Assistant Secretary to the Diocesan Advisory Committee

Overview

The Diocese of Southwark has over 350 church buildings in many settings, from urban to rural areas.  The purpose of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) is to act as an advisory body in accordance with the current Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018 on matters affecting places of worship in the Diocese. 

Introduction

Under the oversight of the DAC Secretary, the postholder will ensure that the DAC processes its casework and other business in a professional and timely manner, complying with all statutory requirements, archiving and reporting in a way that supports the mission of churches in the Diocese of Southwark.

Preferred candidates will have occupational experience in administrative casework and an ability to think clearly about administrative procedures and how to implement them in a straightforward and practical way with a ‘can do’ attitude, proven ability in minute-taking and report-writing and strong verbal and written communication skills generally, proven organisational skills, a good attention to detail, a strong commitment to the culture and ethos of the Church of England, a sympathetic understanding of the purposes of church buildings as centres of Christian worship and mission, an ability to empathize with the core purposes of Parochial Church Councils and the Diocese, and a sympathetic understanding of the purposes of church buildings as centres of Christian worship and mission.

Main Responsibilities

Diocesan Advisory Committee

• Respond to queries from parishes etc on faculties, QIs, the work of the DAC
• Arrange DAC meetings, prepare and circulate papers and ensure smooth running of DAC meetings, including preparing PowerPoint presentations as required
• Draft minutes of DAC meetings, liaising with Chair as needed
• Arrange for specialist advisors to make visits, or report on submissions, as necessary
• Arrange site visits and attend as appropriate and prepare site visit reports
• Administer the carrying out of the DAC’s role in the Quinquennial Inspections system, including arranging interviews for Inspector candidates
• Deputise for DAC Secretary when requested

Casework

• Advise parishes on how to submit faculty applications and liaise about progress of their applications
• Administer the DAC List B and sub-committee casework
• Administer the casework of the Committee monthly meetings
• Issue Notifications of Advice
• Undertake external consultations as necessary in relation to the Faculty process

Information

• Statistical analysis for work of the DAC, including data for the Diocese’s Annual Report
• Maintain DAC records and documents, information systems and databases, including use of Church Heritage Record
• Use (and, in collaboration with IT department, develop) IT tools to support the work of the Committee and Secretariat including the Southwark Diocese Extranet

Training and education

• Prepare policy and guidance notes as directed
• Provide information and guidance for parishes to promote understanding of the Faculty Jurisdiction and Quinquennial Inspections system
• Participate in leading training events for clergy, churchwardens etc
• Co-ordinate annual Southwark DAC study day
• Attend and report on training events run by other bodies and organisations, including the national conference of DACs and the Church Buildings Council (CBC)

• Assist DAC Secretary with organisation of other events e.g. conferences, training events, workshop

The Ideal Candidate

The Ideal Candidate

• Sympathetic understanding of the purposes of church buildings as centres of Christian worship and mission.
• At least 5 years occupational experience in administrative casework
• Proven ability of minute-taking and report writing
• Full familiarity with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint (able to undertake mail merges)
• Proven ability to manage casework.
• Ability to think clearly about administrative procedures and how to implement them in a straightforward way
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to speak fluently, concisely and with credibility at both formal and informal meetings as well as the ability to explain difficult or complex issues to people of wide-ranging abilities and experience
• Excellent written communication skills, with an ability to write concise, clear and professional emails and letters
• Proven organisational skills, able to manage time, to prioritise workload and adhere to deadlines
• Collaborative mindset as well as a self-starter with the ability to use initiative
• Ability to deal effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds and demonstrating tact, diplomacy and professionalism
• Willingness to listen to and learn from specialists
• Strong attention to detail, particularly in relation to completing forms, filling out legal documents and in interpreting architectural drawings and plans
• Practical problem solver with ‘can do’ attitude
• Resilient and able to cope with heavy workload
• A strong commitment to the culture and ethos of the Church of England, and an ability to empathize with the core purposes of Parochial Church Councils and the Diocese

About us

Southwark is a diverse and vibrant Diocese in so many ways, from the energy of the inner city to the beauty of the Surrey Hills. We are one of the largest Dioceses in the Church of England, serving the people of South London and East Surrey. We take joy in the distinctiveness and variety of God’s gifts and people. You will find churches that offer welcome, care and dignity in Christ’s name to their parishes; chaplains walking along side those in education, hospitals, and prison; and pioneering communities seeking to reach out and serve in new ways.

We seek to be Christ-centred and outward-focused in all we do.