Accountability in Ministry

In late 2005, Auckland Presbytery adopted a new policy for ministers reporting to their Session/Church Council about their various entitlements. This came about because of conflict between parishes and ministers about what annual leave was owed, and what professional development provisions had been taken up.

This "No Surprises" policy requires that ministers report monthly to their eldership or other governance group the status of their entitlements. These include:

• Annual Leave and days in lieu
• CMF days taken and current points tally
• Study Leave days due
• Date of last supervision session

An example of the table some ministers have found useful is shown:

MINISTRY REGULATIONS Jul 2007 Study Leave - one day per month served Annual Leave - 4 weeks plus stats Continuing Education - 70 pts per 7yr cycle Supervision - Ms XYZ	Owing to Date 19 days 5 weeks well up to date 55pts monthly req'd	Plan to Use nil 2 weeks September nil appointment 19 July
MINISTRY REGULATIONS Oct 2007 Study Leave - one day per month served Annual Leave - 4 weeks plus stats Continuing Education - 70 pts per 7yr cycle Supervision - Ms XYZ	Owing to Date 22 days 3 weeks well up to date 55 pts monthly req'd	Plan to Use Melbourne 2008? 3 weeks January 2008 Counselling Seminar 12 Nov appointment 18 October