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Updated 10 January, 2003
Project Grants
"Mind
the Gap" is the published report arising from a major national
review of Continuing Ministerial Education (CME). The Ministry and Adult Learning
Council (MALC) are using it as a guide to develop CME provision in this diocese
and collaboratively in the Eastern Region. It will take some time for the implications
on regional and diocesan planning to be discussed and implemented. There are
some directions we can and need to attend to quite quickly.
Annual personal CME grants for clergy were introduced two decades ago at 1% stipend, currently £120. Given the present financial constraints it is not possible to improve the value of the grants for everyone. In Ely, as in some other dioceses, ours have fallen below the recommended level. The Ministry and Adult Learning Council have given consideration to this twice during 2001 and two experimental approaches have been adopted.
In the spring of 2001 Partnership Grants were announced.
Briefly, these are for collaborative initiatives above parish level.
They are to
- excite imaginative training partnerships
planned at local level
- encourage collaboration through
joint training
- build collegiality
Maximum £500. The organizing agency must match the value of the grant. More details from the CME Officer or Reader Ministry Development Officer.
One of the insights gained from "Mind the Gap", and the meetings proceeding from its publication, is that ministers need different levels of training at different times. The awarding of a simple £120 to everyone, whilst appearing "equal and fair" on the surface, does not meet the real training needs in the process of lifelong learning for ministry.
There are five major points when the need for training is most keenly felt, ordination/licensing, first responsibility, new post, mid service, pre-retirement.
In recent years about 30% of clergy in this diocese claim their personal CME grant each year. Assuming this pattern will continue MALC will offer Project Grants of up to £200 in addition to the standard grant. To claim this grant one will need to show in an application letter:
The need for this further training.
The benefit for the indivdual and for the mission of the diocese/wider Church.
Evidence of other recent training,
Using the CME Framework, enclosed with this mailing and available on the website,
may help.
Evidence of seeking matching funds
(A database of funds is kept by the diocese of Bath & Wells on behalf of
the national CME network. Female ministers should apply to the Women's CME Trust
fund, Ministry Division, Archbishop's Council. All can consult the Directory
of Grant Making Trusts in the reference section of major libraries. Some major
training programmes offer their own bursaries.)
Applications in arrears will not be acceptable.
