Full-time (35 hours per week). Three-year fixed term contract.
Suffolk boasts an internationally significant legacy of historic church buildings. Along with that of Norfolk, they reputedly constitute the greatest concentration of medieval churches anywhere in northern Europe. Out of a total of 476 functioning churches, 50.8% are listed at Grade I and 37.2% are listed at Grade II*. Seven are classed as Major Parish Churches by the Church Buildings Council.
We are looking for a Historic Church Building Support Officer to help parishes and communities to care for and maintain their historic listed churches. With a proven knowledge of church architecture and a relevant degree, the successful candidate will enable churchwardens to overcome the most pressing problems, leaving them equipped with the knowledge, experience and confidence to tackle them again should they arise in the future, as well as with a better understanding of how to avert fabric decay through routine maintenance.
Candidates for assistance will be identified primarily through the Heritage at Risk (H@R) Register published annually by Historic England (HE). This will also be one of the measures for performance and thus the postholder’s responsibilities will include ensuring that information in that source is kept up to date to reflect the situation on the ground and the progress achieved.
The role will involve desk-based work in the Diocesan offices and regular catch-ups will be held there with the DAC Secretary to provide guidance and discuss progress. Some home working will be possible in due course. The role will also involve a high degree of independent working, including frequent travel around the diocese and, on occasions, outside it.
For an informal chat please contact Edmund Harris, DAC Secretary on 07394 568400 or email edmund.harris@cofesuffolk.org
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 | Friday 17 January 2025
Interview Date | February 2025 – exact date tbc
Role Description | PDF
Application Form | DOCX
Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form | Weblink
Privacy Notice | PDF