If Something Goes Wrong
Grievance Procedure
It is best to avoid problems before they occur. One of the key intentions that underlie the procedure that is outlined in this Handbook is the wish to anticipate possible areas of misunderstanding or conflict, and thereby hope to avoid them ever occurring. However, sometimes things do go wrong. If problems arise the procedure below can be used.
Problems with the relationship between the Curate and the Training Incumbent
- In the first place, any difficulties on the curate’s part should be discussed with the training incumbent. Likewise, any difficulties on the training incumbent’s part should be discussed with the curate. It is preferable to settle difficulties informally on a one-to-one basis; formal complaints procedures should be the last resort.
- If no resolution can be found the Diocesan Director of Ministerial Development should be called upon. The nature of the problem should be indicated to her in writing. She should investigate within four weeks.
- If it is impossible to resolve the issue with her help, it may then be necessary to call upon episcopal guidance. The Diocesan Director of Ministerial Development will present the case to the Suffragan Bishop, in whose hands the process rests thereafter.
Problems with the relationship between either the Curate and the Diocesan Director of Ministerial Development or the Training Incumbent and the Diocesan Director of Ministerial Development, and vice versa.
In the first place, the matter should be discussed between the relevant parties.
If no resolution can be found, the matter should be outlined in writing by both parties to the Suffragan Bishop, in whose hands the process rests thereafter.
While all clergy have the right ultimately to come to the Diocesan Bishop, it is preferable, if possible, to allow him to remain uninvolved at the early stages, thus preserving his objectivity and impartiality should he be finally called upon.
Both the Diocesan Director of Ministerial Development and the Suffragan Bishop are understood to be acting as the Diocesan Bishop’s delegated officers.
Any clergyperson seeking advice about his/her legal position should consult the Diocesan Registrar.
The process outlined above has been prepared with due consideration of the recommendations of Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy (Revised Edition, Church House Publishing 2015).
Due to the particularly sensitive transitions that are involved in the first three years of ministry, it is proposed that rather than referring all disputes immediately to the Diocesan Bishop ‘to see whether or not there is a case to answer,’ a more graduated approach should be adopted; but one that retains the Diocesan Bishop’s ultimate authority.