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Security of Tenure

  1. In what circumstances (if any) will a bishop be able to revoke a licence summarily?

  2. In what circumstances will fixed or limited term appointments be permissible?

  3. How will appointments be made where a post is subject to pastoral reorganisation?

 

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1. In what circumstances (if any) will a bishop be able to revoke a licence summarily?

Those holding office by virtue of Common Tenure will only be able to be removed from office through the discipline and/or capability procedures, or the operation of the Pastoral Measure, unless the post is in one of the limited categories of fixed or limited term appointments or a post subject to pastoral reorganisation (see below).

 

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2. In what circumstances will fixed or limited term appointments be permissible?

  • Where the post is intended to provide temporary cover for another office-holder’s authorised absence from work (for example, on maternity leave)
  • Where the office-holder is over the retirement age of 70 and is holding a part-time post;
  • Where the office is designated as a training post or a probationary post; designed to facilitate re-entry into ministry following a period of absence;
  • Where the post is subject to sponsorship funding;
  • Where the office is created by a bishop’s mission order under the Dioceses, Pastoral or Mission Measure.

 

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3. How will appointments be made where a post is subject to pastoral reorganisation?

It will be possible to appoint an incumbent (rather than a priest in charge) where a post is subject to potential pastoral reorganisation. The post will be designated accordingly, and, provided that the proposals come to fruition within a defined period, the office-holder will not be entitled to claim unfair dismissal for loss of office as a result of the pastoral reorganisation. He or she will, however, be eligible for limited financial compensation.

 

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