5 Bishop personal assistant jobs

The Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham has a vision of bringing God's Living Hope to the city, towns and villages of Nottinghamshire and is committed to its mission of Growing Disciples of Christ with Compassion, Confidence and Courage. A key aspect of that vision is the articulation of seven Areas of Focus that healthy churches attend to: Inspiring Worship, Reaching Younger, Enhancing Diversity, Growing Leaders, Enabling Commitment, Encouraging Generosity and Nurturing Prayer.

Working closely with the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, this is an opportunity to join the Bishop's Office team, working with and for the bishop across the diocese in service of the Church's mission.

Day to day, the Chaplain works closely with others to support the Bishop's public ministry, with key accountabilities for liturgical, pastoral and ministry support, as well as liaising with the Safeguarding Team and Registrar, and overseeing episcopal administration. The role also focuses on supporting the bishop's ministry in the areas of inspiring worship and nurturing prayer.

We are looking for someone who brings theological wisdom, pastoral sensitivity, discretion, and sound judgement, alongside the ability to manage a varied and demanding workload, helping to sustain the Bishop's ministry in both strategic and personal ways. This role would suit someone who is prayerful, collaborative, and adaptable, and who is equally at ease supporting worship and ministry, working with senior colleagues in sensitive and sometimes complex matters. It offers an opportunity to combine spiritual maturity with practical leadership, with the growth of their own ministry under the Bishop's guidance.

Responsibilities

Liturgical, Pastoral and Ministry Support (30%)

• Oversee planning for key services across the diocese, including confirmations and institutions, maintain digital resources for churches and support the Bishop at these services as needed.

• On the Bishop's behalf, consult and advise Cathedral, incumbents and churchwardens on the planning and delivery of any service in which the Bishop plays a part, ensuring Orders of Service are signed off and accessible to the Bishop as appropriate.

• Discern the next season of support for 'Nurturing Prayer' at both diocesan and parish level, work in collaboration with the Discipleship & Ministry team to develop a strategic approach. As required, lead on the planning and delivery of activity.

• Support the worship and prayer life of key gatherings; such as Bishop's Council and Diocesan Synod, as well as other diocesan events.

• Assist the bishop in his teaching ministry as needed, research matters, attend key leadership training days, and support and contribute to the programme as appropriate.

• Take opportunities to lead and preach at services or teaching events at the invitation of parishes across the diocese.

• Advise on and provide bespoke prayers and liturgies, faithful to the Anglican tradition, for a variety of civic and ecclesiastical occasions.

• In collaboration with Bishop's Ecumenical Advisor and Churches Together Nottinghamshire (CTN) fulfil the role of Diocesan Ecumenical Officer (DEO)

Safeguarding & Episcopal administration (35%)

• In conjunction with the Registry, advise on and ensure that clergy licences and Permissions to Officiate are administered in a timely and appropriate manner, in line with all requirements for Safer Recruitment and House of Bishops' policies.

• Ensure the Bishop's Office support parishes in their compliance with all legal requirements including in relation to the suspension of benefices and pastoral reorganisation, service provision and building usage.

• Oversee administration for C4 applications, the Overseas Clergy Measure and Eucharistic Assistants.

• Support the administration of the Clergy Discipline Measure and complaint and grievance procedures relating to clergy.

• Be the first point of contact in the Bishop's Office for safeguarding matters; liaise with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer; and attend diocesan and national safeguarding planning group meetings on behalf of the bishop, where appropriate. Represent the diocesan bishop at the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Board (DSAP).

• Work with the Bishop's Office team to ensure the effective management of clergy files and processes, in line with the 2021 Clergy Files Policy Guidance, GDPR, and clergy appointments, including the accurate maintenance of the National Clergy Register.

• Work with the Bishop and Head of Staff & Strategic Projects in circulating key communications, including Pastoral Letters and Ad Clerum. Also ensure that existing Ad Clera are updated to reflect latest House of Bishops' practice guidance and policies.

• Respond to 'Bishop to Bishop' enquiries and Current Clergy Status Letters (CCSL) to provide reference requests as required.

• Oversees the work of the Senior Administrator in in managing effective administration of processes and use of data in relation to Ministers and Church Officers.

Collective working (20%)

• Work closely with the Head of Staff & Strategic Projects in making recommendations and proposals to the Bishop on the effective management of key issues, which may arise.

• Work with the Head of Staff & Strategic Projects and the wider diocesan team to support communication of the bishop's ministry and missional priorities through diocesan communication channels and other public or parliamentary channels.

• Play an active role in the life of the Bishop Office team, working in collaboration with Advisory roles and as part of strategic projects as required.

• Help foster good communication and support between the diocese, the Bishop's staff and the Cathedral staff.

• Assist the Bishop and his wife in their personal ministry and mission, including significant hospitality events, leadership training or evangelistic outreach.

Healthy cultures (15%)

• Attend to the spirituality and prayer that underpin the work of the Bishop's Core Team in sustaining momentum during a season of considerable growth and change.

• Be someone to whom the Bishop can turn and speak in confidence.

• Assist with the theological and pastoral dimensions of the Bishop's ministry, ensuring that pastoral concerns are redirected and followed up appropriately.

• Help protect the Bishop from the pressures of the present moment, guard his humanity, and ensure faithfulness to the wider vision of his ministry.

• The Chaplain will be expected to be a regular worshipper in a local congregation.

Person Specification

• Ordained priest in the Church of England, with several years' experience in a post-ordination role.

• Some experience of working with Archdeacons, Area Deans and Parish oversight and governance.

• Some knowledge of Church of England's processes and procedures in relation to Clergy management and episcopal administration.

• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding, safeguarding leadership and Clergy Discipline Measure in order to support the Bishop.

• Theologically alert to situations that might arise, and able to prepare responses that reflect this.

• Aligned with the Bishop's priorities in order to support his ministry effectively, demonstrating this through all aspects of the role.

• A prayerful person, calm and effective in stressful and pressured situations.

• Enjoys collective working, providing leadership and support as required.

• Emotionally intelligent, able to respond to diverse situations with understanding and appreciation of those involved.

• Committed to the growth of their own ministry under the Bishop's guidance, with theological, teaching and pastoral interests.

• Willing and able to work flexibly, recognising that Church life does not fit normal office hours. You can expect to work some evenings and weekends, and to attend and participate in meetings and events.

• Creative skills in liturgy to lead diverse forms of worship.

• A commitment to growing disciples, evangelism and supporting church growth.

• Ability to nurture rhythms of prayer and worship for themselves and others.

• Digitally literate; a confident user of the Microsoft suite, databases and other applications.

• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.

• Ability to represent the Bishop and provide pastoral support on his behalf.

• Ability to work to deadlines and manage a varied workload.

Closing date: Monday 28 September 2026
Interviews: Thursday 8 October 2026

We are looking for an experienced safeguarding professional to join our Safeguarding Directorate. This role will provide excellent safeguarding support to Worcester Cathedral and the wider Diocese of Worcester. You will join a supportive and collaborative team in a role which will see you: 

• Take the lead role in supporting the Cathedral in all its safeguarding work, offering high-quality preventative and proactive safeguarding support in a way that delivers positive outcomes for children, young people and adults at risk.

• Respond well and compassionately to the vulnerable and victims and survivors of abuse 

• Train, advise and build confidence in others in an accessible way

• Support the work of senior leaders regarding the development of good safeguarding practice and healthy safeguarding cultures across the Diocese of Worcester 

We are seeking a skilled, person-centred individual who: 

• Has substantial safeguarding experience in a relevant profession
• Can provide confident advice and exercise sound judgement in line with relevant safeguarding legislation and policy

• Is an excellent communicator who inspires trust and works effectively with a wide range of stakeholders 

• Works with integrity, is resilient and a strong team player 

If you would like to join a small and friendly team, who are passionate in their mission to promote safeguarding into the hearts and minds of those we serve, then we would love to hear from you.  

The Archbishop of York's office is based at Bishopthorpe Palace on the outskirts of York, offering a unique and pleasant working environment. Staff at Bishopthorpe Palace form a close-knit and collaborative team, supporting the Archbishop's ministry across the Province of York, nationally, and internationally.

The role of the Head of the Private Office of the Archbishop of York is to provide strategic oversight and operational leadership for the Archbishop's Private Office, ensuring the highest standards of organisation, communication and administrative support.

The postholder serves as a trusted adviser and principal point of coordination, providing exceptional executive support while exercising sound judgement, discretion and emotional intelligence in a complex and fast-paced environment. Responsible for the smooth and effective operation of the Private Office, the role manages highly sensitive matters with integrity and professionalism, maintains strict confidentiality, and supports the wider mission and ministry of the Archbishop through effective planning, stakeholder engagement and leadership.

Responsibilities

Strategic Diary and Programme Management

• Be responsible for the strategic planning and management of the Archbishop's diary, ensuring alignment with agreed priorities and objectives.
• Be responsible for the day to day management of the Archbishop's diary.
• Assess requests, invitations and opportunities, making recommendations on the effective use of the Archbishop's time.
• Balance strategic priorities with pastoral, diocesan, national, ecumenical, civic, public and international commitments.
• Identify risks, conflicts and emerging opportunities, adapting plans as required.
• Ensure timely and appropriate responses to requests and correspondence relating to the Archbishop's programme.

Engagement Planning and Delivery

• Coordinate the planning and delivery of meetings, visits, events and speaking engagements, ensuring they are well organised and achieve agreed outcomes.
• Monitor briefing deadlines.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective delivery and communication.
• Ensure all logistical, administrative and safeguarding requirements are met.

Partnership with the Chief of Staff and Senior Leadership Team

• Work closely with the Chief of Staff, who is ultimately responsible for the Archbishop's schedule, and Senior Leadership Team to align the Archbishop's programme with the Archbishop's strategic objectives.
• Support the implementation of decisions and ensure effective coordination across the Archbishop's Office, with Lambeth Palace, with the Diocese of York and, in particular, the Bishop of Selby's Office.

Briefing and Correspondence

• Commission, coordinate and quality-assure briefings for meetings, visits and engagements.
• Draft and review correspondence, briefing notes and other materials as required.
• Ensure the Archbishop receives accurate, timely and concise information to support decision-making and engagement preparation.

Private Office Leadership

• Lead and continuously develop the operation of the Private Office, ensuring it delivers a professional, responsive and high-quality service.
• Line-manage the Correspondence & Private Office Assistant (1 post).
• Develop and maintain effective systems, processes and workflows to support diary management, correspondence and engagement planning.
• Be the budget holder for the Private Office and associated Archbishop's costs and participate in the annual budget setting process.
• Monitor actions and commitments, ensuring high standards of service, professionalism and continuous improvement.
• Build strong working relationships with the Lambeth Private Office to ensure effective coordination and alignment.
• Build a strong working relationships with the Bishop of Selby's office, together with the offices of the Bishops of Hull and Whitby and the York Diocesan Office to ensure effective coordination and alignment.
• Build strong working relationships with the Bishop to the Archbishops, and their office, together with other NCI leadership teams and departments.

Stakeholder and Relationship Management

• Build and maintain effective relationships with senior church leaders, diocesan colleagues, civic leaders, ecumenical partners and other key stakeholders.
• Act as a trusted point of contact, exercising sound judgement when handling sensitive matters and enquiries.
• Support the Archbishop in maintaining productive relationships across a broad range of networks, including the Bishopthorpe Charitable Partners Trust.

Support, Travel and Hospitality

• Coordinate the involvement of the Archbishop's spouse in engagements and events where appropriate.
• Oversee domestic and international travel, visits, hospitality and related logistics.
• Ensure visitors, guests and stakeholders are welcomed warmly and professionally.

This role profile outlines the principal responsibilities but is not exhaustive. The postholder may be asked to undertake other duties in line with the general nature and level of the role and occasional out-of-hours or weekend working might be necessary. Any reasonable adjustments or changes will be discussed in advance. A basic DBS check is required.

Person Specification

Essential

Experience

• Experience supporting a senior leader, public office-holder or equivalent figure in a complex and high-profile environment or comparable environment.
• Experience managing complex priorities, portfolios of activity and stakeholder relationships on behalf of a senior leader.
• Experience leading an executive support, Private Office or equivalent function, including responsibility for people, systems and service standards.
• Experience coordinating high-profile engagements, visits and events involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.

Leadership and Professional Capability

• Excellent judgement and the ability to balance competing priorities, assess opportunities and make well-founded recommendations.
• Ability to anticipate issues, identify risks and ensure the effective coordination of complex activity.
• Ability to operate effectively in situations of ambiguity, adapting plans and priorities in response to changing circumstances.
• Outstanding organisational and planning skills, with the ability to translate strategic priorities into coherent and deliverable programmes of activity.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with senior leaders and partners.
• Ability to budget and hold expenditure to agreed budget frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise briefings and communicate with clarity and diplomacy.
• Strong leadership and people management capability, fostering a professional, collaborative and high-performing culture.

Personal Attributes

• Highly trustworthy, discreet and diplomatic.
• Emotionally intelligent and politically aware.
• Calm, adaptable, resilient and effective under pressure.
• Clear proactive communicator.
• Collaborative and highly organised, with a strong commitment to supporting others' success.
• Committed to excellence, continuous improvement and the effective stewardship of the Archbishop's time and priorities.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of the demands of supporting a senior leader in a complex and fast-moving environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and digital collaboration tools.
• Ability to work effectively within the mission, values and public ministry of the Church of England.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Church of England, its governance structures and wider ecclesiastical context.
• Experience supporting a faith leader, senior public figure, elected office-holder or equivalent.

Applications close on 20 September at 23:55.

The interview will be held in person on 29 September 2026

Starting Salary: £44,766 - £48,225 (including London weighting) 

Contract: Permanent 

Location: UK, Hybrid working with a minimum of 40% of your time in theLondon Office 

Job Profile

This role will lead CAFOD’s policy and advocacy work aimed at tackling the global climate crisis. The post holder will have a solid understanding of debates around climate change, in particular how it impacts climate-vulnerable countries in the Global South. You will bring knowledge of the causes of the climate crisis, and its solutions, particularly global financing needs. Working closely with CAFOD’s overseas partners, and within UK and global networks, this role will hold policy expertise on behalf of the organisation. This will involve developing policy positions and representing the organisation externally. The role will work closely with CAFOD’s government relations and campaigns colleagues to lobby decision-makers and mobilise supporters as part of our climate justice work. Sitting within the Advocacy, Policy & Campaigns team, the role is managed by the head of department.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the development and delivery of CAFOD’s global climate justice advocacy strategy 

• Working in partnership with UK and global organisations to develop evidence‑based policy positions 

• Influencing UK, regional and global policy debates on climate change 

• Representing CAFOD in coalitions, to decision makers, in church networks and at international forums 

• Writing policy briefings, reports and communication outputs 

• Building relationships with external stakeholders and decision makers and UK and global levels 

• Ensuring advocacy is grounded in strong analysis, partner experience and a commitment to social and environmental justice 

• Supporting advocacy work of partners and global networks on debt cancellation and financial system reform 

• Providing strategic and technical advice across the organisation 

• Any other relevant duties reasonably required

Person Specification 

1. Strong background working in climate policy and/or international development policy 

1. Excellent analytical and research skills and an understanding of how to form strategic policy positions

1. Experience of developing strategic advocacy plans 

1. Experience of lobbying decision makers 

1. Background working with partners and coalitions, both in the UK and overseas 

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills

CAFOD is a welcoming, supportive workplace committed to a safe, inclusive culture where everyone is respected.CAFODwill make reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process to ensure candidates with disabilities or individual needs are fully supported. 

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults 

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect. CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse. CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount. Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.