Continuing Ministerial Development encompasses courses provided by the Diocese free of charge (see Trainign at a Time of Transition) and other opportunities for development, through study, specific training in job related issues identified during MDR, and wellbeing opportunities such as quiet days and retreats. Funding is aviabale for all of this through CMD Grants, Advanced Study Grants and Sabbatical Leave Grants.
Please click below to find out more about the support aviabale and how to apply.
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CMD Grants
Each of us needs to take responsibility for our own ongoing learning and development. MDR encourages clergy to discuss with their reviewers development opportunities which could meet particular learning needs. CMD grants provide finance towards this.
The annual personal CMD grant allowance is:
- £200 for those in parish ministry of incumbent status.
- £150 for those in full-time parish ministry (as defined in a Working Agreement);
- £100 for all other licensed ministers.
The CMD grant may be spent largely at the minister’s discretion in a way consistent with the development objectives identified in MDR, including for conferences, coaching, work-consultancy, clergy wellbeing, retreats and day events.
- The annual grant is for use in a single year and cannot be accumulated and is subject to budget availability.
- Application for funds must be made at least one month before the event and before booking or attending.
- Therefore the deadline for an application to fund an event in any year is 1st December
Applications for use of grants for non-residential events up to £50 may be made directly to the CMD Administrator, Sue Denham who will be able to issue a grant for recognised training events.
Application for amounts over £50 for events arranged by external bodies is made to the Area CMD Adviser at least a month ahead of the event. Please use the the standard grant application form for all grant funded events.
The CMD grant is not available for the cost of travel to training events or books. These are to be funded by local PCCs.
For specific training related to an MDR or the particular responsibilities of an applicant, including coaching, the CMD grant may be increased to £230.
For Readers and LLMs who are not included in the clergy MDR scheme, any application for an additional grant requires the support of their incumbent, Area Dean or DLMA as appropriate.
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Advanced Study Grants
Incumbents or priests-in-charge undertaking further study (e.g. at Masters or doctoral level) may be eligible to receive an Advanced Study Grant. Successful applicants receive up to half the course fees or £750, whichever is the less, for the duration of the course. Applications should ideally be made by the end of April to your Area CMD Adviser for the forthcoming academic year.
Please fill in an Advanced Study Grant application form and send it to your CMD Adviser.
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Sabbatical Leave Grant
The purpose of Sabbatical Leave and Study is to offer licensed ministers a sustained period away from normal duties for personal enrichment and professional development.
The Sabbatical policy is currently under review.
If you wish to explore the possibility of a sabbatical, please contact your Area CMD Adviser:
- Barking: Jane Richards
- Bradwell: Andy Griffiths
- Colchester: Ian Hilton
If you have already spoken to your CMD adviser about a Sabbatical, please fill in the application form here, and send it to your CMD Adviser, to begin the process.
Area CMD Advisers
If you would like advice about what courses would be most useful to you please contact your Area CMD Adviser: