Statistics for Outreach 2025/2026

Annual Parish Data Returns

The Church of England Data Services unit collects, analyses, and publishes data relating to a wide range of aspects of the Church of England including church attendance and parish finances.

The data that they publish is very helpful for dioceses as they support ministry in parishes, schools and chaplaincies. It is also widely used by parishes, giving easy to use information about trends in mission and ministry. Much of the information is displayed on a dashboard created for each parish.

Collection of the data at parish level is the responsibility of each parish and takes place through the online Parish Returns System. Data is collected in four areas:

1) Statistics for Mission

2) Energy Footprint Tool

3) Parish Finance

4) Survey of Planned Giving

1) Statistics for Mission

The annual return for Statistics for Mission 2025 can now be submitted. This can be completed using the online Parish Returns System at the following link Parish Returns Online Alternatively you can use the following bespoke form available in Word and PDF Format .

Download the forms below..

This should be returned to Rebecca Hathaway at rebecca.hathaway@chester.anglican.org

For any login queries please contact Rebecca Hathaway at the email address above.

Deadline: end of January 2026

2) Energy Footprint Tool (EFT)

This can be completed using the online Parish Returns System at the following link Parish Returns Online

The EFT usually asks for information on supplier of energy, usage (kw/h) and the type of supply (electricity, gas or oil) for each building. The estimated square footage of each of the buildings (churches, church halls, etc) is usually populated by the national church but can be edited. The EFT is open from January to the end of June.

If you have any questions regarding the EFT, please contact Sheena Wilson at sheena.wilson@chester.anglican.org

Deadline: end of June 2026

3) Parish Finance

This can be completed using the online Parish Returns System at the following link Parish Returns Online

For questions around Parish Finance returns, please contact Rebecca Hathaway at rebecca.hathaway@chester.anglican.org

Deadline: end of June 2026

4) Survey of Planned Giving

The Survey of planned giving 2024 is still being collected. Please send completed surveys to rebecca.hathaway@chester.anglican.org