Parochial Church Councils are governed by the provisions of the Synodical Government Measure 1969 and the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956.
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting elects members of the Council. In addition the ex-officio members include Clergy and Licensed Lay Workers, Churchwardens, representatives of the parish on the Deanery Synod and members of the Diocesan Synod and General Synod who are on the Electoral Roll of the parish.
A PCC has the following main powers and responsibilities:-
- To acquire, manage and administer property for ecclesiastical purposes affecting the parish (though the PCC itself cannot own property outright),
- To frame an annual budget required for the work of the Church.
- To approved the annual accounts and present them to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.
- To make representations to the Bishop with regard to any matter affecting the welfare of the Church in the parish.
- To make representation about proposals concerning the parsonage house of the benefice.
- To be consulted about the appointment of a new incumbent.
- To be consulted about pastoral reorganisation affecting the parish.
- To be responsible for the provision of certain items of liturgical furniture in the church, prayer books, bible and legal registers.
- To be responsible for the care and repair of all churches, chapels and churchyards within the parish.
- To be responsible for ensuring that safeguarding measures are implemented and that the parish safeguarding policy is followed.
- To be responsible for determining the policies and procedures for data processing and complying with data protection legislation.
Parochial Officers
A PCC has the following officers:-
- The minister of the parish Chairs the PCC.
- A lay member of the Council is elected as Vice-Chairman.
- The Secretary.- summary of the duties of a PCC Secretary
- The Treasurer.
- The Electoral Roll Officer.
In addition to these are the Churchwardens. Their office is governed by the Churchwardens Measure 2001. The churchwardens have wide ranging powers to assist in the management of the parish.
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting must also appoint an independent examiner or auditor who should not be a member of the Council.
Safeguarding and the PCC
For more information please contact The Diocesan Safeguarding Team by emailing safeguarding@chelmsford.anglican.org or calling 01245 294438 or 01245 294490.
For further information consult the Church Representation Rules or the Head of Service Delivery, Nathan Whitehead.
