Programme Governance: Ensuring Oversight and Delivery
The governance model for the Diocesan Growth Strategy is designed to provide strong oversight, clear accountability, and effective delivery across all strands of the programme.
Top level oversight comes fromtheStrategic Programme Board (SPB), which meets three times a year and is chaired by thebishop. Its primary role is to ensure the overall programme achieves its intended outcomes, manages resources effectively, and resolves major issues.
The SPB also acts as the main interface with the National Church and oversees learning from existing Strategic Development Fund (SDF) projects. Membership includes senior diocesan leaders, representatives from the national church, and external expertise to bring an independent perspective. Periodic reports are provided to Bishop’s Council and the Diocesan Synod.
There are Project Stream Boards for each major strand - such as Revitalisation, Children & Youth, and Excellent Leaders. These boards focus on delivery at a more granular level, monitoring progress, approving parish applications, and refining projects based on learning. They report to the SPB and include stream sponsors, project leads, and parish representatives.
The Mission Fund Committee, a sub-committee of Diocesan Synod, manages small grants and innovative missional proposals. It reviews applications, monitors funded projects, and ensures learning is shared across the diocese.
Together, these structures provide a balance of strategic oversight and local accountability. They ensure resources are allocated wisely, risks are managed, and the programme remains focused on its goal: growing vibrant, sustainable churches across Sussex.
1. Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference for the Programme and Project Boards define each’s purpose, responsibilities, scope of authority, and ways of working, providing clarity on how governance and decision-making are structured and overseen.
2. Programme Board Minutes
The Programme Board minutes record key discussions, decisions, and actions agreed at each meeting, offering transparency on programme oversight, progress, and governance arrangements.
- Programme Board Minutes will be added here soon
3. Annual Reports
The Programme’s Annual Reports provide an overview of performance, governance, and financial position over the year, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and priorities to support transparency and accountability.
- Annual Report will be added here in due course
4. Diocesan Statistics and Progress
The Diocesan Statistics and Progress report provides an overview of key data, trends, and measures of progress across the diocese, supporting informed oversight, reflection and planning.
- Statistics and Progress Report will be added here in due course