The Vestry
Introduction
In 2023, Westhill Community Church separated from the Scottish Episcopal Church. It is now a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), Scottish Charity no. SC049910. Its full legal title is 'Westhill Community Church SCIO'.
The management board of the charity is known as the Vestry.
Vestry members are trustees of the charity. Trustee qualifications and responsibilities are prescribed by Scottish charity law.
Note. The charity 'Westhill Community Church' (no.SC015206) which was part of the Scottish Episcopal Church, has been wound up. See this page.
The management board of the charity is known as the Vestry.
Vestry members are trustees of the charity. Trustee qualifications and responsibilities are prescribed by Scottish charity law.
Note. The charity 'Westhill Community Church' (no.SC015206) which was part of the Scottish Episcopal Church, has been wound up. See this page.
Responsibilities
The Vestry is responsible for the sound management of the church’s finances and property, for appointment of staff including the rector, and it supports the rector and staff in the spiritual welfare of the church.
In addition to ensuring health and safety in church activities, the Vestry has a specific responsibility for the protection of children and vulnerable adults in the care of the church. It appoints a Co-ordinator for the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) who administers implementation of PVG requirements.
The Vestry operates in accordance with the charity's constitution.(See here)
The church’s financial year runs from 1st October till 30th September.
In addition to ensuring health and safety in church activities, the Vestry has a specific responsibility for the protection of children and vulnerable adults in the care of the church. It appoints a Co-ordinator for the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) who administers implementation of PVG requirements.
The Vestry operates in accordance with the charity's constitution.(See here)
The church’s financial year runs from 1st October till 30th September.
Membership
The Vestry consists of the Rector, ex-officio members and lay members of the church. It may also have co-opted members.
Lay members are elected by members of the church at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Nomination forms are available from the church office three weeks before the AGM. Each member must be a communicant member of the church in good standing with the church community, and be over 16 years of age. Lay members serve for three years and may put themselves forward to serve a further three year term. After that they must stand down for at least a year.
Ex-officio members include the Rector, treasurer, and secretary. The Rector is the vestry chairman but a vestry lay chairman may be appointed to chair vestry meetings.
Lay members are elected by members of the church at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Nomination forms are available from the church office three weeks before the AGM. Each member must be a communicant member of the church in good standing with the church community, and be over 16 years of age. Lay members serve for three years and may put themselves forward to serve a further three year term. After that they must stand down for at least a year.
Ex-officio members include the Rector, treasurer, and secretary. The Rector is the vestry chairman but a vestry lay chairman may be appointed to chair vestry meetings.
Meetings
The Vestry meets up to ten times per year, normally monthly. Other meetings are convened as necessary. It may set up sub-groups to work through detailed issues, eg finance, property, administration and resources. The Vestry also arranges the AGM (annual general meeting) held in late November.
Current Vestry Members, 2023-24
Westhill Community Church SCIO
Scottish charity number SC049910
- Rector (ex officio)
- Chair
George Laing Secretary (ex officio)
Allan Clews Treasurer (ex-officio)
Toyin Cole
Stuart McGregor
Hamish McLullich
Elaine Northcroft
Moira Smith
Judith Wells
Steve Townsend
Safeguarding
Jenny Townsend, Michelle Skellern
You can email the WCC SCIO Vestry at
vestrysecretary@westhillcommunitychurch.org
Scottish charity number SC049910
- Rector (ex officio)
- Chair
George Laing Secretary (ex officio)
Allan Clews Treasurer (ex-officio)
Toyin Cole
Stuart McGregor
Hamish McLullich
Elaine Northcroft
Moira Smith
Judith Wells
Steve Townsend
Safeguarding
Jenny Townsend, Michelle Skellern
You can email the WCC SCIO Vestry at
vestrysecretary@westhillcommunitychurch.org