The District Policy Executive

Background:
Methodist Standing Orders lay down that each District must annually appoint a District Policy Committee, though it may be known under another name - which is how we come to have a District Policy Executive in the Southampton District.

What are DPE’s main responsibilities?

• to devise and promote policies to advance the mission of the Church in the circuits and churches of the District;
   
• to supervise the use of personnel, property and finance and to assist circuits and churches that are experiencing exceptional problems;
   
• to encourage inter-circuit and ecumenical co-operation;
   
• to contribute to and respond to national Methodist Church policies.

In addition, the DPE makes recommendations to the Synod on a number of matters - eg nominations for appointments, applications to close churches, applications for authorisations for lay people to preside at Holy Communion etc. It also keeps a watching brief on the District’s Safeguarding (child protection) policy and its implementation.

Who are the members of the DPE?

• The District Staff - ie the District Chair, Synod Secretary, Training and Development Officer, Youth and Children’s Work Officer
   
• Key District Officers - eg District Treasurer, Lay Stationing Rep, Trustees Secretary, Property Secretary
   
• The Secretary of the Executive
   
• Representatives of the District Action Teams * 12 Circuit Representatives - 6 ministers and 6 lay persons who serve for three year terms on a rota basis so that every circuit is regularly represented
   
• 2 young adults
   
• an observer of the Wessex Synod of the United Reformed Church

How often does the DPE meet?

The DPE normally meets three times a year in late October / early November, March and June

For more information about the DPE and its current work, please contact Marilyn Pack