Suff Bishop Basingstoke Role Description 3 [1]
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Suffragan Bishop Role Description Role Title Suffragan Bishop of Basingstoke Introduction As a diocese we are committed to rooting ourselves in Living the mission of Jesus. We have begun a strategic process to deliver a mission-shaped diocese, so that parochial, pastoral and new forms of pioneering and radical ministry will be infused with the life of the Spirit of mission. It’s a life lived out in three dimensions: § Passionate personal spirituality; § Pioneering faith communities; and, § Prophetic global citizens. It is essential that this role description is read in conjunction with the document entitled Episcopacy in the Diocese of Winchester. Overview and scope of the role The Diocesan Bishop of the See of Winchester has overall oversight of the life of the diocese - its mission, worship, pastoral care and teaching. He has particular responsibility for mission development and for supporting the whole mission of the Diocese and its ecumenical and civic relations. In the Diocese of Winchester a suffragan bishop is one ‘to whom the diocesan bishop delegates (both formally and informally) varying degrees of responsibility. Some functions and responsibilities are formally delegated by the diocesan bishop to the suffragan bishop through an instrument issued under Section 13 of the Dioceses, Pastoral and Mission Measure 2007. The instrument names tasks that occur on a regular basis, as well as specifying what tasks the suffragan bishop may carry out when the diocesan bishop is absent from his see. The diocesan bishop may delegate other tasks as he wishes and may request that the suffragan bishop undertakes portfolio responsibilities. It is important to note that no Area Scheme applies to the Diocese of Winchester. The suffragan bishop’s responsibilities are not restricted to a designated area. The diocese appoints two suffragan bishops who reside one in each Archdeaconry. It is expected that for practical reasons some delegated responsibilities will be carried out on a regular basis within an Archdeaconry, however the suffragan bishop’s responsibilities extend across the whole diocese. The suffragan bishop is a leader and a representative, who shares in the work of the diocese in a collegial and collaborative fashion. The expectation is that the work a suffragan bishop carries out is expressly intended to underpin, promote and deliver the mission of the diocese. This role description includes some, but not all, of the responsibilities and activities a suffragan bishop is expected to engage in. The suffragan bishop is responsible to the diocesan bishop, to account for the particular activities which are undertaken. 1 The diocesan bishop will draw upon the different skills and experience of each of his team, to ensure that certain tasks are supported and delivered effectively. This role description should not be considered an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties. It will also be reviewed and discussed as part of the Pastoral Consultation with the diocesan bishop. Overall Role Purpose To lead strategic mission and provide strategic oversight (embracing oversight of the life of the Christian community in its worship, teaching, pastoral care and outreach) under the guidance, authority and delegation of the diocesan bishop. To work collegially with the diocesan bishop to build up the life and mission of the Christian community. To work with the strategic priorities. To work and serve with all the baptised, to ensure the life of the church is focused on the mission priorities discerned by the diocesan bishop in consultation with ecclesial, civil and ecumenical partners. Appointment & Accountability A suffragan bishop is appointed by and accountable to the diocesan bishop. A suffragan bishop is expected to work collegially with all the members of the Bishop’s Staff Team. A suffragan bishop will work closely with, and is supported by, the archdeacon, area deans, clergy and lay chairs. A suffragan bishop is a supernumeray canon of the Cathedral. Core Responsibilities The following outlines what is generally expected from a suffragan bishop. The following is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Vision and Strategy To work collaboratively with the diocesan bishop and other key persons to develop diocesan strategy and policy. To work collegially with the diocesan bishop to lead diocesan strategy and policy. To develop and lead local strategy directly linked to diocesan strategy and to work collaboratively with the archdeacons for that purpose. To work with key persons to ensure that there are sufficient resources to implement diocesan and local strategy and policy and those resources are consistent with budget plans. To take an active part in promoting the development of people within the diocese. 2 Leadership To be a visible, strong and inspirational leader, who grasps opportunities to promote and to lead Christian mission, liturgy, pastoral care and teaching. To support and enable colleagues to carry out their duties and, in particular, support and enable the archdeacons to carry out statutory duties. To build a sense of unity within the diocese and foster a sense of common purpose and cooperation between colleagues. To set key areas of achievement and maintain oversight, when appropriate. To set into motion management of situations when achievement is failing or not met. Mission enabling To proactively develop an understanding of the diversity of communities within the diocese and in particular develop an understanding of the particular needs and challenges of communities within the particular Archdeaconry of residence. Represent the local perspective to the wider diocese and beyond as necessary. To commit to finding new positive links and develop the existing links within communities and external organisations. Ensuring that full use is made of opportunities for outreach and service to the community. To take the lead in fulfilling civic and ecumenical responsibilities both locally within the Archdeaconry of residence and to share in fulfilling such responsibilities across the diocese. Engage in public life, develop positive relationships with the media (including social media). To oversee the vacancy and appointment process; working closely with the archdeacon who manages the greater part of the process. To carry out ministerial development reviews with clergy (Pastoral Consultation) in accordance with agreed policy and procedure. Maintain oversight of curates in training. To ensure that ecclesiastical legislation is recognised and that professional advice is sought when necessary. Pastoral care To provide leadership and oversight of pastoral care amongst clergy and parishes in collaboration with the archdeacon. Draw on advice, support and expertise of Diocesan Officers as appropriate. Delegation and commission The following functions are a shortlist of the delegated authority as detailed in an instrument issued under Section 13 of the Dioceses, Pastoral and Mission Measure 2007. Please refer to this instrument for the full information: 3 · Ordination of priests and deacons. · Collation/institution of incumbents. · Licensing of other clergy. · Admission and licensing of Readers and other authorised lay ministers and lay workers. · Confirmation. · Holding Episcopal Visitations. · Consecration of churches and burial grounds. · Licensing of buildings for public worship. · The Bishop’s functions under the Clergy Discipline Measure (on specific direction). General expectations Work collaboratively with colleagues. Encourage and enable colleagues to participate fully in strategy, planning implementation and review. Ensure that gifts and talents are identified and used effectively to encourage and build up the community/team/faith. Inspire, motivate and empower colleagues (individually and collectively) to ensure that gifts and skills are recognised and developed for the good of the community/team/mission. Work with the suffragan bishop’s secretary and any other allocated administrative resource to develop appropriate and clear boundaries and understanding of the responsibilities and accountabilities of roles in relation to the work the Bishop’s office needs to deliver. Acknowledge and respect diversity, developing unity and a sense of common purpose and involvement. Take opportunities to promote diversity and challenge those who disregard it. Meetings and committees and chairmanships Typically a suffragan bishop will be expected to engage with: · Bishop’s Staff Team · Diocesan Synod as a member. · College of Bishops as a member. · Bishop’s Council and Standing Committee. · Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee as a member. · College of Canons of Winchester Cathedral · Regular Episcopal Visits to the two Channel Island Deaneries · Regular meetings with fellow suffragan bishop and archdeacons · Regular Archidiaconal Team meetings 4 This list should not be considered exhaustive. A suffragan bishop may also be required to lead or participate in working/task groups. The Diocesan bishop may also delegate membership/chairmanship of additional committees. Portfolio. Provincial, National and International aspects of the suffragan role It is expected that suffragan bishops will undertake national responsibilities using their gifts and abilities for the benefit of the wider Church. Specific responsibilities will be agreed with the diocesan bishop. Key relationships The suffragan bishop will need to maintain regular contact and commit to communicate effectively with: · The Bishop of Winchester · The Archdeacon of the relevant archdeaconry