Image by Tumisu from Pixabay
We need to collect:
- Statistics for Mission submitted via the Online Parish Returns Portal see below
- Parish Finance Return submitted via Online Parish Returns Portal see below
- Energy Footprint tool submitted via the Online Parish Returns Portal see below
- Archdeacons’ Articles of Enquiry
- Annual Report and Accounts
- Electoral Roll Certificate (in accordance with Church Representation Rules)
- Church Development Tool
Online Parish Returns system:
Online Parish Returns System | Weblink
If you require login details or any other assistance regarding the online portal please contact Alison Barker by email.
The Articles of Enquiry, copies of annual accounts, number on your Parish electoral roll and the Finance return need to be submitted by 31 May. This ties in with the deadline of when all parishes should have held their APCMs by.
Summary timeline
Below is a timeline setting out when the various statistical parish returns are expected throughout the year. We hope this helps your planning.
When? | What? |
Start of January | Statistics for Mission request sent |
31 January | The final deadline for previous year's parish share payments |
1st week of February | Annual Return of Parish Finance*/Annual Report and Accounts notice sent via Parish Returns system |
Early March | Energy Footprint Tool opens |
1st week of March | Request Electoral Roll figures (these should be received after the APCM) Liaise with those who have not returned Statistics for Mission |
31 March | The Statistics for Mission deadline (This is an extended date for 2023) |
Last week of April | Reminder to complete: Return of Parish Finance form / Energy Footprint Tool / provide Annual Report and Accounts / Electoral Roll Certificate / Articles of Enquiry |
May (subject to change) | Church Development Tool opens |
31 May |
Deadline for Annual Report and Accounts Deadline for Articles of Enquiry |
From 1st week of June | Liaise with those who have not submitted returns |
28 June |
Deadline for return of parish finance forms. Deadline for CMS audit. |
1 July | Deadline for Electoral Roll |
31 July | Deadline for Energy Footprint |
Dec | Deadline for Church Development Tool |
Statistics for Mission
Our preferred method of submission is via the online Parish Returns System here. However, if you experience any difficulty using the system, please contact Alison Barker at statistics@cofesuffolk.org who will be happy to advise you further.
User Guide | PDF
Statistics for Mission Form | PDF
Letter from Gavin Bultitude dated 19 January 2023 | PDF
2023 Timeline | PDF
Frequently Asked Questions | PDF
Padlet resource pack | weblink
Thank you to all parishes who have already submitted their Stats for Mission forms in this year. Please ensure you submit the forms or via the online portal or to the office.
If you are unable to input data using the online portal and would like assistance please contact Alison Barker by email.
Parish Finance Return
Parish Finance Form | PDF
Accounts & Annual Reports
Producing PCC Annual Reports: Church of England guidance on the writing of the formal Annual Report | Weblink
Copies of Parish Account and Annual Reports should be provided directly to the diocese, preferably by email, or alternatively by post.
An example of a completed Annual Reports is available from Parish Resources here.
Energy Footprint Tool
The Church of England’s General Synod has set new targets for all parts of the church to work to become carbon ‘net zero’ by 2030.
The easy-to-use Energy Footprint Tool will tell your church of what your "carbon footprint" is, based on the energy you use to heat and light your buildings. This tool is now live and is available to all Church of England churches using:
Online Parish Returns System | Weblink
Energy Footprint Tool Paper Copy | PDF
See video below on how to use the toolkit:
For further information please visit:
Environment | Weblink
Dashboards | Parish Spotlights
The Church of England Research and Statistics team publish the results of this data collection in the form of dashboards and spotlights available here:
Parish data | weblink
Other Helpful Documents
How to Guide for the Online Portal | PDF