Governance & Leglislation

Dealing with legislation

The Church of England, like all institutions, is governed by a range of measures.  Some of these are specific to the church, but we also have to be aware of the laws and regulations that relate to other businesses, charities and voluntary organisations.  

This section is where you should be able to find help and advice relating to the legal aspects of being part of the church community. 

In governance and legislation

Check in this section for information relating to

 

Synods and how they work

Parochial Church Councils (PCCs)

Employment and Management

Protection for all

 

If you are looking for information regarding pastoral reorganisation then click on this link.

Governing Documents

The Charity Commission, after discussion with the Archbishops' Council, have approved the following as the Governing Documents for all Parochial Church Councils:

• Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 (as amended).
• Church Representation Rules (contained in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969, as amended).

When registering with the Charities Commission, PCCs will not need to provide a copy of these documents.

New Legislation

Charity Commission Registration
All churches with income of over £100,000 are now required to register directly with the Charity Commission; their legal status will change from being excepted charities to registered charities. 

The following assistance is now available:

a) A streamlined process, involving a part-completed on-line application form, and guidance notes produced specifically for PCCs.  The sections of the form requiring completion by PCCs are being minimised.

b) A leaflet on Trusteeship, based on the Charity Commission publications CC3a 'The Essential Trustee' and CC60 'Hallmarks of an Effective Charity'.  This will build awareness of PCC members’ responsibilities as trustees and add to the internal controls information being produced by the Resources Team.  Offered with this will be a simple tool for clergy to use with their PCCs in a 20 minute discussion on trusteeship. 

c) Suggested PCC meeting agenda items.
 

For further information on this issue or details of the available internal controls advice, please contact Ian Taylor.  
 
Follow this link to access copies of all the documents provided as part of the Registration training sessions.
Training Handouts