Trustee (RI) Eligibility to serve as a charitable trustee and, consequently, as a member of a Select Vestry in the Church of Ireland is governed by the Republic of Ireland Charities Act 2009 Section 55 (1).
Charitable statement of purpose, objects and public benefit (RI & NI)
Northern Ireland Trustee Declaration Declaration form which should be signed by all new members of NI select vestries to confirm that they are willing to act as a charitable trustee of the parish and are not disqualified in any way from doing so.
Governance Guidelines Regarding Uniformed Organisations in Northern Ireland A reminder on the governance responsibilities associated with agreements between parishes and Girls Brigade NI, Boys Brigade NI and other Uniformed Organisations.
Report from Charities Working Group to General Synod, May 2017
Preparing your Parish for Charities Accounting Presentation on preparing your Parish for Charities Accounting (from page 18 onwards)
RCB Seminars 2018 The RCB hosted a series of seminars across the Country on a number of topics including: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); Insurance Policy Changes arising from GDPR and Parish accounts for Parish Treasures.
Governance Roadshows 2023 These are presentations from the RCB’s Governance Roadshows 2023