Probation

A well-thought out and planned probation period is key to the success of the Local Lay-Pastor. It is during this time that the Local Lay-Pastor and Circuit are able to build a relationship for longer term thriving.

A Local Lay-Pastor should receive the usual induction in the Circuit for new appointees, which will include appropriate safeguarding training and access to policies (see New Employee Orientation).

Reflective Supervision in line with the Methodist Supervision Policy should also be put in place.

The Local Lay-Pastor should enrol on the appropriate core Local Lay-Pastor module at Cliff College (see Learning and Development).

Successful probation requires regular line-management meetings. These meetings enable the Local Lay-Pastor and the line-manager to work together to explore development and learning opportunities. The Line-Management Probation form is provided to focus these conversations and provide evidence of the Local Lay-Pastor's development (LLP-LM-Probation).

Once the Local Lay-Pastor has completed two modules at Cliff College (usually after six months) and they are meeting all of the early competencies, the line-manager on behalf of the Circuit Meeting conducts the Probation Assessment Meeting and completes the LLP-Probation form and supplies a copy to Ministries: Vocations and Worship in the Connexional Team.

The Local Lay-Pastor now moves to Core Training and their licence is confirmed and extended until the next ministry review in line with their employment terms and conditions or volunteer agreement (see LLP Employee Letter confirming Completion of Probation Template or LLP Volunter Role Letter confirming Completion of Probation). The Circuit Meeting needs to confirm the licence through a Circuit Meeting or through email agreement of members.

It is now appropriate to conduct the Local Lay-Pastors commissioning service, if it has not already been conducted (a liturgy for the Commissioning of Local Lay-Pastors can be found on the Additional Methodist Liturgies page).