To grow giving in your church, you need to ensure you have the correct foundations in place.

There are four areas to focus on, and they form the acronym MINT.

Use the links below to access information about each of these areas:

• Have the right mechanisms for giving. The primary mechanism we promote is the Parish Giving Scheme *link to internal PGS page*, but there are others such as contactless, online, legacies, gift aid and so on. Too often people have to jump through too many hoops to give to our churches. We need to make it as simple as possible.
• Show the impact of people’s giving, how it enables the church’s ministry and mission and what changes their money is going to make on the world around them. Often we talk about the costs of ministry rather than the difference it makes.
• Explain the need for people to give, so they see how important it is that they give. People have many opportunities to give to lots of worthwhile charities and causes, but why should they give to your church?
• Build trust, so that people have confidence that the church will spend their gifts wisely and well. This area is often forgotten about or left at the bottom of the ‘to do’ list, however if we don’t cultivate trust then it doesn’t matter how good we are at describing the three other areas we will always limit the potential income.

Giving and Generosity is at the core of our faith.

We believe in a generous God, a God who gave up everything for us and gave us everything we could ever need.

God calls us to be generous in response to this generosity and to share it with others.

We should not see the money we have (either personally or as a church) as ours, but rather as God’s and we are called to receive these gifts and to sensibly manage them.

We have three sections that will help you and your church to grow and encourage giving and generosity so that you can become increasingly sustainable.

• Generosity Week - Resources for churches planning their Generosity Week.
  
  Also see the Generosity Week 2024 Newsletter [PDF]
  
  
• Enabling Giving – these pages explore how to encourage people to give through practical applications, under the MINT acronym.
  
  
• Encouraging Generosity – these pages suggests ways of developing a culture of generosity that will lead to greater giving (IDEA acronym).

The information on this page is aimed specifically at those who are recognised as Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSO).

It includes links to resources and information which are directly relevant to the roles and responsibilities of a PSO, and to training courses which are specifically for PSOs or DBS Administrators within a parish and are not applicable to other members of a church.

The Diocese of Derby Safeguarding Team is based at the Parish Support Office, Derby Church House. The team work both from the office and from home (or other locations) through the week. You can meet the team at; Derby Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

Parish Safeguarding Officer Information and Welcome Pack

This National resource is a guide for Parish Safeguarding Officers, full of useful hints and tips to support you in your role. It can be downloaded here: Information & Welcome Pack for Parish Safeguarding Officers

Independent review into Church's handling of Smyth case published

The independent review by Keith Makin into the Church of England’s handling of allegations of serious abuse by the late John Smyth has been published. The full review can be read here.

Policies and Practice Guidance

The Diocese of Derby has elected to follow the National Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance since 2018.  All associated documents, Key Roles and responsibilities of church office Holders and bodies practice guidance, Responding Well, Safer Recruitment, Training Guidance documents and Policy Statements can be found here.

Safeguarding for Bellringers in the Diocese of Derby

The Diocese of Derby Safeguarding team in partnership with the Derby Association of Church Bellringers (the Assiociation) has developed guidance which applies to all Bellringers in Church of England towers in the Diocese of Derby, whether or not they belong to the Association.

The Guidance can be downloaded here

Resources and Templates

This link will take you to The Church of England National Safeguarding Resources Page which shows resources published by Church House Publishing, and a list of wider reading published independently and contain the authors own views; these are mostly recommended in the different safeguarding training modules as it is important everyone understands the challenges and criticisms facing the Church, and learns from them.

National Templates and Resources can be downloaded from this link - Templates and Resources

The Diocese of Derby has created this template policy for the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders download here and then completed for Benefice and Parish use.

The Safeguarding department has created a number of example role definitions which must be adapated for local use.  These are to assist Parish Safeguarding Officers in the creation of role defintiions within parishes and include indications on when DBS checks may be required.  Note that these must always be reviewed against the specific circumstances of any paid employee or volunteer.  These can be downloaded for use here:

Caretaker              Childrens Leader,        Childrens Worker,          Creche Helper,         Creche Leader,            Driver for At Risk Adults,          Elders Lunch Club Helper,

Flower Arranger,  Food Bank Helper,       Food Bank Leader,        Hospitality (Tea, Coffee, Refreshments),    Messy Church Helper,               Messy Church Leader, 

Open the Book Volunteer,                         Parent and Toddler Helper,       Parent and Toddler Leader,              Parish DBS Administrator,       Parish Safeguarding Officer, 

Verger,                   Welcomer,                    Youth Club Helper,        Youth Club Leader,                                        Youth Club Minibus Driver.

Code of Conduct template for volunteers

The Code of Conduct template has been written by PSO Jacqueline Haywood from St Alkmunds, Derby (thank you so much for this Jacqueline) the safeguarding team have viewed it and agreed it is a great tool, it can be download here for editing for local use.

Training

For details of Core Safeguarding Training and who in the Diocese requires what training please see our page Who needs to have Safeguarding training? / Book a course  All Parish Safeguarding Officers are also required to attend the Parish Safeguarding Officer Induction Course and the DBS Streamlining Education Session

Diocese of Derby Parish Safeguarding Officer Induction Course
Parish life is the heart of the Diocese and is the most important context to get our safeguarding right. The Parish Safeguarding Officer role is a vital one – the ‘champion’ of safeguarding in the parish. This induction/refresher course aims to help PSOs understand the role, responsibilities, and key working relationships of the Parish Safeguarding Officer, identify a variety of approaches to raising awareness and improving safeguarding practice, and evaluate safeguarding information reported by members of the church or community and determining an appropriate response.

PSOs are also required to follow the Core Pathway of Safeguarding training – Basic Awareness, Foundation, Leadership, Domestic Abuse Awareness and Safer Recruitment training.  Please book on to Parish Safeguarding Officer course using Eventbrite following the links below.

2025

Thursday 18th September - 2-4pm - Zoom - Book Here Please note the times for this session have changed

Saturday 15 November - 9.30-11.30am - Zoom - Book Here

If you are not able to join any of the courses above please email amanda.sandland@derby.anglican.org to be placed on a waiting list to be contacted about future courses.

Support For Churches in Vacancy

If your Parish is in Vacancy, or soon will be, the document Support for Parishes in Vacancy download here outlines how the Safeguarding team can help during the period of the vacancy.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Checks)
From January 2021 it became the responsibility of each Parish to apply for and administer the process of verification for DBS checks for Volunteers and paid staff working within a parish other than Ordained Clergy, Licenseed Lay Ministers and Readers and those seeking ordination, following the process as defined by the Diocese of Derby and working with our agreed supplier thirtyone:eight (31:8).  

If you are a member of Laity who needs to make a new DBS check, other than a Lay Minister, Lay Reader, or someone seeking Ordination or Ordination Training, please speak to your Parish Safeguarding Officer .  For all others please follow the guidance for as published for Licensed Clergy / Lay Minsters and Readers, including those seeking Ordination / Ordination Training which can be found here.

Parishes who complete Laity DBS

You must amend the following documents to make them appropriate for your parish:

• Privacy Notice this is a word document and you must edit this prior to it be given out.  A privacy notice with comments and a completed example (PDF documents) are also available to assist you.

• There are also minor amendments to be made to the Confidential Declaration form to make that local to your parish – these are highlighted in the document.

The parish CDF and privacy notice must be issued when providing information to DBS applicants. They may also be provided with the laity ID Verification form (amended May 2025), to prepopulate prior to meeting with you so you can verify thier identity documents and sign the form for your use at the stage of completing the online verification / position check.  To assist with this please see the notes on completing the ID Verification form and Documentary Evidence Details documents.

Any Confidential Declaration Forms which have a declaration on should be sent us on dbs@derby.anglican.org before you process the DBS application. These can be sent by the individual rather than the PSO.

The Vision Prayer

Gracious God, 

in your mercy, and for your glory,

renew us, reshape us, revive us - 

with generous faith, courageous hope, and life-giving love -

that, in transformed lives, 

through growing church and building community, 

we may see your Kingdom come 

and be good news for all.

Amen.

Our Vision is ‘the Kingdom of God: good news for all’.

So, what does the Kingdom of God mean to you and for you – in your everyday life, and in the life of your worshipping community?

The short resource materials on this page have been developed to help you explore what the outworking of the Diocesan Vision might mean in more detail, and in all our diverse and varied contexts.

They do not give the answer but offer a worked example of how you might engage with the Vision summary headings.

The worked examples for ‘Transformed lives’, ‘Growing church’, and ‘Building community’ are as from a local context. ‘Diocesan interventions’ and ‘Aspiration for the future’ offer a reflection on current (April 2021) diocesan engagement and action.

We offer these materials so that you can individually, or as a group, explore what our vision might mean for you and your local context.

You might use all or some of the pages at the same time or over a longer period.

There are no deadlines for discovering and working through these documents – they are for you to use at your pace.

Download the Vision Outline Resources (April 2021) [PDF]

Download the Vision Outline Resources Blank Framework [Word doc]

Mission Action Toolkit 

The Mission Action Toolkit is a set of resources that can help any church, of whatever tradition, size, context or type, to join in with responding to the missional aims of the Diocesan Vision. 

The Toolkit is based on Mission Action Planning for Derby Diocese, which we have been using since 2010 to help churches grow as healthy, worshipping communities that engage in God's mission in the world. However, it is a more focused, streamlined toolkit that is flexible and light-tough enough for any church to use. Churches can use the Toolkit in many different ways and adapt it to suit their own context and style.

The Toolkit isn't another thing to do or an extra initiative. It is a process to help with that which has always been central to the identity, calling and purpose of every single expression of church - to engage in God's mission in the world. It can help churches to acknowledge and celebrate what God is already doing in and through them in mission, and to hear God's call to grow and develop in their mission further.

To download the Toolkit, and find out more about how it could help your church, go to our MAP for Derby Diocese page.

Malcolm Macnaughton has been installed as the Bishop of Repton in a special Evensong at Derby Cathedral.

>> Watch the installation (YouTube)

During the same Evensong, the Revd Nicky Fenton, formerly Vicar of Shottle, Holbrook, and Hazelwood and Milford, was installed as Residentiary Canon as she takes up her new role as Chaplain to the Bishop of Derby.

>> See more photos from the installation [Flickr]

Bishop Malcolm’s installation followed his consecration as bishop at Lambeth Palace on Wednesday, 14th April. 

The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, presided, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, was the preacher.

The Right Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, was present to receive Malcolm as the Bishop of Repton on behalf of the Diocese of Derby.

Covid restrictions meant that the original date for Malcolm’s consecration had to be postponed – and both his consecration and installation were subject to government restrictions and guidance.

Bishop Malcolm delivered his first sermon as a bishop at his installation; Canon Nicky Fenton led the intercessions.

Malcolm said: “Over recent weeks I have enjoyed beginning to get to know colleagues lay and ordained from across the Diocese of Derby, but I am now really looking forward to making a proper start, especially as we will now be able to get out and meet people where they are.  I haven’t seen much of Derbyshire yet because of the restrictions, so it is going to be so good to be able to visit communities and churches all over the diocese in the coming months.”

“Despite the struggles of the past year the reality is that each day, transformed by our encounter with our risen Lord Jesus Christ, we can find hope for the future, for our churches, for our communities. The Kingdom of God is good news for all – and we are called to proclaim that Kingdom afresh in our generation. There is plenty to encourage us – and there will be much more! Please pray for me as I join you in this, our shared calling.”

A key focus for Malcolm’s ministry will be to support those engaged in church revitalisation especially through church planting and fresh expressions, particularly with areas of deprivation.

He will also give an episcopal lead to our work across the diocese with young people, schools and with the Derby Diocesan Board of Education. 

Malcolm has a background of working in rural, inner city and post-mining areas, and with archdeacons and area deans and their teams he will ensure we work well together to equip and enable local people, lay and ordained, to proclaim the good news of Christ in our diverse communities across the diocese.

Since moving to Derby in December, Malcolm has been working under licence from the Bishop of Derby, the Right Revd Libby Lane.

Bishop Libby said: “Malcolm brings, out of his own deep commitment to sharing the love of Jesus and seeking first the Kingdom of God, a rich and varied experience of ministry. 

"We welcome his particular gifts in accompanying people hopefully through change, and his passion for reaching those on the margins, and younger generations.

"We have been delighted to welcome Malcolm and Pam among us-we pray that the people and places of Derbyshire and Derby will be a blessing to them, as they will be a blessing to us.” 

Bishop Libby (rear) presided at the Evensong; Dean Peter Robinson (front) led the service.

>> See more photos from the installation [Flickr]

The Revd Dr Elizabeth Thomson has been appointed as Rector and Provost of St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee, in the Diocese of Brechin in the Scottish Episcopal Church.

Today, Bishop–designate Malcom and I, join with the whole United Kingdom, and friends across the world, in expressing our sorrow at the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. 

Though sorrowful and grieving, we give thanks to God for his long life, dedicated service to the nation and Commonwealth, and unfailing support to Her Majesty The Queen, for 73 years. 

After so many decades in public service, I expect we will each have a memory or image of Prince Philip – perhaps alongside Her Majesty, engaged and enquiring in every circumstance, as they travelled the globe, or as he championed causes close to his heart, for example, in conservation, design and engineering, and inter-faith dialogue, or of the legacy he has left for young people through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

As the Archbishop of Canterbury has said: “Prince Philip consistently put the interests of others ahead of his own and, in so doing, provided an outstanding example of Christian service. As we recover and rebuild after the terrible trial of the coronavirus pandemic, we will need fortitude and a deep sense of commitment to serving others … I pray we can take inspiration from his example”.

His commitment to our Queen and our nation has been total, and I know you will join us in sending our sincere condolences to Her Majesty and the Royal Family, with the assurance of our prayers as they grieve.

We pray they know the comfort and peace of the risen Christ in their loss. 

May His Royal Highness rest in peace and rise in glory.

Prayer

God of our lives, 
we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip, 
for the love he shared among us,   
and for his devotion to duty.  
We entrust him now to your love and mercy, 
through our Redeemer Jesus Christ.
Amen.

>> Guidance For parishes

>> Live coverage from BBC News

>> Add your message to the online Book of Condolence

Church buildings are not currently required to close and there is currently no obligation for churches to re-open in the event of a royal death. It will remain at the discretion of individual PCCs.

Private prayer should not be discouraged for those who feel the need to do this in a church building, but social distancing MUST be maintained for as long as the government restrictions dictate.

Having received one or more doses of the vaccine does not exclude anyone from adhering to the rules.

People should not be allowed to gather in groups.

Any church that wishes to consider re-opening MUST submit a risk assessment and have it approved by their archdeacon prior to opening.

Churches that are already open for private prayer etc may experience an increase in numbers and in some cases it may be necessary for them to re-assess their arrangements to allow for the increase. This may necessitate additional marshalling in and around the building.

Condolence books 

An online condolence book is now open for individuals and communities to record messages. Government guidance under the current Covid-19 precautions is that physical books should not be offered.

Flags

Flags should be flown at half-mast during the mourning period(the correct procedure is to lower flags completely and then raise them to half-mast).

Flower Tributes 

Visitors should not be allowed to leave flowers inside church buildings as this maybe a route for infection.  Flower tributes outside should also be discouraged.

Bells 

Guidance on how and when bells should be tolled will come from the cabinet office in due course, and we will share this information to you as soon as we are ableon this page.

Easter was, again, a little different this year.

The usual plethora of events in churches and communities was much scaled-back because of the prevailing Covid restrictions.

However, the Easter message remained the same and some were able to hold worship and a limited range of events.

Here are a few that caught our eye.

Messages from the minster

Swadlincote Minster went virtual for Easter Day. Revd Mike Firbank told us: "The vicar was only needed at the beginning, but he was involved in the background throughout the planning. This service included some special messages from friends of the church." They shared messages, stories, songs, prayers and bread together.

Virtual Experience Easter

Revd Becky Mathew, vicar of St Nicholas' Allestree & St Paul's Quarndon, told us that they filmed a virtual Experience Easter for schools this year.

Both church and non-church schools took them up on the offer, including The Curzon CofE, Mugginton CofE, Portway Infants, Portway Juniors and Denby. They used the videos and suggested craft/prayer activiites.

>> See the full Experience Easter

Overseal's ringers

St Matthew’s church, Overseal, brought its Easter Day bell-ringing activies firmly down to earth. June Hart, secretary to the church council, told us: "Nothing stops our bellringers... the tower isn’t accessible so they stood outside and rang the handbells before the start of the service this morning. It was just wonderful!"

Easter Garden

Bishop Libby and her family created their own Easter Garden - complete with roll-away stone - to illustrate the Easter story. Bishop Libby used it in her Easter video message.

Happy Christmas!

[This video e-card has sound]

With grateful thanks to Florence and her family and to Christ Church Belper

With blessings for a safe and peaceful Christmas

From Kate Godfrey, Diocesan Secretary,

and all at the Parish Support Office.

What's your Easter story? Share it with us - communications@derby.anglican.org

>> Download a printable map of Mercia Deanery here (suitable for A4 and A3) [JPG]

>> Download a printable map of the Archdeaconry of Derby City and South Derbyshire from this page.

Welcome to the Mercia Deanery.

We are part of the Archdeaconry of Derby City and South Derbyshire.

The deanery stretches down as far as Croxall and up to Elvaston.

The parishes are a mix of rural and market town and developing industrial communities. There are 33 churches and 30 parishes in the deanery. Within the borders, there are the historic churches of Melbourne and Repton. There have been archeological digs at Repton’s vicarage that have uncovered Viking activity... very exciting!

Archdeacon: The Ven. Matthew Trick - matthew.trick@derby.anglican.org

Area Dean: Revd Steve Short - stephen.short71@btinternet.com

Deanery Synod Leadership Team 

Lay Chair: Maggie Fenby-Taylor, from St George, Ticknall

Treasurer: Liz Ballinger, of St Mark, Winshill 

Synod Secretary: Sue Hidderley-Burton, PA to the Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire and Archdeaconry Administrator

Archdeaconry Deputy Warden: Vacant

Mercia Benefices

1. Aston-on-Trent, Elvaston, Weston-on-Trent and Shardlow, Barrow-upon-Trent with Twyford and Swarkestone (Parishes of Aston on Trent; Elvaston; Weston upon Trent; Shardlow; Barrow-on-Trent with Twyford; Swarkestone)
2. Foremark and Repton with Newton Solney (Parishes of Foremark; Newton Solney; Repton)
3. Gresley (Parish of Gresley)
4. Melbourne, Ticknall, Smisby and Stanton-by-Bridge (Parishes of Melbourne; Smisby; Stanton-by-Bridge; Ticknall)
5. Newhall (Parish of Newhall)
6. Stapenhill with Caudwell (Parish of Stapenhill)
7. Stapenhill Immanuel (Parish of Immanuel, Stapenhill)
8. Swadlincote and Hartshorne (Parishes of Hartshorne; Swadlincote)
9. Winshill and Bretby (Parishes of Bretby; Winshill)
10. Seale and Lullington with Coton-in-the-Elms (Parishes of Coton in the Elms; Lullington; Netherseal St. Peter; Overseal St. Matthew)
11. Walton-on-Trent with Croxall, Rosliston with Linton and Castle Gresley (Parishes of Croxall; Linton and Castle Gresley; Rosliston, Walton-on-Trent) (including Catton)

>> Spotlights on parishes in Mercia Deanery

Mercia Deanery Synod

11 March 2025
3 July 2025
19 November 2025