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Parish Returns

Get ready to complete your Return of Parish Finance, Statistics for Mission and Energy Footprint Tool

Why Do Parish Returns Matter?

Each year, clergy, Churchwardens, PCC members and volunteers across our diocese faithfully complete their Parish Returns. We know it isn’t anyone’s favourite task, at times it can feel administrative, repetitive, or even a little daunting. But behind the spreadsheets and forms lies something far more meaningful, a picture of hope, faithfulness, and the shared story of our life together as the Church of England in this place. 

  • They help us recognise signs of hope and growth

Parish Returns allow us to see where God is already at work. They shine a light on new ministries emerging, congregations growing in confidence, and communities being served in Christ’s name. When viewed across the diocese, these numbers help us celebrate what is flourishing and learn from one another’s good news. Hope is often found in the small things, and Parish Returns help make those moments visible.

  • They guide wise stewardship of our shared resources

We are called to be good stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, people, creation, buildings, finances, and opportunities.  Accurate information helps the diocese understand where support is most needed, how resources can be allocated fairly, and how we can ensure ministry remains sustainable for the future. The information resources projects like Cornerstone a brilliant resource that you’ll be hearing more about this year. Far from being a bureaucratic exercise, all Parish Returns are a practical expression of our collective care for the Church today and for generations yet to come.

  • They provide a benchmark for planning ahead

By tracking trends year on year, we can see changes clearly, whether in attendance, giving, volunteer capacity, or community engagement. This helps parishes plan realistically, celebrate growth, understand challenges, and explore new possibilities. Good data strengthens good decision making, and it equips us to respond faithfully to the mission and ministry God is calling us into.

  • They remind us that we are part of something bigger

When your parish submits its return, it becomes part of a wider, diocesan wide, and indeed national, picture. Every church, from the smallest rural chapel to the largest town centre congregation, plays a vital role in telling the story of the Church of England today. Your contribution matters, and we are deeply grateful for the care you take in providing it.
We know the process can sometimes feel burdensome, and we want to thank you, truly, for taking the time to complete your returns faithfully each year. Your effort strengthens our shared ministry, supports others, and helps us move into the future with clarity, honesty, and hope. 

Where to find more information

Further details and support resources for 2026 are available below, including a helpful FAQ video from The Church of England. If you have any questions or need help with the process at any stage, please do get in touch, we are here to support you. 

Deadline for submissions are as follows

  • Statistics for Mission – 13 March 
  • Returns of Parish Finance – 28 June 
  • Energy Footprint Tool – 30 June 

Thank you once again for your commitment, your patience, and your partnership in Christ’s Mission. 

Useful links and contacts

All returns are made via the Parish Returns Website here: https://parishreturns.churchofengland.org/.

Need help logging in? – for Energy Footprint tool contact environment@peterboroughdiocese.org.uk or for Statistics for Mission and Parish Return of Finance contact Nuala Salter at nuala.salter@peterborough-diocese.org.uk for help. 

Statistics for Mission – for helping completing your statistics for mission please contact Paul Adams at paul.adams@peterborough-diocese.org.uk or on 01604 887071 (office) 07720 388894 (mobile).
Further guidance and information on this return can also be found here: Statistics for Mission Guidance  and in the video below.

Play Video


Energy Footprint Tool – For help completing your EFT return please contact at environment@peterborough-diocese.org.uk or on 01604 887041.
Helpful resources for your Energy Footprint Tool can be found here: peterborough-diocese.org.uk/energy-footprint-tool

Parish Return of Finance

You can now enter your Return of Parish Finance

To complete your Parish Return of Finance, you will need:

  • Income and expenditure records
  • Annual account information with breakdown of income and expenditure in categories

Statistics for Mission

You can now enter your Statistics for Mission Return

To complete your Statistics for Mission, you will need records of attendance at church services and other missional activities.

How do I complete my returns?

You have two options:

Option 1. The Church of England Parish Returns Portal

Log onto the Church of England Parish Returns Portal and submit your data.

If you do not have a login for the portal, please email: nuala.salter@peterborough-diocese.org.uk for a username and password. Once you have a login, you can use this for future returns.

A helpful guide to using the portal can be downloaded here.

Option 2. The Diocese of Peterborough

Print and complete the return of finance form  and statistics for mission form with your parish data and either:

Once we have your completed form, we will enter your data on the portal.

If you do not have a printer and would like a printed copy, please contact Nuala at Bouverie Court: 01604 887049 or email: nuala.salter@peterborough-diocese.org.uk

Energy Footprint Tool

The Energy Footprint Tool is now open. More informaiton about completing the Energy Footprint Tool can be found here.