In 2013 the Bishop’s Council agreed a new CMD Development Plan which contains developments and changes to CMD Grant funding. The Plan aligns CMD policies and practices more closely with the priorities of ‘Transforming Presence’, and takes account of the advent of Common Tenure.
Diocesan ‘Stages of Ministry’ Courses:
There is an expectation that all clergy taking up new appointments as incumbents will participate in ‘Incumbency Skills’ and ‘New Posts’ conferences, "Building Resilience" workshop and the Chelmsford Clergy Leadership Programme. They are free to all taking up incumbent roles, and are funded centrally, with no contribution required from participant’s personal CMD Grants.
Permission to be exempted from these course is needed from the Area Bishop, acting on the advice of the Area CMD Adviser (e.g. because of equivalent training already undertaken or being undertaken).
For clergy ordained over ten years ‘Renewing Vision, Renewing Ministry’ is offered at the recommendation of their Area Bishop, or Archdeacon. This course is also free to those who attend.
Personal CMD Grant
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. Personal 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 personal 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 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 and feedback form for all grant funded events.
The personal CMD grant is not available for the cost of travel to training events, for retreats or books. These are to be funded by local PCCs.
Area CMD Advisers have discretion to approve funding of additional training clearly linked to MDR and related to the particular responsibilities held by the applicant. 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 LARC as appropriate.
Sabbatical Leave and Study
The purpose of Sabbatical Leave and Study is to offer licensed ministers a sustained period away from normal duties for professional development and personal enrichment.
SLS is offered every ten years and is normally for a period of three months. Licensed, stipendiary clergy are entitled to apply for a grant up to the equivalent of five years CMD grant.
For an Sabbatical Leave and Study application form please speak with your Area Bishop and CMD Adviser.
Advanced Study Grant
Incumbents or priests-in-charge undertaking further study at Masters or doctoral level may be eligible to receive an Advanced Study Grant. Successful applicants receive up to half the course fees or £500, whichever is the less, for the duration of the course. Applications should be made by the end of April to your Area CMD Adviser for the forthcoming academic year. All applications received will be considered and prioritised, and applicants will hear by the end of May whether or not their application has been successful.
For an Advanced Study Grant application form please speak to your Area Bishop and CMD Adviser.
Formation of Ministry Teams to serve Mission and Ministry ‘Units’
Since 2014 the CMD Team has been preparing a package of training materials to assist the formation of Ministry Teams serving across a Mission & Ministry Unit and their leaders. Resources for the previous Deanery Training and Team Ministry Consultancy have now been taken into the budget for this, and have therefore ceased.
Area CMD Advisers
If you would like advice about what courses would be most useful to you please contact your Area CMD Adviser:
Revd Canon Andy Griffiths - Bradwell Area CMD Adviser
Tel: 01245 227446
E-mail agriffiths@chelmsford.anglican.org
Revd Jill Mowbray - Barking Area CMD Adviser
020 8281 2574
Tel: 07783 742022
E-mail revjillmowbray@googlemail.com
Revd Ian Hilton– Colchester Area CMD Adviser
Tel: 0781 353 8926
E-mail: ihilton@chelmsford.anglican.org