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.
Finance basics for all select vestry members
Role of Select Vestry Secretary
Taking Minutes (including template)
General Vestry Membership Declaration
Vacancies in the Position of Clergy
Guidance regarding Easter General Vestry meetings (COVID 19) Guidance in respect of possible need for lengthy adjournment of Easter General Vestry meetings and other matters
Tools, templates and information to assist Select Vestries in the smooth running of Parishes, Unions & Groups
Guidance regarding Easter General Vestry meetings (COVID 19) Guidance in respect of possible need for lengthy adjournment of Easter General Vestry meetings and other matters
Brexit Fact Sheet for Parishes Brexit is the commonly known term used to refer to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for Parishes The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) took effect across Europe from 25 May 2018.
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.
Return to In–Church Worship Protocols for RoI and NI The Church of Ireland return to in–church worship protocols have been prepared to provide guidance to parishes in relation to the reopening of places of worship that have been closed due to the COVID–19 pandemic.
Information to help select vestry members understand their role as charity trustees.
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 S40 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).
Explanatory Memorandum on Church of Ireland Governance (27 Feb 2014)
Report from Charities Working Group to General Synod, May 2017
Charitable statement of purpose, objects and public benefit (RI & NI)
Preparing your Parish for Charities Accounting Presentation on preparing your Parish for Charities Accounting (from page 18 onwards)
RCB Seminars 2018 The RCB have been hosting 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.