5.1 Annual leave
In a calendar year you are entitled to a minimum of 6 weeks, which should include 6 Sundays. This would normally include a week after Christmas and Easter.
If you hold a part-time post, you will receive a pro-rata entitlement.
The days of annual leave may not include any of the Principal Feasts of the Church of England as set out in the Canons, or on Ash Wednesday or Good Friday.
Days may be taken in lieu of the Bank Holiday entitlement in respect of Christmas Day and Good Friday.
There is provision for the apportionment of annual leave in the first and final years of appointment.
5.2 Rest periods
You are entitled to an uninterrupted rest period of not less than 24 hours in each period of seven days, and at least once a month you are entitled to an uninterrupted rest period of 2 consecutive days.
The weekly rest period may not be taken on a Sunday, on any of the Principal Feasts of the Church of England as set out in the Canons and Common Worship, or on Ash Wednesday or Good Friday.
5.3 Statutory leave
You are entitled as appropriate to the statutory minimum amount of maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave, and leave to receive ante-natal care, all as specified in Regulation 23 and the directions of the Archbishops’ Council as Central Stipends Authority.
5.4 Compassionate leave
In special circumstances, unpaid leave of absence is subject to the approval of the Bishop in the first instance.
5.5 Bereavement leave
Individuals will be granted up to five days bereavement leave if they have considerable additional responsibilities associated with a funeral, for example, organising the funeral arrangements, childcare, sorting out a business, complicated debts etc.
5.6 Funeral leave
One day’s paid leave to be given to attend the funeral of a dependant or close relative.
5.7 Special leave
Additional leave with or without pay may be granted in special circumstances at the discretion of the bishop.
5.8 Public duties
Office holders have the right to spend reasonable time on public duties, including for purposes of trade union activities where the union represents the office holder or others of the same description.
Any time off, under an office holder’s service, will be entitled to payment of stipend.
Public Duties are defined as any work done for a public authority, including membership of a court or tribunal, or for a charity within the meaning of the Charities Act 2006, or registered friendly society, and any work done in connection with the activities of an independent trade union representing office holders.
This does not include time off for a public role which is part of the office-holder’s normal duties, for example, acting as a school governor of a school in the benefice. Nor does it include public duties which the officer- holder is legally bound to undertake, such as jury service or obeying a witness summons.
5.9 Ante-natal care
An office holder who is pregnant and has, on the advice of a registered medical practitioner, registered midwife or health visitor, made an appointment to attend at any place for the purpose of receiving ante-natal care, is entitled to take time off during working hours to attend the appointment.