Welcome to our resources page for PCC secretaries. We thank you for taking on this important role in support of your PCC and its activities, which also provides a vital link between the parish and the diocese.
We understand that this is a demanding role with a vast number of things that you may need support with. We encourage you to read the information below and attend the annual workshop if possible.
Important action for 2026
This year’s annual CMS audit is especially important, as it will be used to confirm parish officer details and gather information needed for the 2026 General Synod election process.
What you need to do
- 5 May – You will receive a link to complete the CMS audit, with full instructions.
- Please complete it as soon as possible once you have the information available.
- Deadline: 15 June at 5pm.
Please ensure that details for Deanery Synod representatives are accurate and include:
- Full name
- Email address
- Postal address
Parishes should also send the names and addresses of Deanery Synod representatives to their Deanery Synod Secretary.
If your parish does not currently have a PCC Secretary, the audit will be sent to another relevant office holder.
Queries: DERO@oxford.anglican.org
Who can be a PCC Secretary?
The PCC Secretary is appointed by the PCC at the first meeting after the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. The PCC Secretary is appointed at the same time as the other officers of the PCC such as the Treasurer and the appointment is for one year CRR M17(5).
Someone can be appointed from the PCC or if not, some other fit person can be appointed to fill the role. Where they are not a member, they may (but do not have to CRR M20(4)) be co-opted to the PCC and only then become a full member of the Council with full voting rights. Whilst an existing PCC member cannot be remunerated in taking on the role, if necessary to fill the post, the PCC can decide to make the role a paid position and then later co-opt them to be a PCC member subject to putting safeguards in place over potential conflicts of interests.
The PCC Sec may also be the electoral roll officer, but need not be CRR M21 (3)
If there is a change in the PCC secretary (and similarly for deanery synod rep, treasurer and parish safeguarding officer changes) please advise dero@oxford.anglican.org. If their details have not previously been captured on the diocese’s database, please also complete a M4 form and submit to dero@oxford.anglican.org
Responsible for all PCC documents relating to the current business of the PCC (except electoral roll unless they are the electoral roll officer) CRR Part 9 M20(2a), i.e. record management and for keeping the documents secure. The Church of England Records Retention Schedule (updated for May 2026) sets out how long different types of document should be held and what should happen to them afterwards, alternatively see the print-friendly version filtered for relevant parish documents. For guidance specifically on GDPR, see the related diocese webpage or parish resources website.