Scope
Grants for removal costs and resettlement apply to stipendiary and house for duty posts.
First appointment grants apply to stipendiary and non stipendiary posts.
Removal Costs
The Worcester Diocesan Board of Finance Ltd (WDBF) will make a grant to reimburse the actual cost of the removal van. Three competitive tenders or estimates are required and reimbursement will be at the lowest figure. You may, however, choose any of the removers you wish but you will be required to meet the difference. Having obtained them, the three tenders should be forwarded to the HR Administrator at the Diocesan Office for perusal.
Arrangements can be made for the WDBF to settle the account direct which will save the trouble of reclaiming the expenditure but any dispute will remain a matter between you and the carrier as the parties to the contract. If your belongings/furniture constitute a small load you may prefer to hire a van and do it yourself. This is acceptable but please advise the HR Administrator to reach agreement as to the scope and quantum of the WDBF's grant before making the arrangements.
The WDBF has decided not to reimburse the cost of insurance regarding the risk of postponement of a removal or late key waiver. In the unlikely event of postponement being caused by the unavailability of the house of residence, the postponement costs will be funded by the WDBF.
The WDBF is prepared to fund transit insurance for removals on an all risks basis through a block policy arranged with the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group - details can be found here: CHR Insurance for Clergy (.pdf).
If you wish to take up this offer please advise the HR Administrator at least a week in advance of your move. The cost of you arranging insurance through the removal company will not be met by WDBF.
Pickfords has entered into an arrangement to allow 10% off their estimate for Church of England clergy. This will be taken into consideration when comparing the competitive estimates.
Resettlement and First Appointment Grants
In addition to the removal costs a resettlement grant is also payable and will be advised to you by the HR Administrator together with a first appointment grant when you are taking up your first appointment as a curate or licensed lay worker and then also a post of incumbent status.
Resettlement and first appointment grants are paid without the need for formal application to the WDBF at the levels recommended by the Central Stipends Authority prior to the house move. Details are available from the HR Administrator.
Those receiving first appointment and resettlement grants need to take advice themselves with regard to the records they themselves should keep with regard to HM Revenue & Customs.
When, very occasionally, there might a need for an additional move for some reason in the benefice or diocese within a relatively short period of time the WDBF may reduce the second resettlement grant depending on the financial circumstances associated with the move.