Full-time – 35 hours per week
Salary: £27,000 per annum
Are you an organised, proactive person who’s attentive to detail, comfortable dealing with the public and has a strong service ethic? Add to that a self-starter with an interest (as yet possibly undiscovered) in churches and their places in the Suffolk landscape, and this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
The Diocese Advisory Committee (DAC) of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich is currently seeking an Assistant to the DAC Secretary. This is a broad role which covers administration and some statutory obligations but ultimately it’s about supporting and guiding PCC (parish church council) officers, clergy and other guardians of our church buildings and churchyards to help them successfully negotiate the processes required to carry out repairs and alterations.
Though we welcome candidates with prior knowledge of church buildings and the Church of England’s legal and governance processes (you may well be familiar with that if you’ve ever served on a PCC), it’s not essential as full training in these areas will be provided to the successful candidate. What is more important is that you are ready to learn and are able and willing to work independently. You should have a proven ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, from volunteers to renowned experts in specialised fields, with patience, clarity and grace. A proven ability to multi-task, effectively manage and organise a large quantity of information and experience of working with committees is also valuable.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who can demonstrate all these capabilities and has a genuine interest in church buildings, their history and conservation, and their place in the community. Though the role is mostly desk-based, it will include travel to Suffolk’s internally significant heritage of over 450 medieval churches from time to time.
The DBF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All postholders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory DBS check where required.
For an informal conversation please email Edmund Harris to arrange a suitable time.
CVs will not be accepted. Applications marked ‘Confidential Application’ to be sent to: HR@cofesuffolk.org or by post to Diocesan Office, St Nicholas Centre, 4 Cutler Street, Ipswich IP1 1UQ.
Closing date: 23rd April 2025. However, please note we will be reviewing and assessing applications on an ongoing basis prior to the closing date so you are advised to apply ASAP.
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