Many parishes and benefices employ staff, either on a full-time or part-time basis. Whether it’s a full-time administrator or youth-worker, or someone who is paid to cut the grass in the churchyard, it’s important that the church has excellent employment practice. This not only ensures legal compliance, but provides a good basis for individuals to contribute effectively to the church’s ministry.
Related pages: Paying People & Pensions
Who is responsible?
It is the responsibility of the PCC to establish:
- who your employees are
- whether you are required to register as an employer and operate a PAYE scheme
Diocesan support
If your PCC is thinking of employing someone or you are reviewing your HR procedures, check whether your diocese can help. Some dioceses offer internal HR support for parishes which may include payroll services, recruitment packs, example contracts and policies.
Guidance and templates from Acas
Acas— Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, are an independent public body which receives government funding to provide services that improve workplace relationships. Their website provides free advice and useful documents in the form of template forms, letters and policies.
Other useful links
HMRC— New starter checklist
HMRC— Guidance for Local Religious Centres (LRCs)
Charity Commission— Charity staff: how to employ paid workers, how to recruit staff, employment law, managing your charity’s people, setting responsibilities for employees and trustees.
Gov.uk— Employing people, including pay, contracts, hiring and redundancies.
Stewardship.org.uk— Employment Contract Pack for Churches, a pack (for a fee) developed by Stewardship.org.uk and Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, includes a model contract of employment together with various policies, procedures and explanatory notes.
Last updated July 2024