Clergy Personnel Handbook – Retirement

The Scottish Episcopal Church Pension Fund is a defined benefit scheme open to all Stipendiary Clergy and employees of the Province and Dioceses. There is a scheme handbook which gives details of benefits.

A year before the expected date of retirement (or as soon as is possible post-retirement for those moving from other areas) any member of the clergy should make an appointment to go and see the Bishop. At this meeting this document will be explained, and, in the case of newcomers to the Diocese, the Bishop will obviously wish to acquaint themself with the individual concerned. The member of stipendiary clergy should also make an appointment with the General Synod member of staff to seek their pension information and possible housing options. The Bishop will offer peer support. Perhaps, another member of clergy who has been retired for some time.

Following this meeting, if the individual wishes and if the Bishop can see no reason to delay, the Bishop will grant the priest concerned ‘permission to officiate’. This allows the priest to respond to invitations to lead worship although it should not be assumed that such invitations will automatically be forthcoming. It certainly does not imply an expectation that established patterns of ministry in charges will be adjusted to make room for the retired priest. It is also the Bishops’ expectation that such permission will be undertaken only on an occasional basis during the first twelve months and that an individual shall not ‘tout for business’. When such a permission to officiate is issued all the clergy of the Diocese will be informed of this development and reminded of the terms of this guidance.

The purpose of this stage is to allow space for the retired priest to take a break, and wind-down from the demands of their previous ministry. It will be the Bishop’s concern to ensure that such adjustment is taking place before considering any move to Stage 2 ministry beyond retirement. For those not from the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Bishop will also expect them to attend a diocesan-led day which provides an introduction to the SEC’s particular history, traditions and ethos.

Many clergy may find that they have no wish to move beyond Stage One and this is quite acceptable. In this case a conversation with the Bishop should be initiated and they will allow the ‘permission to officiate’ to remain in force, subject to triennial review.

Having had chance to make the adjustment to life as a retired person, some clergy may wish to explore with the Bishop whether there could be some role within the Diocese for more regular ministry. This will require the authorisation of the Bishop and of the Rector of any charge or charges involved. Any such ministry which is to be focussed on a particular charge or charges should also be arranged in consultation with the vestry or vestries concerned. It is envisaged that such ministry should be undertaken with one of the following purposes:

• To enable the development of new initiatives
• To provide support where resources are stretched
• To offer particular expertise.

As the person with the best understanding of the wider Diocesan picture the Bishop will be the key player in overseeing the establishment of any such ministry (although they may wish to delegate the arranging of matters of detail). Any such ministry will require a proper working agreement to be drawn up. It will be authorised by warrant and with annual review. The Bishop must ensure that Safeguarding training is undertaken at appropriate intervals.

Throughout this time of change it is vital that the cleric planning to retire and also once the cleric has retired, that they are offered appropriate pastoral support. This may be offered by the Bishop, the Dean or a retired cleric who is, perhaps, best placed to offer support at what can be a challenging time.

Means tested help towards providing a retirement property is available for members of the Pension Fund who have completed a minimum of 10 years full time stipendiary service with the Scottish Episcopal Church, and who are in need of assistance.

Details of both schemes are available from the Pensions and Retirement Housing Officer, Neil Wright.