As per Section 15 (b) of the Parochial Administration Ordinance, Parish Vestries elect members to a Nominations Committee. The Committee assists in the search and appointment of a new minister in the event of a vacancy, together with the Archbishop and Archdeacon (Parishes with a separate Trust Deed may have a similar, alternative arrangement). Parishes comprised of only one congregation may nominate up to three persons who are appointed by the Vestry to be representatives on the Nomination Committee (in addition to the two Wardens).  Refer to the Parochial Administration Ordinance where parishes comprise two or more congregations. (Section 53 (2)(f)(i)).  Diocesan Council has adopted a Policy regarding good practice in governance in the area of selecting Parish Representatives to the Nomination Committee. The full policy document is attached, however the essential elements are as below.


Purpose

This policy is in place to provide

  1. Guidance as to who is appropriate to be appointed to Nomination Committees pursuant to Division IV of the Parochial Administration Ordinance 1985: and
  2. Ensuring that such Nomination Committees are constituted with broadly based lay representation from within a parish.

Principles

  1. All parishes should endeavour to appoint competent lay representation on the Nomination Committee who will faithfully and diligently serve the parish during a nomination process.
  2. All parishes should have a broad range of lay representation, which is and is seen to be:
  • Not unduly influenced by one family: and
  • Not unduly influenced by paid employees of the parish.
  • This policy is made with the appreciation that the Division IV of the Parochial Administration Ordinance 1985 does not provide for formal procedures to be developed in regards to specific appointments. It is Diocesan Council’s encouragement to all parishes that this policy be brought to bear during the Vestry election process.

Eligibility for Appointment to Nominations Committee

  1. It is Diocesan Council’s preference that only lay members of the parish may be appointed as a parish representative on a Nomination Committee pursuant to clause 53(2) (f) of the Parochial Administration Ordinance. Retired clergy or clergy with a Licence or Permission to Officiate within the Diocese should be discouraged from seeking appointment to the Nomination Committee of a parish.
  2. It is Diocesan Council’s preference that no-one who is employed by the parish should seek appointment as a parish representative on a Nomination Committee pursuant to clause 53(2) (f) of the Parochial Administration Ordinance. If a duly elected parish representative becomes an employee of the parish, that person’s appointment as a parish representative should come to an end upon the person’s commencement of employment with the parish.
  3. It is Diocesan Council’s preference that only one member of an immediate family unit may be appointed to serve as parish representative on a Nomination Committee for a parish under clause 53(2) (f) of the Parochial Administration Ordinance.