Assistant secretary jobs

The Bishop of Sheffield is seeking to appoint a Chaplain to assist and enrich his ministry, in particular by praying for him and with him, and by enabling his pastoral support of clergy and lay leaders across the Diocese. The Chaplain will act as secretary to the Bishop's Senior Staff Team (BSST).

The successful applicant will be joyful and hopeful, generous and kindhearted, unafraid of failure and energised by challenge. Theological ability and administrative efficiency will be required, and considerable resources of patience.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure with adult and child barring.

The Church Commissioners, on behalf of the Bishop of Sheffield, is seeking a Chaplain to to support and enable his ministry across the Diocese of Sheffield.

This is a unique and deeply rewarding role at the heart of diocesan life combining pastoral care, liturgical leadership, strategic support, and trusted companionship in ministry. Working closely with Bishop Pete, you will help him live out his calling to lead the diocese prayerfully, joyfully and collaboratively as we pursue our shared vision: Renewed! Released! Rejuvenated! by 2032.

The Bishop's Chaplain plays a central part in supporting the Bishop's apostolic ministry helping him to lead in mission, preside over the sacramental life of the diocese, and offer pastoral care to clergy and lay leaders. You will work closely with the Bishop, the Bishop of Doncaster, the Dean, Archdeacons, and the Bishop's Senior Staff Team, sharing in the oversight and flourishing of the diocese.

Based at Bishopscroft, Snaithing Lane, Sheffield, you will be part of a small, warm and collaborative team alongside the Senior PA and Administrative Assistant. The role is varied, fast-paced and relational, requiring wisdom, discretion, theological depth and a joyful commitment to the life of the Church. The role involves regular contact with clergy, lay leaders, diocesan staff and civic partners, and includes Sunday parish ministry as required.

The post-holder will be a priest of the Church of England, or of a church in full communion with it. (S)he will conduct worship on behalf of the Bishop and preside at all sacraments appropriate to the Church of England. This post has attached to it an occupational requirement under the 2010 Equality Act, Part 1, Schedule 9. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS with Adult and Child Barred Lists check (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance.

Working Hours - The expectation is of a similar time commitment as a parish priest. As a general rule, the Chaplain will be expected to share in morning worship outside office hours, and to keep office hours of 9.00 am to 5.00 pm with a break for lunch. There is an expectation of some work, and ministry being exercised, outside office hours. There will be some evening commitments. The rest day is generally a Friday or Saturday. On Sundays, the Chaplain will usually be expected to be available to take services and preach where needed.

Responsibilities

Strategic

• Support the Bishop in delivering diocesan mission priorities, especially around clergy recruitment, induction and development.
• Help the Bishop remain focused on long-term strategic goals, offering perspective, encouragement and clarity.
• Represent the Bishop at meetings, events and parish visits as required.

Liturgical

• Lead and oversee worship and prayer within the Bishop's office and Senior Staff Team.
• Plan and support diocesan services including confirmations, institutions, ordinations and cathedral events.
• Prepare bespoke prayers and liturgies for civic and ecclesiastical occasions.
• Preach and preside in parishes across the diocese, particularly during vacancies or clergy absence.

Pastoral & Administrative

• Be a trusted confidant to the Bishop, offering pastoral support, theological insight and honest challenge.
• Serve as secretary to the Bishop's Senior Staff Team and other key meetings.
• Act as the Bishop's primary point of contact with clergy and lay leaders, managing correspondence and identifying pastoral needs.
• Oversee clergy processes, including MDRs, clergy status letters, safeguarding training records, PTO lists, and clergy files.
• Support the Senior PA in ensuring the Bishop is fully briefed for all engagements.

Legal & Safeguarding

• Oversee Clergy Discipline Measure administration and clergy grievance processes.
• Act as first point of contact for safeguarding matters within the Bishop's Office, liaising with the DSO and attending Core Groups.
• Work with the Diocesan Registrar on legal matters including licences, pastoral reorganisation and benefice suspensions.
• Serve as the Bishop's Data Protection Compliance Officer, ensuring DPA 2018 compliance.

We are looking for someone who:

• Works with wisdom, good humour, emotional intelligence and steadfast hope.
• Relates well across diverse ages, cultures, personalities and theological traditions.
• Is flexible, organised and able to manage competing demands with calmness and clarity.
• Is pastorally sensitive, resilient and able to support others through demanding seasons.
• Writes to a high standard and is confident with digital tools and systems.
• Is liturgically fluent - comfortable with both traditional and contemporary worship.
• Has a passion for evangelism, discipleship and the growth of the Church.
• Understands safeguarding as the responsibility of all and can follow due process confidently.
• Holds a full driving licence.

Experience of Church of England structures, Canons and Measures, or vacancy processes is desirable, but not essential - the ability to learn quickly is.

Application Process: Do ensure you attach your CV and provide a cover letter setting out why you are applying for this role. You will want to outline how you meet each of the elements of the person specification, drawing on gifts, skills, knowledge and experience from your previous career, both before and after ordination, responsibilities held and relevant interests. You will also want to set out your thoughts about how you will take forward some of the challenges and issues set out in the role specification.

For more information, please contact: Wendy Whitfield, Senior PA to the Bishop of Sheffield

Closing date for applications is 16 July 2026 at midday (noon): Shortlisting will take place on Saturday 18 July. If you have not been invited to interview by 31 July, you have been unsuccessful in your application on this occasion.

Interviews will be held on 12 August 2026 in person. If you are shortlisted and invited to interview and are on annual leave, provision will be made to interview w/c 24 August 2026.