The Finance Committee is a statutory body and consists of the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) trustees.
The Bishop’s Council takes the lead on matters of diocesan strategy, but the Finance Committee has a part in diocesan governance. Its main purpose is to enable resources to be used in imaginative and appropriate ways to support the mission, ministry and renewal of the Church of England in Leicestershire, in line with the diocesan vision and strategy.
This involves overseeing budgets and accounts, managing assets, ensuring that financial systems and procedures are fit for purpose, and commenting on the financial implications and feasibility of strategic proposals.
It is a company registered under the Companies Act (Company no. 227087) and is also a registered Charity (Charity no. 249100). Its members are therefore Charity trustees.
The trustees are also responsible for ensuring compliance by the DBF with legislation in areas such as employment law, Health & Safety and risk management.
The trustees normally meet five or six times a year in St Martins House, in Leicester. Members serve for the life of the Diocesan Synod, (i.e. three years) and are then eligible for re-election. It is not possible to be an elected member of both Bishop’s Council and the Finance Committee.
Membership
- Chair of LDBF (Chair) - David Palmer, who can be contacted at david@adpalmer.me.uk
- Bishop
- Archdeacons
- 3 Clergy & 5 Laity elected by the Diocesan Synod (those elected to the Finance Committee cannot also be elected members of Bishop’s Council)
- 2 Nominees by the Bishop
- 3 Co-Options
- Secretary: Chief Executive and Diocesan Secretary
- Minutes Secretary: Director of Operations and Governance
Also in attendance:
- Director of Finance and Support Services
- Generous Giving Development Director
Role of the Finance Committee
- To oversee the preparation of, and monitor,
- quarterly & annual accounts (including liaison with the DBF Auditors
- budgets
- statements concerning the use of Trust Funds
- To monitor the working of the Parish Contribution scheme, and to oversee the work of Generous Giving.
- To manage the investments (money & property) held by the DBF and the application of the funds arising from them. This includes being the appointed body under the Endowment & Glebe Measure 1976.
- To discharge the functions under Parsonages Measure 1938 & Repair of Benefice Buildings Measure 1972 and through the Clergy Housing Committee manage clergy housing for the benefit of clergy families.
- To appoint the officers of the DBF and to ensure suitable employment arrangements including annual review.
- To manage the assets of the DBF.
- To fulfil the role of Custodian Trustee in respect of PCC property.
- To discharge the functions of the DBF in respect of the management and disposal of closed churches.
- To oversee the work of the Growth Fund and Capital Fund committees
- To ensure compliance by the DBF with relevant legislation.
- To maintain an overview of financial and other issues which may impact the mission and ministry of the wider diocese.