Employment Guidance for Churches

Welcome to Our Employment Guidance for Churches

Ensuring good practice in employment is important for every church community. As an employer you’re responsible not just for compliance with the law, but also for fostering a supportive, fair and safe working environment for all staff and volunteers.

With this in mind we have developed a Church Onboarding Guidance Document to help you welcome and integrate new staff effectively.   You can access this by clicking the button below

However if you need specific, tailored human resources guidance, please contact our Deputy Synod Clerk, Claire MacIntyre , who is available to support you with detailed HR queries and employment-law related issues.

Important: Employment Law Changes Ahead

Please be aware that significant changes to UK employment law are underway as part of the UK Government’s Plan to Make Work Pay and the introduction of the Employment Rights Act 2025. These reforms are being implemented in stages and will affect many areas of employment law,  including rights from day one, changes to unfair dismissal qualifying periods, new protections for parental and family leave, reforms to statutory sick pay and zero-hours arrangements, and broader employer obligations.

Although many changes haven’t yet taken effect and will roll out across 2026 and 2027, it’s important that churches start preparing now. Employers of all sizes should review their contracts, policies and practices to ensure they remain compliant and supportive of their staff.

For help understanding what these changes mean for your church and how to prepare, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the  Deputy Synod Clerk for personalised guidance.