PCC News

In the article, I mentioned the fact that I appreciate that when a PCC meets that time is limited, but I really believe that every PCC would benefit from taking a step back and examining how effective you are as a PCC. As a school governor at two church schools we have audits of our governing body because at the end of the day we are held to account if our schools do not perform well. The Archbishop’s council have identified the following seven points for a PCC to consider seeing how effectively they are operating:-

An effective PCC….

1. is clear about its purposes, mission and values, and uses them to direct all aspects of its work. PCC Members always act in the best interests of the PCC, making balanced and adequately informed decisions, and thinking about the long term as well as the short term
2. has adopted structures, policies and procedures which enable it to achieve its mission and aims and meet its objectives efficiently
3. sees sound governance as an important part of its stewardship. It has appropriate procedures in place and manages any conflicts of interest appropriately
4. manages and uses its resources (including finance, skills, knowledge, experience and assets) so as to achieve its potential. It plans and budgets effectively, including periodic review
5. views accountability and transparency as key values, and recognises that it is accountable to wider constituents. It communicates effectively, explaining its activities and decisions in an open and transparent way whilst maintaining confidentiality where appropriate
6. is flexible enough to adapt to change appropriately. Avoiding complacency, the effective PCC will want to increase its effectiveness in meeting its core object of promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church
7. acts with integrity, and in accordance with its values.

As I said at the beginning of the article I appreciate that you are always short of time at PCC meetings but putting this item on your agenda might just help you see where your areas of strength and areas of weakness are.

The Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) has developed a new resource to help clergy lead PCCs effectively so that churches are better able to fulfil the mission of God in their communities.

The resource helps PCCs tackle common problems, clarify their purpose and find new ways to turn vision into action in their context. There is specific material for clergy as well as sessions and resources for the PCC as a whole. www.cpas.org.uk/church-resources/resource-for-pccs