Southwark Report Internals final single

Human Resources and Payroll
Fortunately, our churches remained open
throughout 2021 albeit with restrictions on
numbers and continued requirements to
wear masks and sanitise hands. The skills and
knowledge our parish staff acquired in PPE,
social distancing, one-way systems, safety
notices and deep cleaning continued to be put
to full use. Again, we thank them all for their
efforts to keep our churches open safely and
protect our parishioners.
Sarah Wood - Head of Human Resources
Following 2020, which was one of the hardest
ever years for employees of the Diocese, we
looked forward to 2021 with more hope for a
return to normality. However, we started the
year in lockdown again and ended the year with
far fewer restrictions but many more people
with covid. Another challenge indeed!
We started the year with 361 members of staff
and ended it with 340, the vast majority of
leavers being retirements and people moving
on to new roles elsewhere. More than 50%
of our staff were on some type of furlough
at some point during 2021 until the scheme
ended in September.
For HR and Payroll the end of the furlough
scheme was a great relief as the monthly
payroll returned to something approaching
normal. In November 2021 we also changed
our payroll software in a further cost saving
exercise, but which has provided a much easier
to use payroll portal for staff.
The Diocesan Central Services teams have
started to return to the office on a regular basis
although some working from home is now a
reality for most people. Thank you again to all
our employees who have supported the clergy,
parishioners and each other through these
challenging times.
38
John Toryusen receives the Diocesan Medal for
service to the late Archbishop Peter Smith