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 the Statistics for Mission team via 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.
|
Data |
Start Date |
Data Return |
How to return data |
2025 Deadline |
|
Returns |
October |
Statistics for Mission Return |
31 January |
|
|
TBC |
Parish Finance Return |
June |
||
|
6 January |
Energy Footprint Return |
June |
||
|
Finance |
December |
Parish Share payment deadline update |
By cheque or BACS to the DBF |
31 January |
|
February |
Annual Report and Accounts submission |
Email: statistics@cofesuffolk.org or send hard copy to Diocesan Office, 4 Cutler Street, Ipswich, IP1 1UQ |
31 May |
|
|
APCM |
March |
Send Electoral Roll figures after APCMs |
Email: statistics@cofesuffolk.org or send hard copy to Diocesan Office, 4 Cutler Street, Ipswich, IP1 1UQ |
31 May |
|
CMS |
May |
CMS Place Audit |
Via email link |
June |
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 email the Statistics for Mission Team on statistics@cofesuffolk.org who will be happy to advise you further.
User Guide | PDF
Statistics for Mission Form | PDF
Frequently Asked Questions | PDF
Letter from Gary Peverley | 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
Work out your church’s carbon footprint to help care for God’s creation!
The Church of England’s Energy Footprint Tool is now open. The data collected from the tool will help your church understand its carbon footprint and mean you may be eligible for grants to kickstart net zero projects.
The easy-to-use online tool will tell your church what carbon footprint is, based on the energy you to heat and light buildings.
Online Parish Returns System | Weblink
Energy Footprint Tool Paper Copy | PDF
For further information please visit:
Energy Footprint | 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