Parish Giving Officers

The role of a Parish Giving Officer is an important one. Rather than keeping the books, or administering Gift Aid, the Parish Giving Officer's role is to help nurture Christian Discipleship in the way that Church members use their money.

More details of the role are provided on our sister Parish Resources site, but here we describe the key elements with regard to legacies.

You should ... 

Your job is to encourage church members to review their wills, and to consider leaving a gift in their will to the Church. 

Your approach should be general, drip-feeding leaflets, articles and information to the Church community. Many resources for parishes to use are provided on this site.  Occasionally, church members may approach you to ask for information about  wills, codicils, enduring power of attorney (EPA) etc.

If you don't know the answer to a question, say so. Suggest who might be able to answer, or say that you will go and find out without revealing who you are speaking on behalf of.

You should NOT ... 

Whilst it is fine to drip-feed general information about wills or legacies through magazine articles and leaflets, do not approach individuals directly. Wait for them to approach you when they are ready to discuss the matter.

Never make suggestions regarding the detailed contents of anyone's will. Your role is not to give advice - that is their solicitor's or accountant's job. Your task is to help people think through the issues and options in general terms to help them prepare for a visit to a professional. Never witness a will that mentions the parish - you or the church could be accused of having put pressure on the person making the will.

Never disclose anything to third parties (even the clergy) that you may have been told about potential legacies. Remember that wills can get changed, and it will only take one unguarded comment to ruin your (and the church's) reputation for confidentiality.

By all means consult your clergy if you need independent counsel, but be careful not to reveal personal details unless the person concerned has given their explicit permission.