There is a spectrum of ministry within the SSM ambit ranging from clergy who are in secular employment to those whose ministry is wholly based in the chaplaincy (less frequent since almost all SSMs in the Diocese in Europe are in secular employment). Whatever the emphasis of an SSM’s ministry, it is important that the diocese should recognise, affirm and support it. It is important that Self-Supporting (Non-Stipendiary) Ministers of all kinds should not find themselves overburdened with expectations from too many quarters. The setting of boundaries is important and the Working Agreement must set out a framework within which SSMs and their colleagues can agree upon appropriate areas of ministerial responsibility. Every effort should be made at chaplaincy and diocesan levels to offer training at times that are possible for SSM curates.   

Ordained ministry is based on mutual understanding, inter-dependence and collegiality, rather than upon concepts of employment and duty. Due recognition must be given, where appropriate, to the limitations for curates in secular employment, that they should not be overburdened with parochial responsibilities. With this in mind, SSM curates and training incumbents are asked, in consultation with the Diocesan Director of Ministerial Development, to complete the Working Agreement and Training Plan on as realistic a basis as possible, and to recognise that re-negotiation may prove necessary, possibly within the year. It is also recognised that SSM curacies may extend slightly beyond the nominated time frame, in order for the SSM to complete the full requirements of the curacy. 

In certain circumstances a curate may already have been involved in a post ordination training course in another diocese or in training comparable to components of the IME 2 Programme being provided by the Diocese in Europe. If so, the training already received will be taken into account by the Diocesan Director of Ministerial Development and a flexible approach adopted in drawing up the curate’s IME 2, post ordination training course.  Occasionally recently ordained clergy from other Provinces with no comparable post ordination training are appointed to posts in the Diocese in Europe.  The Bishop together with the Diocesan Director of Ministerial Development will determine their training needs and most often the priest/deacon will be expected to attend the full IME 2 Programme. In such circumstances the chaplaincy in which the curate serves will be responsible for the costs of the curate’s participation in the IME Phase 2 programme.