Policies and Structures
This page introduces various policies that the parish has in place:
Baptism
This parish affirms the historic teaching about baptism of the Church of England, as part of Church of God, namely that it is a sacrament (outward sign of God’s grace) that marks the beginning of our life of faith.
We also affirm that baptism is not always appropriate for, or desired by, everyone. We are committed to offering alternative provision to mark the beginnings of a journey of faith, including a service of thanksgiving for a new child. This service will also take place usually during the main Sunday morning act of worship.
Bellringing at St Peters
In general St Peter’s Church welcomes the use of its tower bells both to call the congregation to worship and as part of a wider mission to encourage the ringing of church bells. We therefore support the use of the tower by visiting teams of ringers and for striking competitions and events organised by the Oxford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers.
However in order to be a good neighbour, we are conscious of our duty not to disturb the peace of the surrounding area unduly.
Download the Bellringing Policy
Churchyards
Our churchyards are an important and valued part of our church life and the heritage of our community. They remain open to the public at all times, and continue to be used and valued by large number of people. It is our desire to work with the Diocese of Oxford, the families of those interred in our churchyards and the local community to ensure they remain a resource for future generations.
The parish contains three churchyards. The PCC has responsibility for the management of the churchyards:
- St Peter’s is closed for burials and no remains (including of ashes) can normally be interred.
- St John’s allows the interment of cremated remains only.
- St Margaret’s is open for all interments.
Download the Churchyard Policy
Complaints and Whistleblowing
This policy sets out the channels that should be used when reporting issues requiring confidential investigation.
Download the Complaints and Whistleblowing Policy
Conflict of Interest
This policy covers how the PCC, and all its sub-committees, will manage the interests of its members and any conflict between them and the objects of the PCC.
According to the Charity Commission ‘a conflict of interest is any situation in which a Trustee’s personal interests, or interests which they owe to another body, and those of the Charity arise simultaneously or appear to clash.’
Download the Conflict of Interest Policy
Data Privacy
The PCC complies with its obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation by keeping personal data up to date; by storing and destroying it securely; by not collecting or retaining excessive amounts of data; by protecting personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorised access and disclosure and by ensuring that appropriate technical measures are in place to protect personal data.
Download the Data Privacy Notice
You may use the Data Consent Form to update your contact details and communication preferences.
A separate data privacy notice covers the electoral roll:
Download the Electoral Roll Privacy Notice
Disciplinary Procedure
The parish aim is to encourage improvement in individual conduct of paid employees and office holders working on behalf of the parish where conduct falls below reasonable expectations. This procedure sets out the action which will be taken when disciplinary rules are breached by those employed by the Parochial Church Council.
The disciplinary procedure may follow the investigation of a complaint or a grievance, or the investigation of an allegation of abuse, but must be operated as a separate procedure.
Download the Disciplinary Procedure
Equal Opportunities
The PCC celebrates and welcomes rather than tolerates diversity in our organisation and in society as a whole. It is therefore committed to proactive equal opportunities and welcomes all people, with a positive view of age, caring responsibilities, gender, relationship status, disability, racial/ethnic origin, religion, HIV status or other health-related condition, sexual orientation or socio-economic background, as Employees, Committee Members and Volunteers.
Download the Equal Opportunities Policy
Financial Reserves
It is PCC policy to maintain a balance of unrestricted funds which equates to circa six months of the unrestricted funds normal annual expenditure. Certain of these funds are from time to time earmarked for designated purposes.
Download the Financial Reserves Policy
Governance Structure
The parish is managed by various inter-related groups:
- Parochial Church Council (PCC)
- PCC Standing Committee
- Church Leadership Team Appointing Body, x3, one for each church
- Church Leadership Teams (CLT), x3
- Property sub-committee
- Grants Team
- Church Forums, x3
- Clergy Group & Ministry Team
- Task Groups
The Governance Structure Policy describes the functions of each group and how its members are appointed.
Download the Governance Structure Policy
Grievance Procedure
It is the church’s intention to create an environment that promotes open communication, enabling free and informal discussion of any work related problems. Occasionally however, problems will arise which may only be resolved through a more formal process and this is outlined in the Grievance procedure. It is also the church’s intention to ensure that colleagues with a grievance relating to their employment can apply this procedure to help to resolve issues as quickly and as fairly as possible from the point of origin.
Download the Grievance Procedure
Health & Safety
Our policy, so far as is reasonably practicable, is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all our employees, casual labour and voluntary helpers, and to provide such information, training and supervision as they need for this purpose.
We will also endeavour to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all members of the congregation, contractors, visitors and others who may visit the church, churchyard and any associated buildings.
Download the Health & Safety Policy
Interruptions to Worship
The St Peter’s CLT has issued guidance on how to handle an interruption of liturgical worship or events by protestors.
Download the ‘Interruptions to Worship’ guidance
Making and publishing images of children
Making and publishing images of children is usually enjoyed by children and parents and can bring useful publicity, but there are some important issues to note.
Download the Making and publishing images of children policy
Marriage in Church after divorce
The Parish is willing to consider the marriage in church of couples where one or more partners have previously been divorced and a previous spouse is still alive.
Download the policy on Marriage in Church after divorce
Recruitment and DBS checks
The Parish shall assess all positions (whether for paid staff or volunteers) in order to determine whether a check is required from the Disclosure and Barring Service and, if so, at what level.
Download the Recruitment and DBS checks policy
Safeguarding
We are committed to:
- The care, nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children and all adults
- The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable
- The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is a culture of ‘informed vigilance’ as to the dangers of abuse.
The Parish Safeguarding Officer is Mrs Christine Bradbury. She can be contacted via the parish office or by email safeguarding@ctmparish.org.uk
Download the Safeguarding Policy
Social Media
The widespread availability of social media means it is important to understand how to use it responsibly and requires extra care when dealing with young people and vulnerable adults. This policy aims to ensure that our paid employees and volunteers are protected while using social media and feel empowered to contribute to wider online activity when it supports their role within the church.
Download the Social Media Policy
Use of Buildings
The Parish is happy to let out its buildings for events unconnected to our churches, subject to suitability and availability. The buildings available are our three churches and Church House, which is a parish property in the centre of Caversham (57-59 Church Street).
Since these are precious and historic buildings, we ask that you treat them with respect, adhering to all the stipulations we make. We will require some information regarding the type of event and the nature of the organisation running it.
Sometimes hire can be arranged free of charge. More usually we will make a reasonable charge.
Read more about using our buildings or Download the Use of Buildings Policy
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