The Readers' training programme seeks:

1. to help the candidate "grow in their love and response to God through prayer, worship and service".

2. to help the candidate to "continue to develop their understanding of the Christian faith and their capacity to communicate and proclaim it".

3. to enable the candidate to develop the appropriate skills for Reader ministry.

Candidates who are to be admitted to the office of Reader must (Canon E.5):

1. be nominated by an appropriate member of the clergy.

2. be an appropriate person in terms of character, faith, and commitment to the church.

3. have passed an appropriate examination.

4. make the prescribed declarations regarding their beliefs and allegiance to the bishop.