Recent changes to clergy terms of service have raised a wide range of issues touching on questions of power, rights of tenure, expectation and training. They reflect changes in patterns of ministry internal to the church, but also the changing cultural context in which we work.

This study sets out with great clarity the key issues, shows how these relate to a long story of the professionalisation of the clergy, and suggests how ministerial review and continued development could make these changes have a positive impact on the practice of ministry.

Canon Dr Jane Steen is Director of Ministerial Education for the Diocese of Southwark and Canon Chancellor of Southwark Cathedral. She has a longstanding interest in the governance of the Church of England and was Chaplain to the Bishop of Southwark before being appointed to her present post.

Canon Nigel Rooms works in several capacities for the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham including parish ministry in the city of Nottingham. He has recently completed a doctorate in missiology.