Saint James the Less Anglican Church

Rothesay New Brunswick

Policy: Consultation

Approval Date: May 8^th, 2003	Effective Date: May 8^th, 2003
Required Revision Date: May, 2008	Approval Authority: Vestry

Purpose

To ensure effective communications and decision-making at St. James the Less

Scope

This policy applies to all decision-makers at St. James the Less.

Policy Statement

At St. James the Less, members can expect that decisions are made in a thoughtful manner considering all available information at the time of the decision. Except where expressly stated otherwise, decision-makers have the responsibility to:

· Determine if consultation on a particular item is necessary; and if so,

· Select the appropriate consultation method.

Determining if Consultation is Required

Decisions are made for the:

· The edification of the people

· The glorification of God

In order to determine if consultation is necessary, decision-makers consider the following:

· The number of people affected by the decision

· The ministry strategy

· The impact the decision has on financial resources

· The degree of change being proposed

· The impact the decision had on human resources; and

· The amount education required on the issue to ensure effective consultative input.

Types of Consultation

Once decision-makers determine that consultation is necessary, they must also evaluate the issue to determine the type of consultation that is most appropriate. The following forms of consultation may be considered:

· Providing verbal or written information on why a decision is being made

· Seeking input from selected individuals

· Seeking input from a representative group

· Establishing a committee to make a recommendation

· Establishing a congregational meeting to provide input on a decision

· Releasing authority for congregation to vote on an issue.