Approaching Retirement
Preparation for retirement is important to ensure a good transition from a busy ministerial role to the opportunities and challenges of being retired. The Church of England booklet Ministry after retiring from office is a helpful resource setting out the retirement process and the issues to consider.
Financial planning for retirement should start as early as possible during ministry. This should include consideration of pension and housing for retirement. The Pensions Board provides information on financial planning and recommends seeking independent financial advice and introduces their partner, the Ecclesiastical Finance Advisory Service (EFAS).
The diocese provides pre-retirement courses, which address the personal and spiritual aspects of the prospect of retiring. For details, please contact the Diocesan Training Lead.
The Retired Clergy Officer is available to help and advise those approaching retirement.
Retiring
If retiring before the age of 70, office holders need to give 3 months’ notice of their intention to retire. However, in practice, many office holders informally discuss their retirement plans many months in advance with their Archdeacon.
The formal resignation letter to the Bishop will trigger the following:
- A Deed of Resignation to sign and have witnessed.
- A letter from the Property Team with details of the responsibilities of the office holder prior to leaving the property. A copy of the letter will need to be handed over to the churchwarden/key holder responsible for the property once it is empty.
- The Archdeacon will meet the outgoing clergy to discuss any parish matters that he or she ought to be aware of.
- The outgoing clergy should contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer and Archdeacon to pass on any confidential safeguarding information or concerns, which their successor needs to be aware of.
At the same time, retiring clergy should contact the Pensions Board, who need 3 months’ notice to arrange pensions payments.
Normally, office holders should vacate the property within two weeks from the date on which they cease to hold office. In the case of retirement, this is extended to one month. Retirees may request to stay in the property longer, and will be expected to sign a short-term rental agreement (AST), and pay rent, council tax and water rates.
Support in retirement
Many retired clergy are part of local congregations and give and receive pastoral support there. The Area Dean has pastoral responsibilities towards retired ministers in their Deanery and is available for support. Contact details for the Area Deans.
The Retired Clergy Officer The Retired Clergy Officer is available to help, including both pastoral and welfare support. We are currently in the process fo appointing a new RCO. In the interim, all enquiries should be made to the Bishop's Chaplain: bishops.chaplain@cofeguildford.org.uk
There are occasional study days in the diocese, especially for retired clergy and partners, to help stay in touch with friends as well as learning together. Latest details will be shared here when available.
Retired ministers have access to the courses and learning opportunities in the open learning programme offered in the diocese.
The Retired Clergy Association of the Church of England is the national body which represents the interests of retired ministers. Membership is open to all retired clergy. Details of how to join and what the Association offers are available on the website. All incumbents retiring from service in the Diocese of Guildford are given life membership.
Ministry in retirement
The ministry of retired clergy is valued and encouraged in the Diocese of Guildford as an important resource in parishes, chaplaincies and other forms of ministry. There are opportunities for those with experience and expertise to support diocesan work in education, continuing learning for ministers and spiritual direction. The Retired Clergy Officer has current details.
Continuing to minister regularly in the diocese requires the Bishop’s permission to officiate.
Read more on this.
Permission is given on the basis that retired clergy are willing to work within the policies of the diocese and to remain aware and up to date about their requirements.
There is no special emergency cover service in the diocese, rather clerical collegiality is encouraged between colleagues, particularly in deaneries. Area Deans maintain lists of all the clergy in their area, and retired clergy with PTO are asked whether they have capacity to be asked from time to time to assist with absences in parishes, whether planned or emergency.
It is required that all those with permission to officiate have up-to-date training in safeguarding to the specified level. The training is delivered in a way tailored to the situation of the learner and suited to the role of a retired assistant minister and the leadership role this entails. For those who already hold permission, an alert is sent by the safeguarding team when further training is required. Read more about Safeguarding training.
The diocesan policy on public worship is outlined here.
Support for widows and widowers
The Bishop cares for the partners of retired ministers and is particular mindful of them after losing their partner.
Widows and widowers are welcome to continue to receive the regular newsletter from the Retired Clergy Officer, along with invitations to the study days and other social and training events.
They can contact the Retired Clergy Officer to ask for help and support, including questions about welfare. The RCO is supported by a small team and both male and female individuals are available for support on request. All matters, subject to appropriate safeguarding, are completely confidential.
Staying in touch
The Retired Clergy Officer sends a regular letter to all retired ministers and their partners. If you are not currently receiving this and would like to, please contact the Retired Clergy Officer.
The diocesan office keeps an up-to-date record of all retired ministers. Please help us to keep this up to date by informing the Retired Clergy Officer about any changes to your contact details or circumstances.
If you’re retiring into the diocese, irrespective of whether you are seeking PTO, please contact the Retired Clergy Officer so that you can be part of the clerical retired community. Owing to GDPR (data protection), neither the bishop nor the RCO is automatically contacted if you move, so please do get in touch!
Who to contact
The Retired Clergy Officer is currently in vacancy and an appointment will be made soon. Please contact the Bishop’s Chaplain, in the interim, who assists the bishop in caring for PTO and retired clergy, and is in close liaison with the RCO: bishops.chaplain@cofeguildford.org.uk