Retired clergy who wish to minister in the Diocese must apply for Permission to Officiate (PTO). Such permission is normally granted for a period of three years in line with the DBS check and will only be granted upon completion of the required diocesan safeguarding training.
Those granted PTO are free to minister in any parish in the Diocese at the invitation of the incumbent or Priest in Charge (or Churchwarden when in vacancy) subject to any restrictions on the PTO. The Bishop of Peterborough has oversight over clergy with permission to officiate in the Diocese of Peterborough.
Applying for Permission to Officiate
If you wish to hold PTO in the Diocese please be in touch with the Senior Chaplain to the Bishop . A meeting will be arranged to discuss your request before you proceed to an application from. If you are new to the Diocese, we will request a Clergy Current Status Letter (CCSL) and an Episcopal Reference from your current/previous Bishop and you will be invited to attend an entry interview.
Renewing Permission to Officiate
Permission to officiate is generally granted for a period of three years. If you are over 80 years old then PTO is only granted for one year at a time. The Bishop’s Office will be in touch with you to arrange a renewal in enough time to allow your PTO to be renewed without a break. If you have any concerns or questions about this please contact the Senior Chaplain to the Bishop directly.
Ministerial Review
For all those holding PTO there is an annual review which is conducted with your ‘designated person’. Together you will complete a form and submit it to the Senior Chaplain to the Bishop around the anniversary that your PTO was granted.