The clergy of the diocese are encouraged to take adequate time off for refreshment and recreation. The provision for leave in the diocese is as follows.
If an incumbent without an ordained colleague is proposing to be absent from the parish for more than two days, the Area Dean should be informed of arrangements to provide pastoral care.
The normal expectation is that clergy should take some time off each day and a full day off each week. There is an entitlement of four weeks' holiday, together with a full week after both Christmas and Easter. Time for an annual retreat should also be taken outside this provision.
In order to encourage a sabbatical principle of rest and spiritual refreshment it is also suggested that clergy take double their annual holiday entitlement (i.e. eight weeks) every seven years.
Stipendiary clergy may apply for a three month period of study leave after ten years of ordained stipendiary ministry (and every ten years thereafter). Study leave will not normally be granted within the first two years of a new appointment, or within two years of expected retirement.
Study Leave is offered to encourage clergy in developing their ministry and continuing in life-long learning; it is seen as an opportunity to stand back from day-to-day ministry and reflect. A specific goal for the period of study leave will be identified. However, there is also an expectation that clergy will take rest and relaxation seriously during their period of leave.
It is expected that clergy will spend at least half, and usually two-thirds, of their time pursuing their agreed goal – and therefore at least a third in rest and relaxation.
To qualify for study leave clergy will need to have the approval of their Area Bishop and they will agree a programme with their Area Director of Training and Development (ADTD) or Area Continuing Ministerial Education (CME) Officer. Detailed discussions will take place with the ADTD or CME Officer with regards to the programme, and this will be submitted in good time before the event.
The key to a successful and enjoyable period of study leave will be effective planning. Your ADTD or CME Officer will expect to assist you in this process and it is important, wherever possible, to begin planning at least a year before hand.
A report, paper, or agreed equivalent, arising from the study leave, will be submitted to the ADTD or CME Officer on returning from study leave. The ADTD or CME Officer will forward a copy of this to the Bishop.
Incumbents are responsible for arranging cover during their absence from the parish, in consultation with their Area Dean.
A bursary is available from Diocesan funds for each approved study leave (there are normally four bursaries available to each episcopal Area each year). The amount of this bursary will be negotiated with the ADTD or CME Officer up to a maximum of £1,500, and it will depend upon the submission of an agreed budget. Additional funding may be available from other sources, such as Sion College; the ADTD or CME Officer will be able to advise you accordingly.
Please contact your ADTD or CME Officer for further information. If in doubt, please contact the Director of Professional Development.
Bishops are able to grant paid leave of absence to any of their stipendiary clergy for up to three months. There may be cases when there is an urgent need for rest and time away from work. In addition there may be clergy who should be encouraged to think of taking leave in a planned way to give them time for rest and reflection at a particular stage of their ministry. Any additional funding for such leave is the responsibility of the episcopal Area and money is not available from the diocesan training budget.
Guidelines from granting a planned leave of absence, in either category C (Study Leave) or D (Longer Leave), should normally included:
