What is a Vestry?
The Vestry is the governing body of an Episcopal Church, or Charge. Vestry Members are normally the “charity trustees” of the charity comprising the Charge. They make decisions about the running of the Charge, some of which might have significant financial implications which is why it is such an important and responsible position.
The Vestry must also ensure it and associated sub-groups comply with the policies of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the regulations of the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), and other statutory duties, for example with regard to Health & Safety Regulations and the Protection of Vulnerable Groups.
Who sits on the Vestry?
Any communicant member of St James can be nominated or put themselves forward as a potential member of the Vestry at the Annual General Meeting in November, when most members are elected.
Some members of the Vestry hold special positions. These are the Lay Representative and a reserve or Alternate Lay Representative. Their job is to be involved in the local grouping of Charges and Churches, called an Area Council and also to be involved in the running of the Diocese as members of the Diocesan Synod.
The Vestry appoints other officers, who become members of the Vestry ex officio. This includes a Secretary, a Treasurer and a Lay Chair of the Vestry.
The Vestry can also co-opt members; this is usually done when someone has special knowledge or expertise, for example, on Safeguarding.
Our Interim Pastor, the Revd. Elaine Ryder, attends Vestry as an observer and advisor.
The current members of the vestry and their responsibilities can be found here.
