The Council of Bishops approved a voluntary recognition agreement for the union, following an approach by the union, making the diocese the first in the country to do so.
The agreement means the diocese recognizes the importance of union representation for healthy labor relations; the union’s responsibility to represent the interests of its members; and the importance of good practices in employment and performance of duties. It also commits the diocese to consult the union on matters affecting clergy and staff in relation to their employment or (if office holders) engagement (such as pay, health and safety and equal opportunities), and to further develop well-being. , diversity, equity and inclusion, and anti-harassment policies and procedures for clergy, staff and candidates.
The Right Reverend Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester, said: “I hope the agreement reflects our close working relationship as a diocese with CEECA over recent years and our commitment to supporting the welfare of our clergy, of our authorized lay ministers and staff. .”
The agreement covers all clergy holding an episcopal license to exercise ministry in the diocese, as well as all staff employed directly by the bishop’s office, the cathedral or the DBF. Employees of Parish Church Councils (PCCs) are outside the scope of this agreement as each PCC is a separate charity in its own right.
The agreement does not require any employee or clergy member to become a member of the union nor does it prevent those who may already be members of other unions from using their own union representatives to represent them in any future HR processes .
