Encouraging respectful relationships, resolving conflicts constructively, and nurturing an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, with proactive steps taken to address any concerns.
Jump to... Dignity and Respect | Equality, Diversity & Inclusion | Support Networks | Transforming Conflict
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." — Ephesians 4:3
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." - 1 Peter 3:8
In the video below, Bishop Steven explains what Working Positively Together is about:
As Christians, we are called to ‘love one another.’ In response, the Diocese of Oxford is committed to fostering healthy working relationships in ministry and employment. Rooted in dignity, respect, equality, diversity, and inclusion, our culture is supported by robust policies and initiatives. We embrace conflict transformation as a means to strengthen relationships and trust. Key initiatives include the LGBTQIA+ Chaplaincy Service and the Authorised Listener Scheme, offering safe spaces for sharing experiences and being heard.
The Diocese of Oxford is dedicated to proactively fostering an environment that prevents unacceptable behaviour. We achieve this through clear policies, comprehensive training and cultivating a culture of respect and accountability. Engaging in open conversations with family, friends, colleagues, community members, and congregation members is pivotal in advocating for a workplace where everyone belongs and can flourish.
This approach aligns with the principles of prevention and advocacy by:
- Prevention: implementing clear policies and training to proactively address and deter unacceptable behaviour.
- Advocacy: Engaging in open conversations to promote a culture where everyone feels values and supported.
By integrating these strategies, we aim to create a respectful and supportive workplace for all.
In this section…
Dignity & Respect in Ministry & at Work Policy and Procedure
Dignity and respect are requisites for a healthy professional environment where everyone feels valued performing work that is meaningful to the Diocese of Oxford and boosts our reputation for being a great place to work and a Christ-like Church.
Committed to promoting positive workplace relationships, adopting three principles:
1. A commitment to promoting dignity and respect to all.
2. Zero tolerance of bullying and harassment.
Nobody should be made to feel unwelcome or alone.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
Enabling all to belong and flourish.
The Diocese of Oxford affirms that all people are equal in God’s eyes and values the church as a community of God’s people. We are committed to equality, treating everyone fairly and consistently while celebrating our differences.
We will not discriminate or treat any individual less favourably on the grounds of sex, gender reassignment, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity. Challenging bias in line with the Equality Act 2010.
- Authorised Listeners. The Dignity & Respect in Ministry and at Work policy outlines the standards expected and procedures for addressing bullying and harassment. To foster a culture of respect, our authorised listeners are available to support those with concerns.
- LGBTQIA+ Chaplaincy Service. The LGBTQIA+ Chaplaincy Service is part of our diocesan commitment to foster inclusion and respect for diverse sexual and gender identities. It offers a safe, compassionate space for LGBTQIA+ individuals, their families, and friends, providing pastoral and spiritual care with respect for their experiences.
- Transforming Conflict: A Christ-like Approach to Peace and Understanding. Conflict transformation is a holistic process that seeks to resolve conflicts while fostering long-term peace, reconciliation, and understanding. Inspired by the vision of being A more Christ-like Church - contemplative, compassionate, and courageous for the sake of God’s world - it offers principals that are universal, promoting justice, dignity and respect for everyone, regardless of faith or belief.
What can I do?
Addressing unacceptable behaviour can feel particularly challenging to fears of personal consequences, such as retaliation, reputational damage, or uncertainty about how concerns will be received or addressed. Some may also worry about being seen as overly sensitive or causing conflict, leading to hesitation in speaking up. Despite these obstacles, it's crucial to take action to foster a respectful environment. Here are the steps you can take to make a positive difference.
Acknowledge: Recognise and validate the unacceptable behaviour, both for yourself and for others affected by it. This involves understanding that the behaviour is wrong and taking it seriously.
Visit our Dignity and Respect page for our policy and procedure, summary leaflet and examples on a) common bullying, harassment and sexual harassment; b) harassment under the Equality Act 2010; c) power dynamics in the church and d) acceptable vs unacceptable behaviours, healthy fair management approaches.
“A problem shared is a problem halved.” Addressing unacceptable behaviour involves communicating the concern(s) to a trusted individual through the appropriate channels to explore your options and determine the best course of action. This means acknowledging the problem and taking steps to manage or resolve it.
In the first instance: You can raise your concern(s) with one of our trained volunteer authorised listeners, who will listen and help guide you through the resolution process, offering support, clear information, and advice on your next steps. Alternatively, you may choose to speak to a trusted colleague or, if applicable, contact the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
Alternatively, you can raise your concern(s) during one-to-one meetings with your line manager or supervising minister, who will listen attentively and seriously. They may guide you to pursue either the informal or formal procedure, as appropriate.
If you are concerned that the practice, performance or behaviour relates to the safeguarding of children or adults who may be vulnerable please contact a member of the Diocesan Safeguarding team (call 01865 208 295 or email safeguardingreferrals@oxford.anglican.org) and/or a Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO).
If you would prefer, you can raise your concern(s) in writing you can submit a written complaint, please email complaints@oxford.anglican.org or mail it to: Complaints Officer, Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance, Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, OX5 1GF.
For detailed information on the informal and formal procedures, please refer to Appendix E, sections 2 and 3. Whenever appropriate and feasible, we strive to resolve concerns informally.
Recognising that perceptions vary, we focus on challenging behaviours, not individuals. Embracing our values of being contemplative, compassionate and courageous, we provide support to all affected parties – offering emotional support, resources and guidance to ensure everyone feels safe and heard throughout the process.
Our trained volunteer authorised listeners, are on hand to listen and help guide you through the resolution process, offering support, clear information, and advice on your next steps.
The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can provide all employees, clergy and their immediate family members*, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, 365 days a year information and support on a range of issues particularly focusing on your wellbeing through their 24-hour confidential helpline.
Alternatively, if you feel you have been the target of bullying, harassment or sexual harassment, please refer to Appendix F for guidance on actions to take and available resources. If you have been accused of such behaviour, Appendix G provides advice on appropriate steps and support services.
We endeavour to create a culture where, through acknowledgement, action and support, we courageously foster a respectful environment where everyone feels valued.
Jump to... Dignity and Respect | Equality, Diversity & Inclusion | Support Networks | Transforming Conflict
More information
Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD)
Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) supports all its licensed clergy and LLMs (Readers) in growing spiritually, theologically, and pastorally through ongoing learning and reflection.
Flourishing in your role means thriving in ministry through personal well-being (Flourishing in Ministry), which supports everyone in ministry to thrive in their life and work, and through supportive relationships (Flourishing Together), which provides resources, examples of good practice, and shared leadership to encourage and support you.
A Spiritual Director provides reflective companionship, offering guidance on your spiritual journey, prayer, and search for God through regular, meaningful conversations.
A Ministry Accompanier offers confidential support, acting as a critical friend to guide clergy through their ministry journey, fostering growth, reflection, and discernment for a healthy and sustainable ministry.
The Parish HR Toolkit offers PCCs general guidance on employment and safeguarding, signposts useful resources, and stays updated with employment law changes to support you.