Bishop personal assistant jobs
Summary
We are seeking a highly organised, emotionally intelligent, and proactive Personal Assistant to support the Bishop of Exeter in his ministry and leadership across the Diocese. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to work closely with a senior Church of England leader, providing executive support and helping to shape the effectiveness of his work.
About the Role
The Personal Assistant will provide professional and proactive diary support to the Bishop of Exeter. To deal promptly and efficiently with the Bishop's paper-based and electronic filing and correspondence. To support the smooth running of the Bishop's office through accurate and timely administration. To be an effective and welcoming first point of contact for the Bishop.
Key Responsibilities
- Diary Management
- Correspondence and record-keeping
- Finance Management
Take lead responsibility for the maintenance of the Palace and Gatehouse: Manage any issues arising and consult with the Managing Agent (Savills) and the Church Commissioners
Modelling and prioritising welcome and hospitality, including providing refreshments and appropriate hosting as necessary to those meeting the Bishop or attending an event at the Palace, being prepared to take a share in the routine tasks of office life
Promoting positive working relationships will all areas of diocesan life, including linking and developing excellent working relationships with colleagues in the diocesan office at the Old Deanery and in the Cathedral
Working and co-ordinating closely with other Palace staff, ensuring a professional and efficient approach to work
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Experience of senior-level PA support, including complex diary management, or demonstrable experience of administrative leadership shown in another profession
- Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously, sometimes to tight schedules
- Experience in managing and prioritising a varied workload effectively
- Confident and competent in the use of IT, with good working knowledge of MS Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and SharePoint
Key Requirements
- This is an office-based position at The Palace Gatehouse, Palace Gate, Exeter EX1 1HX. On site, city centre car-parking is provided.
- Hybrid working for a day a week will be considered
Your Salary
- A salary of £30,307 per annum and pro-rated if working part-time, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.
Your Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays.
- We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave.
- Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK's leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
- Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
Closing date for application will be 7th January 2026
Interviews will take place on 3rd February 2026 at The Palace Gatehouse, Palace Gate, Exeter EX1 1HX.
- Strive for Excellence
- Show Compassion
- Respect others
- Collaborate
- Act with Integrity
The Church of England’s vocation is and always has been to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ afresh in each generation to the people of England.



Please note there are two positions available: 1 Permanent and 1 Fixed Term Contract (12 Months)
Location: Office Based - London (Southwark) (due to the nature of this role, it cannot be offered on a home-working or hybrid basis)
Job Profile
Are you interested in an opportunity in the charity sector? Would you like to develop an understanding of internal processes and liaise with multiple teams in the organisation? Are you someone who likes to work with money, data and people?
The post holder will contribute to ensuring the Supporter Donations Team (SDT) manage and administer supporter donation activity on behalf of CAFOD, providing a high level of supporter care while delivering within agreed service levels and Key Performance Indicators. SDT has the overall responsibility for managing and thanking all supporter donations to CAFOD made through a variety of channels and schemes. SDT works within the Finance and infrastructure group, liaises across all teams in CAFOD, and external service providers to ensure donations are processed within agreed service levels and quality standards. Due to the nature of SDT’s role, SDT has particularly close ties to CAFOD Fundraising activities and actively engages in our fundraising programmes and schemes.
Key Responsibilities
Supporter Care:
- Handle telephone, email and postal enquiries from supporters; identifying and resolving queries in a prompt, warm and sensitive way.
- Provide phone cover to the Supporter Care team as required.
- Provide reception cover to the Supporter Care team as required.
Donations:
- Accurately code donations received, ensuring agreed departmental procedures are followed.
- Process, set up and administer instructions and payments through a variety of donations channels and schemes such as Online, Direct Debit, standing orders, BACs, Payroll giving schemes and online giving platforms.
- Input and maintain data on CAFOD’s supporter database, ensuring high degrees of accuracy on our donor records.
- File and archive financial data, while adhering to strict audit controls.
Gift Aid:
- Understand Gift Aid and its application within CAFOD.
- Assist with all aspects of tax effective giving, in accordance with agreed procedures and priorities, including preparation of regular tax claims for submission to HMRC.
Thanking:
- Produce and dispatch letters to thank and acknowledge donations received.
- Write bespoke letters of thanks to supporters to respond to exceptional donations and provide a personal touch.
- Contribute to ongoing enhancement and improvement of supporter thanking
Post/banking:
- Assist with all incoming and outgoing postal duties held by SDT to maximise effectiveness of processes and delivery of key service levels.
- Preparation of daily banking, cash handling and initial reconciliation of all monies received daily.
All SDT staff are expected to:
- Attend and contribute to regular team, section, divisional and CAFOD-wide meetings and briefings.
- Work as a supportive member of the team, providing cover for and training of the section staff and volunteers as required.
- Participate in training and other activities as requested by the line manager
- Assist with the rapid set up of projects and work packages in response to major emergency and disaster appeals.
- Rotate through all key tasks within the team / section.
This list of duties and responsibilities is by no means exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake other relevant and appropriate duties as required. This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification.
Safeguarding
All CAFOD staff share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.
Job Specific Competencies
- Displays a methodical approach to administrative tasks to meet processing deadlines, whilst maintaining an excellent standard of attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to communicate professionally with supporters, from individual givers to religious communities.
- Displays excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to build strong collaborative relationships with colleagues.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience with CRM software/ database
Please click here for a full list of CAFOD’s Staff Benefits
Come and join us and help make a real difference in the lives of the world’s poorest communities.
CAFOD is an equal opportunities employer. Recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
CAFOD is the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales tackling poverty and injustice across the world.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Join Us in Making a Real Difference
About YMCA St Paul’s Group
YMCA St Paul’s Group is one of London’s longest-standing charities, dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening communities for over 150 years. Through transformative youth programmes, inclusive health and wellbeing centres, and vital supported accommodation, we work to ensure that people—especially young people—have the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.
Our mission is rooted in long-term transformation of mind, body, and spirit, and we remain committed to building vibrant, supportive, and resilient communities across London.
About the Role
As a Housing and Support Assistant (Nights), you’ll play a pivotal frontline role in ensuring our accommodation remains a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. You’ll be a steady presence throughout the night—providing guidance, reassurance, and practical assistance for residents and visitors alike.
Whether you’re responding to queries, managing reception tasks, ensuring safety protocols are upheld, or offering a compassionate ear during challenging moments, you will be a vital part of creating a positive and secure atmosphere for those who call YMCA home.
This is a role with real variety and real impact—perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about helping others.
Working 4 nights on and 4 nights off (8pm-8am).
Key Responsibilities
Deliver Exceptional Customer Service
You will be the warm, reassuring presence residents and visitors meet first. Your confidence and professionalism will create a positive experience and set the standard for the quality of service YMCA is known for.
A Varied, Engaging Role
No two nights will be the same. Alongside reception duties—such as answering calls, processing payments, handling repairs, and managing post—you’ll take on a broad range of responsibilities that keep the building running smoothly.
Champion Safety and Security
As the on-site first aider and fire marshal, you’ll protect the wellbeing of our residents and staff. From conducting regular patrols to responding swiftly in emergencies, you’ll help maintain a safe and calm environment throughout the night.
A Welcoming and Compassionate Presence
You’ll often be the first to welcome new residents, address concerns, support those facing challenges, and record or escalate any issues such as anti-social behaviour or safeguarding concerns. Your empathy and professionalism will help residents feel heard, valued, and supported.
Be Part of a Supportive Team
You’ll join a dedicated and knowledgeable team of housing professionals who share your commitment to improving lives. Your role will be meaningful, varied, and rewarding—offering plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and make a real difference.
What You’ll Gain
At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we celebrate diversity, individuality, and community. Your voice matters here—and you’ll have opportunities to help shape positive change through our Employee Resource Groups and inclusive culture.
We’re committed to your growth. With access to robust training, qualifications, and hands-on experience, you’ll be supported in developing your career, expanding your expertise, and achieving your goals.
Benefits for Mind, Body, and Spirit include:
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Free gym access across all YMCA SPG sites
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Discounts at major retailers and supermarkets
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Free wellbeing and counselling services
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The flexibility to work across various outer London locations
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Career development programmes to support your journey
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Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity pay
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Life Assurance


