Assistant Diocesan Secretary (Operations & Governance)

Maternity Cover, Parish Support Team

About the organisation: The Diocese of Winchester forms part of the Province of Canterbury of the Church of England. Founded in 676, it is one of the oldest and most influential dioceses in England.  

The Winchester Diocesan Board of Finance is a Charitable Company. All dioceses of the Church of England are required to have a Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) to act as the link between the episcopal, synodical, and secular governance and leadership structures.  

The WDBF’s principal object is to promote, assist and advance the work of the Church of England in the Diocese of Winchester by acting as the financial executive. In practice this means that the WDBF is responsible for funding the remuneration, housing, training and development of our clergy, as well as providing specialist support in areas such as safeguarding, historic building conservation, stewardship, communications and governance. We are also legally responsible for the maintenance and management of around 200 clergy houses, 450 acres of land, and various restricted funds and endowments. 

About the role: We are looking for someone to cover a period of maternity leave in a key role that is the co-lead of the Parish Support & Operations Team. At its core, the post exists to ensure the central services, operations and assets of the organisation are managed effectively and efficiently in the support of our wider mission and ministry.   

This is a full-time 12-month fixed-term maternity cover.  

The post holder will provide a pro-active and professional service to parishes, clergy, committee members and colleagues in the areas of governance, central services (including IT) asset management and project management. 

They will work closely with the Assistant Diocesan Secretary (Parish Support) to deputise for The Diocesan Secretary as required across the breadth of their responsibilities.  

The post holder will act on behalf of the Diocesan Secretary to lead on the management of the governance structures of the Diocese of Winchester the Diocesan Synod, and the Winchester Diocesan Board of Finance.  

They will be responsible for the management, delivery and communication of the Common Mission Fund working with clergy, PCCs and colleagues in the operation of this critical income stream. 

About the person: We are looking for someone who has operated successfully at a managerial level within an organisation and is comfortable managing change. You will have a collaborative and open working style, be able to stay calm under pressure with a flexible approach to all aspects of the role’s responsibilities. 

Applications for alternative ways to cover the role such as secondment, temporary job share and temporary task swap are welcomed. Please contact Susan Beckett, HR & Safeguarding Director via email: susan.beckett@winchester.anglican.org to arrange a conversation to discuss your proposal.

If you would like an informal conversation to help you in considering your application please contact Cathy Laird, Assistant Diocesan Secretary (Governance and Operations) via email: cathy.laird@winchester.anglican.org to arrange.

If you do not receive an acknowledgement from the HR Officer when submitting your application via the ‘apply’ button, please email recruitment@winchester.anglican.org as we are having some technical issues.