LLM Policies & Procedures

Renewal of Licence

The responsibility for renewing your licence is yours. 

This must be renewed every three years if you wish to continue in the role.  To allow sufficient time, the process of renewal should commence at least three months before expiration.

The process:           

1.   Print/download the Renewal of Licence form

2. Ensure/obtain up to date DBS and Safeguarding training

3. Ensure your Ministry Agreement is updated, agreed, and signed by the Incumbent

4. Obtain the signature of the Incumbent on the Licence Renewal form

5. Obtain PCC approval

6. Send the completed form, together with the Ministry Agreement to the BMA;

7. You will receive a Bishop’s letter confirming the renewal.

The licence will then be extended by three years.

Bishop's Ministry Administrator - Karen Alsop

Email: karen.alsop@chester.anglican.org

Reaching 70-75 years old – Emeritus or PTO?

Between the ages of 70-75 years, the LLM must decide whether they wish to continue to be active in ministry or not.  If they no longer wish to be active, they can apply to use the title Reader Emeritus or Pastoral Worker Emeritus, recognising their training and service.  

Alternatively, if they wish to remain active, they can apply for Permission to Officiate (PTO), provided their Incumbent and PCC agree with this. 

If you choose Emeritus:

1.     Print/download the Application for Emeritus form

2.     Discuss and obtain the signature of the Incumbent (or equivalent)

3.     Return the form and original Licence to the BMA

4.    You will receive a letter confirming your Emeritus status from the bishop and be invited to the next licensing service to be recognised for your service and to have your new title - Reader Emeritus or Pastoral Worker Emeritus – conferred.

Those who are Emeritus can no longer robe, lead services or preach, although they can continue to read, lead intercessions and be active in church groups.

To apply for PTO:

1.   Print/download the Application for PTO form

2. Ensure/obtain up to date DBS and Safeguarding training is completed.  Note  a shorter Safeguarding Leadership course is required for PTO

3. Ensure your Ministry Agreement is updated, agreed and signed by the Incumbent;

4.   Obtain signature of the Incumbent  and PCC approval and complete the PTO form

5.   Send the completed form together with a signed copy of Ministry Agreement to the BMA;

6.   You will receive a letter from the Bishop confirming your PTO status and will be invited to the next licensing service to be recognised for your service.

PTO is renewable every three years by applying for an extension.

Extension of PTO Licence

An extension of your PTO Licence may be granted for a period of between one and three years, subject to agreement with the incumbent, and with the approval of the PCC.  

Application should begin three months before expiration to provide sufficient time for obtaining the necessary documentation.

The steps for the extension of PTO is the same as for PTO above, except using this form:  Application for Extension of PTO form. 

There will be no invitation to subsequent licensing services.

Bishop's Ministry Administrator - Karen Alsop

Email: karen.alsop@chester.anglican.org

Transfer of Licence/PTO from one Parish to another

All LLM’s must worship in the new parish for a continuous period of not less than six months before applying for their licence or PTO to be transferred.  This settling in period allows time for building relationships and deepening the understanding of the spiritual life of the parish.

The agreement of the Incumbent and the approval of the PCC are crucial, so those seeking a transfer are advised to discuss this possibility as early into the six-month period as possible.  During the second half of the hiatus period, the Incumbent may invite the Reader to preach or lead worship, or the Pastoral Worker to serve, to enable the Incumbent and PCC to evaluate their ministry prior to the application.  The LLM may not robe, or act in an official capacity, until the licence transfer has been agreed.

Having completed six months in the new parish, the LLM should

1.     Print/download the form Transfer of Licence PTO from another Parish 

2.     Ensure your DBS is up to date

3.     Complete a Confidential Declaration Form (provided by BMA)

4.     Ensure Safeguarding Training is current.  Please note a shorter Safeguarding Leadership course is required for PTO

5.     Prepare, agree and sign a Ministry Agreement with the Incumbent

6.     Obtain signature/approval of the Incumbent on the form

7.     Obtain PCC approval

8.     Send completed form and signed copy of Ministry Agreement to BMA

9.     You will be invited to have your licence authorised at the next Bishop’s licencing service, or upon written confirmation from the Bishop

10.  New licence issued

Please note that a reference of ‘good standing’ will be obtained from the former Incumbent.

If the new parish is in Vacancy, the six-month settling in period cannot commence until a new Incumbent is appointed.

Transfer of Licence/PTO from another Diocese

All of the steps for the Transfer of your Licence or PTO should be carried out on this form:  Transfer of Licence PTO from another Diocese

In addition the following is required:

· A written reference from your former Incumbent or equivalent will be obtained by the BALLMs (or another member of the Ministry Team), upon receipt of your application.

· A written reference will also be obtained from the Warden of Readers or equivalent of BALLM in the originating Diocese.

· A new Chester Diocese DBS is required.

· Safeguarding training and certificates must be supplied and verified including evidence of valid Leadership training.

Upon confirmation of the transfer of the license to a new Diocese, the LLM must amend their parish and Diocese details on the Safeguarding Training Portal.

Putting your Licence on hold, Resignation, Surrender, Suspension, Withdrawal

There may be several reasons why an LLM may wish to put their licence on hold, resign or surrender their licence.  They may be suffering:

·      Ill health – temporary or long term

·      Bereavement

·      A significant change in circumstances

·     A breakdown in relationship between the LLM and their Incumbent

·      A disciplinary action

·     A disagreement with the principles of holding the licence within your context

·      Any other matter requiring investigation

Licence on Hold:

It is good practice to discuss this with your Incumbent (where possible) and amend your Ministry Agreement on a temporary basis for a known or unknown period of time.  If this is the case, or where there is any doubt as to what you should do, please contact the BALLMs, or a member of the Ministry Team. 

Where the potential break in service is the result of a disciplinary action, or a breakdown in relationship between the LLM and their Incumbent, the matter should be brought to the attention of the BALLM or Ministry Team where the licence may be put on hold for a period to be agreed between the parties involved. 

Resignation:

A Reader or Pastoral Worker may, at any time, decide that it is appropriate to resign from their role by giving notice to their Incumbent, and the BALLM or Ministry team.   There may be a number of reasons for this.  Please do not feel guilty about the need to amend or step down from your role.

It may be appropriate to choose early Emeritus status, rather than resignation.  Please contact the team to discuss.

If a temporary arrangement proves too difficult, and you wish to permanently resign your licence:

1.     Print/download and complete Resignation Surrender Retirement of LLM form

2.     Obtain signature of the Incumbent

3.     Notify the PCC

4.     Return the signed form to BMA, together with the licence

Suspension/Withdrawal:

Suspension may occur after an arrest, complaint, or where the bishop is satisfied on the basis of information provided by the local authority or police that the LLM presents a significant risk of harm.

The bishop can also suspend an LLM, or withdraw the licence (temporarily or permanently), where there is sufficient evidence to suggest that it is in the best interests of the parish, or a significant time has lapsed without any service by the LLM (six months or more).  The LLM will be put on notice that this is the likely course of action, and that the licence will be withdrawn within a specified period of time.

Leaving the Diocese:

Please notify the BMA and BALLMs of your intention to leave the parish where you hold your licence, or the Diocese.