Clergy Handbook 2025
The recently updated Clergy Handbook for clergy who hold an Ecclesiastical Office is now available.
The handbook draws together information on a number of important and related issues and seeks to signpost people to further advice and information. The handbook sits alongside other resources that give our ministry shape and focus. Here you will find guidance and advice that encourages best practice as we seek to minister together in a way that helps us to Engage, Grow and Deepen.
Information on Clergy policies and procedures
- View the National Clergy HR pages on the Church of England website for a wealth of information for Clergy and Office Holders.
- For clarification on any information mentioned in the Clergy Handbook please contact the Mission and Ministry team.
Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of Clergy
- View and download the Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of Clergy on the Church of England website.
Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations 2009
- View and download the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations 2009 on the Church of England website.
Diocesan Policies and Guidance
- View the Diocesan Whistleblowing Policy on the EDBF policies pages of the website.
- View and download the Ecclesiastical Law 2009 on the Church of England website
- Information for ordinands about parental leave
- Diocese of Ely Safeguarding Policies
Other policies that may impact Clergy and LLMs
- Relating Well Together - A suite of pastoral policy templates for PCCs to consider and adopt.
- Safeguarding Policy Templates - A selection of safeguarding policy templates for PCCs to consider and adpot.
Ely Diocese Registry
- The Diocesan Registry (Diocesan Registrar) website is designed primarily to be a source of information for all those working in the parishes within the Diocese of Ely as well as being a portal enabling parishes to monitor the progress of their Petitions for Faculties online.
- It also includes information and news on matters such as marriage regulations and registrations, parochial fees, the role(s) of Churchwardens and Parochial Church Councils.
Church Buildings and Churchyards
- Visit our Care of Church Buildings and Churchyards pages for a wealth of advice and guidance.
Holy Communion by Extension Policy
Communion by Extension is neither an alternative to, nor a substitute for, Holy Communion; it is a public act of worship that enables a second worshipping community to participate in Holy Communion ‘by extension’ from the principal celebration, in particular and limited circumstances, by taking consecrated elements to this second worshipping community.
This paper sets out the particular circumstances in which Communion by Extension may be used, and offers guidance to help incumbents and churchwardens determine how and when to seek the Diocesan or Suffragan Bishop’s permission.
This paper replaces all previous provisions and regulations concerning Communion by Extension in the Diocese of Ely, which are hereby retracted.