Assistant Secretary to the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee

Post Introduction

• The DMPC is responsible for reviewing arrangements for how the spiritual and pastoral needs of parishes are met while considering financial and strategic implications for the diocese and the Church.  It makes recommendations to the Bishop regarding pastoral care, parish reorganisation, and related matters.  The role will co-ordinate the work of the DMPC, supporting the Secretary to the DMPC in ensure the necessary formal and informal processes are followed.

• Key aspects of this role include the collaboration with the Archdeacons’ PAs, who carry out the initial consultations on behalf of the AMPCs, co-ordinating the production of the necessary papers for committee meetings and accurate record keeping as pastoral schemes progress.

Main Responsibilities

• Preparing the agenda and papers for the DMPC in association with the Chair and DMPC Secretary; prepare the minutes of meetings and attend to actions arising from meetings.
• Being responsible for drafting Pastoral Schemes and Order under the Mission and Pastoral Measure and carrying out all administrative functions in relation to the DMPC, including formal and informal consultations with stakeholders which include clergy, parishes, patrons parishes and other diocesan staff.
• Supporting the Archdeaconry Mission and Pastoral Committees when needed to ensure proper consideration and scrutiny proposals at a more local level
• Providing the administration and coordinating the processes associated with pastoral orders and pastoral schemes.
• With support, coordinating the processes connected to closing and finding a new use for closed church buildings
• Responding to initial queries from Archdeacons and, on some occasions, parishes about the legal procedures under the Mission & Pastoral Measure.
• Liaising with the Diocesan Registry, including on details of patronage and in connection with previous schemes.
• Maintaining the records on the progress of pastoral orders and schemes to ensure legal requirements are fully complied with.
• Keeping up to date with legislative changes and detailed procedures through attendance at the on-line DMPC training and the networking opportunities offered by the National Church.
• Coordinating the work with the Diocesan Board of Patronage

 The Ideal Candidate 

• Someone who has a full understanding of the Mission and Pastoral Measure and how it is applied in pastoral reorganisations to further the mission of the Church of England. 
• Experience of working within an legal framework, with a positive attitude to change and new ideas
• Proven experience in managing casework with an ability to think clearly about procedures, solve problems, provide clear definitive advice and deliver desired outcomes.
• An ability to articulate clearly and to the point to a wide range of audiences, including making presentations and writing for different media and recipients.
• To be able to work autonomously, take initiative within the scope of the post and to manage required timescales.
• Good inter-personal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with people from all backgrounds and of all abilities
• Experience of planning agendas, minute taking and report writing.
• Excellent numeracy and literacy skills.  IT literate in Microsoft Office, file-sharing and video conferencing and proven experience in using IT effectively and efficiently;
• Good written and oral communication skills with proven ability to summarise complex information;