Reader Renewals

Renewing a license or Permission to Officiate is not just a piece of administration, but a really good opportunity to take stock of the ministry that you offer with the people around you, as well as in the quiet of your own heart and mind. In line with national guidance, licenses need to be renewed every three years. Our rhythm is that this needs to happen by Advent of the year written on the back of the license. We do also send reminders though.

The only paperwork we need to renew a license (other than confirming that the safeguarding training and DBS are up to date - which is the strict responsibility of the LLM(R)) is approval from the PCC, and an up-to-date working agreement, signed by both the Reader and their incumbent or Area Dean if in vacancy. We have templates for all these which we send out with the reminders, or they can be downloaded using the links below. Once we have all the paperwork, the Lay Ministries Officer (who is also Warden of Readers) will read through the Working Agreement and, if they are happy, recommend to the Bishop that the minister’s license or PtO is renewed. Once we have confirmation, we will be in touch to confirm.

It is important that we have the paperwork in good time. If an LLM(R)s license or PtO has not been renewed by the end of their renewal year, their license or PtO is no longer active and they cannot minister. They will receive confirmation of this. If this does happen, the paperwork should be sent as soon as possible, and the LLM(R) must wait for confirmation from the Bishop that their license or PtO has been returned before ministering again.

LLM(R)s are also offered the opportunity of a chat and catch-up with one of the Deputy Wardens, who make contact in the first few months of the year. This could be to talk about what ministry has looked like, or consider what the next stage of life and ministry will look like.

Annual Returns

Each year, those admitted to the Office of Reader (all LLM(R)s) who are in active ministry, should complete a Reader Return. This helps the Parish Support Office understand the breadth, scope, and scale of Licensed Lay Ministry across the Diocese, and allows us to contribute to the national picture too. This is sent directly to all Readers who hold a current and active license or permission to officiate and is filled out online however if you require a paper copy, please contact the Lay Ministries Officer PA.

Key Contacts

Fiona Bennett - Fiona.Bennett@derby.anglican.org or 01332 388670

Ben Martin - Ben.Martin@derby.anglican.org or 01332 278139

Document templates

PCC support for Reader Licence Renewal

Working agreement template