In a changing society the Church's ministers need to be supported and equipped for their changing task. The clergy and accredited lay ministers of the diocese are encouraged to take responsibility for their own continuing education and development, using the process of Ministerial Review to identify their requirements. In addition there is a structured provision for CME as follows.
There are five principle ways in which CME is carried out the diocese:
The incumbent should agree with the curate what role he/she should take:
The provision of central courses, offering support to clergy at key stages
in their ministry, enabling them to enhance existing skills and learn new
ones. Attendance at these courses is free to clergy and Accredited Lay Ministers.
Details are listed in the annual prospectus produced by the Diocesan Ordained
Ministry Department and in the monthly mailing to clergy.
Individual grants are available to all clergy and Accredited Lay Ministers in the diocese, stipendiary and non-stipendiary, to support training needs identified by the Ministerial Review process. These grants are available through Area CME Officers, to whom application should be made. In 2006 the maximum individual grant normally given will be £100. Retrospective grants are not given.
Those wishing to study for further degrees are normally able to receive funding at a higher level than the standard annual grant. Where such study has been discussed and approved by the Area CME Officer and has the support of the Area Bishop and Archdeacon a grant of up to £400 per annum is available. Those in POT also require the approval of their POT Director. Permission will not normally be given to take a further degree during the first year after ordination. The provision of diocesan funding will take into account the relevance of the degree course to ministerial formation and development as well as the potential benefit to the diocese in terms of the expertise gained.
Information about Study Leave is included in the section on Clergy Leave .
A number of CME events and programmes are arranged in the episcopal Areas.
These may include study days and residential clergy conferences. Such events
are arranged by Area CME Officers and their colleagues, from whom further
information may be obtained.
