Policies and Procedures

Complaints Policy and Vexatious Complaints Policy

The Chester Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) is the legal entity acting on behalf of the Diocese of Chester and oversees the complaints process. The DBF aims to provide a fair and professional service in all it does. It is recognised that sometimes people will have problems or concerns they wish to raise. This Complaints Policy and procedure have been developed as a fair, quick and consistent mechanism for dealing with such problems or concerns, and to enable the DBF to learn and improve the service it offers.

The identification and handling of an unreasonably persistent, malicious or vexatious complaint is not an easy task. Difficult or not, it is important that we all do all we can to protect each other from harm. In adopting this Vexatious Complaints Policy, the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance has been committed to a balanced approach to complaints. We acknowledge the need to ensure all complaints are taken seriously. We also seek to offer clergy, church officers and employees robust protection from unnecessary injury by complainants.

Bullying and Harassment Policy and Procedures

The Bullying and Harassment Policy sets out a framework in which, wherever possible, relationships can be rebuilt and trust restored.  It outlines behavioural expectations placed upon all employees, office holders, licence holders and volunteers and also outlines how harassment, bullying or other inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with.

The Bullying and Harassment Procedures document provides guidance of the procedures alongside the Bullying and Harassment Policy.  The procedure will vary according to the officer to whom the policy is applied and the most appropriate procedure for the particular situation should be adopted. It also contains a sample Policy & Procedure for a PCC (at pages 2-4).

Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest is a situation where an employee or volunteer is involved in multiple interests where serving one interest could involve working against another.

The Diocese of Chester seeks to act with probity in their professional dealings and so aims to help employees and volunteers to follow (and be seen to follow) the highest ethical and moral standards in the course of their employment or volunteering. Please see the Conflict of Interest Protocol for further details.

Lone working and personal safety

Clergy working alone will face similar risks to others, but the job can also carry additional risks and it is important that sensible precautions are taken and arrangements made to ensure that they are as safe as possible.  Clergy should familiarise themselves with the Guidelines on Lone Working and Personal Safety for Clergy.

Similarly, lay workers should follow the Guidelines on Lone Working and Personal Safety for Lay Workers information.

In addition to the above and relevant to all, are the diocesan Guidelines for Lone Working and Personal Safety - Conducting Visits and Lone Working Policy.

In respect of risk assessments, please see the Lone Working Risk Assessment (pdf) or Lone Working Risk Assessment (word) and Model Risk Assessment for Home Visiting forms.

For further information, or if you wish to provide feedback in relation to the above policy, please don't hesitate to contact us by email at HR@chester.anglican.org

Menopause policy

The Menopause policy aims to deal fairly and sympathetically with those who are experiencing menopausal symptoms. It recognises that, for someone experiencing symptoms, it can be a difficult and stressful time and that it is a very sensitive and personal matter which can greatly impact an individual’s work and home life.Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Director of Human Resources, the Dean of Women in Ministry or an Archdeacon for further support. 

Social Media Policy

The Social Media Policy provides guidance for clergy and DBF employees.