Parish returns

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:

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 the Parish Finance form 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