Employing lay workers

We recognise lay employees are a key resource for our local churches and circuits, and recognise that employing staff is a significant and complex task for any organisation to undertake.

If you are considering creating a new employed role, recruiting or changing the role or employment terms of a current employee, you must first obtain the permission of the district lay employment advisor. Please contact us early in your thinking, as the purpose of this is to help you navigate how to shape the role well, recruit well and manage well. The District Officer is Andrew Crawford – hr@sheffieldmethodist.org

Mandatory Connexional guidance applying to all employment contracts can be found here. Further requirements relating specifically to employed posts in churches and circuits within our project can be found in our lay employment policy. Additional line guidance and templates are provided in our line manager handbook.

As part of our commitment to supporting lay employees and employers, regional Communities of Practice meet for both lay employees and line managers. Training for those line managing employees within Methodism for the first time is also provided. Details of forthcoming gatherings and training can be found at events and courses