Incumbents and Priests-in-Charge, especially those without ordained colleagues, will often need to arrange for cover, especially when on holiday or sickness. In addition, Churchwardens and Area Deans need clerical support during incumbent vacancies.
Clergy with Permission to Officiate (PTO), who are often, but not always(!), retired clergy, can sometimes provide this kind of locum cover. Some PTOs prefer to offer this form of service, whilst others like to be based predominantly in one parish. In addition, curates nearing the end of their training and other associate clergy benefit from and can enjoy providing cover for other parishes to broaden their experience and as part of their collegial support for fellow clergy.
We encourage parishes to offer each other mutual support in managing absences and vacancies. Clergy may contact friends and colleagues for planned absences, but more often in emergencies, this may not work out. Area Deans maintain lists of clergy with PTO, and should be able to advise parishes on clergy who may be able to help provide cover. We also encourage parishes to consider whether there might be clergy available in neighbouring deaneries who might be able to help.
Sometimes the Senior Clergy in the diocese may be available to help with cover. Please contact their PAs if you wish to make an enquiry: Diocesan Staff
Fees for locums
Parishes should provide visiting clergy with travel expenses. At present, fees for services can also be charged by retired, formerly stipendiary, clergy.
Fees are revised each year with effect from 1 September in line with the rates in the Table of Parochial Fees from The Archbishops' Council prevailing on that date, as follows.
Sundays and Festivals
£50 for the first service, (the rate applicable for "Burial of body in churchyard on separate occasion").
£34 for a second or subsequent service by the same minister in the same parish church on the same day,(the rate applicable for "Burial of body in cemetery immediately preceding or following on from service in church").
Weekdays
£32 for each service, (the rate applicable for "Burial of body in cemetery immediately preceding or following on from service in church").
Notes
- The provision for payment of a fee does not apply to LLM (Readers) nor to 'swaps' of stipendiary clergy between parishes, nor to SSMs (or PTOs who were SSM). The parish should however meet travelling expenses.
- There is a statutory fee due to the DBF for weddings and funerals. In most instances, a PTO may be entitled to retain the full DBF fee. See Diocese of Guildford Parochial Fees Policy.
- During a vacancy, that part of the parochial fee due to the DBF may be used to pay fees to those on the Clergy Register. See Diocese of Guildford Parochial Fees Policy.
- Please note 'Clergy on Call', is no longer in operation.