The Clergy Reference Manual is a useful resource bringing together the various regulations, guidelines, policies and practices adopted in the diocese, to supplement the provisions of Canon Law and other regulations issued at national level.
Clergy Spouses
The wellbeing of clergy and their families has always been a key aspect of our life as a diocese. Clergy themselves have access to a range of resources specific to their professional needs and development, (scroll down to the ‘Wellbeing and dignity at work’ heading), but there are also networks of support available to spouses and their families, as well as the specific help that may be needed in times of difficulty.
The Diocese of Salisbury facilitates a Clergy Spouses Group to provide events, resources and contact points for all clergy spouses. We invite you to join this network so that you can keep up to date with relevant information. If you would like to join, please email your name and email address to parishsupport@salisbury.anglican.org.
Broken Rites is an ecumenical, international organisation offering peer-to-peer support and information to separated and divorced spouses and partners of clergy and ministers.
The Bishop’s visitors to clergy spouses are: Sarah Musgrave and Hugh Privett
The Committee exists to support Clergy widows and widowers living within the diocese, whether or not their husbands, wives or civil partners served in this diocese. ‘Clergy’ includes Non-Stipendiary Ministers (NSMs) as well as Stipendiary Clergy.
A Bereavement Grant is made to each qualifying widow or widower as soon as possible after the decease of their partner. Grants for those in need can also be made at other times. This grant for widows and/or dependants of clergy will be up to £2,000. If you or someone you know would benefit from assistance following bereavement please contact: Each Archdeaconry has a Widows Officer and requests for assistance should be made in the first instance to your Officer:
You can also contact the Chair of the Committee.
Wellbeing and dignity at work
Wellbeing is a distinctive strand within the Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) programme in the Diocese of Salisbury, which makes the diocese an attractive place for ministers and their families to live and work. Our aim is to promote the wellbeing of the whole person in their ministerial context.
The aim of regular reflective practice is to develop long term, sustainable and creative ministry. Reflective Practice Groups bring ordained colleagues together in a confidential environment to enable development, change and an opportunity for ministers to learn from each other.
New Reflective Practice Groups are formed each September and run by professional facilitators from outside the authority structures of the church. They are designed to give time, space and attention to ministerial practice by addressing complex issues such as discerning priorities, promoting healthy boundaries and work/life balance.
For further details contact: Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) Resource Officer
We have a number of programmes and events which are wellbeing orientated. These cover the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of ministers and encourage a culture of care and support amongst colleagues.
The CMD (Continuing Ministerial Development) Brochure contains information on support for Ministry and Wellbeing, including information on Retreats, Quiet Days, Events, Courses and Spiritual Accompaniment.
For further information contact our Parish Support Team.
Confidential care and help is available to clergy and their families who are experiencing difficulties which adversely affect their wellbeing. The service is run by independent, fully accredited practitioners. For an initial conversation contact: Sarah Pestell MBACP (Accred), BA (Hons) Psychology, Adv Dip Counselling, Counsellor and Psychotherapist. Tel: 07887615181, sarah.counselling@btconnect.com
• Confidential help and counselling referrals: Sarah Pestell: 07887615181 sarah.counselling@btconnect.com
Bullying and harassment - informal resolution
Every effort should be made to consider using informal means (including dispute resolution) before formal procedures are invoked.
Sometimes people are not aware of how their behaviour is perceived or that it is unwelcome.
Wherever possible, any complaint of bullying or harassment should be notified in confidence to the Rural Dean or Archdeacon even if proceeding informally. If neither is available, you could speak to the HR Manager or Sarah Pestell (Confidential Help and Counselling).
Informal resolution is where it has been decided (normally between the targeted person and the Archdeacon) that it may be sufficient to explain clearly to the person concerned that their behaviour is not welcome, is offensive or intimidating, or that it interferes with the person's ability to work effectively.
The informal route may ensure that the alleged harasser or bully understands how their behaviour is unacceptable and ensure that it stops. The informal route prevents the matter from becoming public or escalating and making your situation more difficult.
Hopefully action taken will stop any offensive behaviour. Once an outcome is agreed between parties, your rural dean or Archdeacon will monitor the situation as appropriate.
If you think you are being bullied or harassed in your role you should first consider contacting your Archdeacon to confidentially discuss the matter.
If the Archdeacon is not available, or if you feel that the Archdeacon is not the appropriate contact at this point, or you are unsure who to speak to you could contact any of the following for a confidential discussion:
The above contacts will listen to your concerns in confidence and provide information and advice as required on action you may wish to take and the support you may require. They will not make judgements on the situation.
Mediation is a completely voluntary and confidential form of alternative dispute resolution. It involves an independent, impartial person helping two or more individuals or groups reach a solution that's acceptable to everyone.
Mediation is distinct from a facilitated meeting as outlined above:
It can be effective because it does not apportion blame and seeks to build a good working relationship going forward.
It is not appropriate where pressure is being applied from other sources or where parties are distressed and not conciliatory on either side.
Further information on mediation services available in the diocese can be obtained by contacting the CMD Administrator.
Financial Support
The purpose of this grants is to assist clergy in financial need at a time of crisis or acute need. Read more here.
Contact the Ministry Team
Your Archdeacon
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