Territorial proposals 11 to

This could be for a specific area (divisional area officer), or for a specific function such as mission, personnel, safeguarding, youth and children, candidates, ecumenical. A divisional officer may be a full-time appointment or a part-time appointment for a practitioner who has credibility and experience in a specific ‘support and oversight’ process. The needs of each division will determine the number and responsibilities of divisional officers.

It is no longer a case of ‘one size fits all’. The title of divisional mission enabler, divisional area officer, divisional officer for leadership development and divisional leader for leader development will be discontinued.

WHY AREN’T YOU PROPOSING MORE CHANGES?

We’ve heard and accepted this is not the time for ‘big bang’ change, particularly as many people and communities are fragile emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic. Some changes are urgent and are being prioritised. The strong desire is to shift to a culture of continuous improvement. Rather than territory-wide reorganisation we will boldly take smaller steps forward to leave us open to the Spirit’s leading and allow us time to reflect, learn and adapt.

The Structure Co-ordination and Design Project isn’t a standalone initiative. Although initial changes are proposed at a divisional level, changes and developments are also happening at THQ. Territorial leadership has initiated significant work in the past four years and we will only achieve transformation, streamlining and integration if the following work is also implemented. These include: a focus on aligning all parts of the Army to live out the

Identity Principles, Our Vision, Our Mission and Our Values; the Valuing People Framework, which sets out practical steps to ensure we love God and love others; work to assess corps viability, opportunities for new growth as well as innovative ways to increase local mission delivery in corps that are already flourishing; recruiting, retaining and developing effective mature and capable leadership who enables the flourishing of people and communities. This will involve vocational and leadership development, succession-planning and mutual accountability for employees, Salvationists, volunteers, officers and other leaders; recognising the need for greater diversity at all levels – for example, the Equality and Diversity Council has been re-established and reinforced and a Racial Inclusion Working

Group is working to find ways to encourage much greater inclusion and diversity.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The impact of the proposed new divisions and boundaries will be consulted upon with divisional employees in the next few weeks. The intention is, as far as possible, to work with current DHQ employees and transition to the new divisions rather than create new posts and have a complex employee consultation process. There is no expectation of a significant reduction in DHQ employee posts.

Assuming that the proposals are approved, most of the new divisions will be formed in January 2023 with South West being formed in April and London, South East plus Central and Southern Scotland being formed in July 2023. In the intervening months, existing DHQ staff will increasingly work together and explore new ways of working that will provide improved support and oversight to help local mission flourish.

Existing divisional leaders are working with the Personnel Service, as per normal processes, to develop DHQ officer staffing proposals for consideration at the Appointments Conference in January 2023.

HOW CAN I BE INVOLVED?

The SCDG has released a fuller report detailing the proposals that you can download from the Salvationist website: salvationist.org.uk/strengtheningourfuture. Please remember that no decisions requiring consultation with employees impacted by the changes have been taken.

The SCDG also welcomes comments and questions from anyone connected to The Salvation Army. You can do this by emailing transformation@salvationarmy.org.uk and you will receive a reply.

The next few months will be challenging so, most importantly, the territorial leadership and the SCDG ask for your prayers. No change programme is ever easy. However, we know God is with us and has guided us so far. We have confidence to keep moving forward.

Change is always with us. Continuous improvement has always been a characteristic of faithful Christians. We are never satisfied with the status quo. We, and our Army, can always be more Christlike. There are always new opportunities to grow God’s Kingdom on earth, as it is in Heaven. With confidence in God – Father, Son and Spirit – we commend this report to you and ask for your prayers and assistance in achieving these ambitious plans.

ARMY NEWS

Army welcomes energy price freeze

UK

THE announcement that energy prices will be frozen at £2,500 a year for the next two years has been welcomed by The Salvation Army, but it warned that further measures are needed.

Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant said: ‘While freezing energy prices is an important measure, it does not help those already struggling with rising food prices and basic essentials.

‘Our officers are already seeing parents skipping meals to feed their children and demand at our food banks is very high. Those who rely on universal credit must be able to afford the basic necessities. We are urging the government to increase universal credit payments in line with inflation.

‘Moreover, the bleak economic forecasts mean that we are facing a possible recession which could well push more people on to universal credit.’

The Army has urgently asked prime minister Liz Truss to make emergency changes to the universal credit system to stop those who rely on it falling into deprivation and debt. – AR

REMEMBRANCE INTERNATIONAL

International leaders celebrate mobilised mission

MALAWI

GENERAL Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle were welcomed to the territory by territorial leaders Colonels Samuel and Theresa Baah.

The General and Commissioner Rosalie visited the Bangwe school and health centre, which recently registered 100 newborn babies. While at the school, the international leaders officially opened a locally funded canteen and, emphasising the importance of quality education, the General urged the young people to rely on God as they grow and learn.

The General and Commissioner Rosalie provided updates about growth and missional strategy at the officers councils. Following these sessions, Salvationists joined with the international leaders at a soldiers rally and festival of praise, where the General conducted the installation of Colonels Samuel and Theresa as territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, and led the commissioning of several timbrelists, songsters, bandsmen and young singers.

A congress, under the theme Mobilised to Do a New Thing for God’s Glory, saw the international leaders attend men’s, women’s and youth rallies. There were activities and presentations of music and dance at each, with strong and enthusiastic congregations. In addition, 67 senior soldiers and 30 junior soldiers were enrolled by the General.

In his final word of affirmation and challenge, the General expressed: ‘My call to The Salvation Army in Malawi is that we need to be God’s people today. The only way that we can be God’s people is to follow Jesus Christ, accepting the call to be his holy people just as he is holy.’ – AR

PRESENTATION PRESENTATION

Divisional Commander Major Gillian Jackson (North Scotland) lays flowers at the gates of Balmoral in memory of Queen Elizabeth II SHERBURN HILL Songster Gladys Smith received a posthumous certificate of recognition on behalf of her husband, David Smith, who faithfully led the songsters at the corps for 51 years. Songster Secretary Dorothy Usher presented the certificate. – OJ UPPER NORWOOD Major Ruth Clarke received a certificate of service and appreciation from corps officer Major Phil Layton. The certificate was in recognition of Major Ruth’s baking for cake sales, which have raised more than £4,000 for the corps. – PL

FUNDRAISING

ROYSTON Local resident Bob Woodcock took to the roads for a charity motorcycle ride, setting off on a 2,300-mile trip to Land’s End, before riding all the way to John o’ Groats in Scotland. Along the way he visited Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh and also met up with Lieutenant Scott Garman (Glasgow City Centre). The corps was grateful to receive more than £822 from his fundraising adventure. Bob has undertaken the same route over the past 11 years to raise money for different charities. This year, he chose the corps as he has fond memories of the Army from his childhood. – TH

MUSIC OUTREACH

MORLEY Corps members took part in Yorkshire Day celebrations by giving out Army literature, Messy Church at Home bags, balloons and other goodies. They are pictured with the town mayor, Councillor Oliver Newton. – RW

EVENT

GLASGOW The Scotland Fellowship Band returned to the surrounds of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, with a concert enjoyed by several hundred people. The music included light classical items, hymn tune arrangements and marches that suited the magnificent acoustics. Many members of the public commented that they felt it was a spiritual experience, a view shared by the band, who thanked God for the opportunity to witness once again. – PF

ECUMENICAL

SCARBOROUGH Children aged four to eleven enjoyed a wonderful week of fun-filled activities as the corps hosted its Seaside Rock summer holiday club. The children had great fun with games and crafts. During the week they joined hands in prayer, listened to Bible stories, made sandcastles and enjoyed lapping up ice creams. On the last day the corps held an outdoor church meeting and a barbecue near the beach, which attracted more than 70 people. There were more games, music, laughter, sausages, burgers, cake and a real sense of community. ‘It was a joyous week for the children and all those who came together to help in whatever way they could,’ said corps officer Captain Angela Noble. – MT

EVENT

HASTINGS TEMPLE The corps has commenced an Alpha Youth course, after members of the youth club expressed their interest. The young people are using this opportunity to ask questions as more understanding is sought. – MS