Parochial Church Council 

PCC stands for ‘Parochial Church Council’ The group that has the responsibility for managing the financial and legal responsibilities of the parish. Also responsible for vision, staff management, building management, resources management and so on. Members of the PCC consist of the churchwardens, treasurers and secretaries.

APCM

The APCM is the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. Actually it comprises of two meetings the ‘Vestry Meeting’ which elects the Church Wardens for the coming year and the APCM itself which is the business meeting of the Church. It’s a meeting we’re legally required to have and must take place before the 31st May each year. The meeting is only open to members of the Church electoral roll, and those present vote on the appointment of PCC members, Deanery Synod representatives once every 3 year or when there is a vacancy and to accept the audited accounts of the Church. 

For more guidance on APCM as well as form templates please visit the parish resources website

Parish Returns

Why Do Parish Returns Matter?

Each year, clergy, Churchwardens, PCC members and volunteers across our diocese faithfully complete their Parish Returns. We know it isn’t anyone’s favourite task, at times it can feel administrative, repetitive, or even a little daunting. But behind the spreadsheets and forms lies something far more meaningful, a picture of hope, faithfulness, and the shared story of our life together as the Church of England in this place. 

• They help us recognise signs of hope and growth

Parish Returns allow us to see where God is already at work. They shine a light on new ministries emerging, congregations growing in confidence, and communities being served in Christ’s name. When viewed across the diocese, these numbers help us celebrate what is flourishing and learn from one another’s good news. Hope is often found in the small things, and Parish Returns help make those moments visible.

• They guide wise stewardship of our shared resources

We are called to be good stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, people, creation, buildings, finances, and opportunities.  Accurate information helps the diocese understand where support is most needed, how resources can be allocated fairly, and how we can ensure ministry remains sustainable for the future. The information resources projects like Cornerstone a brilliant resource that you’ll be hearing more about this year. Far from being a bureaucratic exercise, all Parish Returns are a practical expression of our collective care for the Church today and for generations yet to come.

• They provide a benchmark for planning ahead

By tracking trends year on year, we can see changes clearly, whether in attendance, giving, volunteer capacity, or community engagement. This helps parishes plan realistically, celebrate growth, understand challenges, and explore new possibilities. Good data strengthens good decision making, and it equips us to respond faithfully to the mission and ministry God is calling us into.

• They remind us that we are part of something bigger

When your parish submits its return, it becomes part of a wider, diocesan wide, and indeed national, picture. Every church, from the smallest rural chapel to the largest town centre congregation, plays a vital role in telling the story of the Church of England today. Your contribution matters, and we are deeply grateful for the care you take in providing it.
We know the process can sometimes feel burdensome, and we want to thank you, truly, for taking the time to complete your returns faithfully each year. Your effort strengthens our shared ministry, supports others, and helps us move into the future with clarity, honesty, and hope. 

Where to find more information

Further details and support resources for 2026 are available below, including a helpful FAQ video from The Church of England. If you have any questions or need help with the process at any stage, please do get in touch, we are here to support you. 

Deadline for submissions are as follows

• Statistics for Mission – 31st January (now open)
• Returns of Parish Finance – 28th June (now open)
• Energy Footprint Tool – 30th June (opening soon)

Thank you once again for your commitment, your patience, and your partnership in Christ’s Mission. 

Useful links and contacts

All returns are made via the Parish Returns Website here: https://parishreturns.churchofengland.org/.

Need help logging in? – contact Joanna Ormston at environment@peterboroughdiocese.org.uk or Nuala Salter at nuala.salter@peterborough-diocese.org.uk for help. 

Statistics for Mission – for helping completing your statistics for mission please contact Paul Adams at paul.adams@peterborough-diocese.org.uk or on 01604 887071 (office) 07720 388894 (mobile).
Further guidance and information on this return can also be found here: Statistics for Mission Guidance  and in the video below.

Energy Footprint Tool – For help completing your EFT return please contact Joanna Ormston at environment@peterborough-diocese.org.uk or on 01604 887041
Helpful resources for your Energy Footprint Tool can be found here: peterborough-diocese.org.uk/energy-footprint-tool.php

Mission and Finance Statistics

The information you provide during the parish returns process is available as spotlights for your parish - please see the links below which will allow you to search for your parish spotlight. 

Parish Spotlight - Finance Statistics

Parish Spotlight - Mission Statistics

Treasurers

For support and resources for Parish Treasurers see: Parish Treasurers

Churchwardens

For support and resources for Churchwardens see: Churchwardens