Your Responsibilities as Employer

Churches, circuits and districts that employ lay staff act as separate legal employers. As such, each employing body is responsible for ensuring that all employment arrangements are managed appropriately and in accordance with employment best practice and legislation.

Responsibilities of the Employing Body

Each employing body is responsible for:

• Recruitment and appointment decisions.
• Issuing contracts of employment and ensuring appropriate terms and conditions are in place.
• Managing induction and probationary periods.
• Providing day-to-day line management and supervision.
• Ensuring compliance with employment law and regulatory requirements.
• Meeting equality, diversity and inclusion obligations.
• Making decisions regarding probation extensions, confirmation in post, or termination of employment during probation.
• Maintaining accurate and secure employment records.
• Identifying and managing employment-related risks and liabilities.
• Addressing employee relations matters, performance concerns, attendance issues and workplace disputes.
• Ensuring employees are supported and managed in a way that reflects Methodist values and good employment practice.

While responsibility for employment rests with the employing body, support would be available through the District Lay Employment Secretary (DLES).