Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to support residential training colleges.

Each Teological Education Institution (TEI) training clergy for the Church of England is an independent charity. the Church is greatful to them for their ongoing and vital contribution to the shaping and development of future clergy.

Steps taken by the National Church Insitutions over the last three years include:

• Ongoing, regular and detailed enggement with TEI Principals and thier staff.
• A robust financial review to identify challenges.
• Reordering and considerable investment in finances made available for this stage of clergy training.
• Continued investment in the 'Common Awards' validated by Durham University, and providing academic stability, security and efficiency.
• A review of the provision in the sector to align need and provision.
• An improved maintenance package for fulltime ordinands, representing a significant extra investment to improve ordinand wellbeing.