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- Tasks: Lead the Diocese of Ely as CEO, overseeing governance, finance, and strategic operations.
- Company: Join The Church of England, a diverse and inclusive organisation committed to community and spiritual growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days leave, and a generous pension contribution with flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while promoting values of service, trust, and innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, financial acumen, and strong governance knowledge are essential.
- Other info: This role requires you to be a practising Christian, fostering an inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Diocesan Secretary (CEO) role at The Church of England 2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the Diocesan Secretary (CEO) role at The Church of England Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. The Diocesan Secretary is the key lay leader within the Diocese of Ely, accountable as CEO for the governance, finance, and strategic operations of the Board of Finance. The Diocesan Secretary also orchestrates the smooth co-operation of the many independent legal entities that make up Ely Diocese and promotes effective governance. The post is responsible to the Diocesan Bishop and to the Board of EDBF Trustees (whose oversight is exercised through the Chair of Trustees). Key Responsibilities Culture: Model a culture of service, transparency, trust and support. Co-operation: Work in close co-ordination with the Bishops, Archdeacons, Dean and other members of the diocesan senior leadership. Leadership & Governance: Act as CEO of EDBF Ltd and Company Secretary to key diocesan bodies, ensuring sound governance and financial oversight. Strategic Planning: Drive innovation, oversee strategic projects, and support diocesan priorities (notably children/youth and new-build communities). Financial Management: Oversee budgets, ministry share, income generation, and long-term financial planning to maintain financial sustainability. Operational Oversight: Lead and develop diocesan staff, ensure integrated service delivery, and uphold safeguarding and HR best practices. Wider Networks: Engage with the Diocesan Secretaries\’ regional and national networks, as well as with the national church institutions. Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with clergy, parishes, schools, and external partners, including funders and local authorities. Person Specification Essential Skills & Experience Experience as an effective senior leader in a complex organisation. Financial acumen, with experience of managing multi-million-pound budgets. Strong governance knowledge, including legal compliance and risk management. Experience in building teams, including leading leaders. Track-record of achieving change by influencing stakeholders. A track-record of driving strategic change. Desirable Attributes Knowledge and understanding of the Church of England – its diversity, governance and legal frameworks. Supportive of the Diocese’s commitment to Christian mission and growth in numbers and spiritual depth. Experience as a Company Secretary or managing charitable governance. Professional qualification in finance, HR, law, or management. Knowledge of property, employment, and charity law. Proven effectiveness at a senior level in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. Terms Location: Based at Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely. The nature of the role requires occasional travel around the Diocese, and sometimes beyond. Scope for flexible/hybrid working, by agreement. Hours: Full-time, including some evenings and weekends. Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary; 25 days leave plus public holidays; 10% of salary employer contribution to pension (no employee contribution but AVCs can be paid); Employee Assistance Programme provides confidential support services. Contract: Employed by EDBF; subject to DBS check and right-to-work verification. This is a strategic leadership role in the Diocese of Ely, supporting and promoting the aims of the Church of England. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement for the post holder to be a practising Christian. Section 9 of the Equality Act 2010 applies to this post. At present the Diocesan leadership is predominantly male. The Diocese of Ely is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes equality. We welcome applications from all sections of society and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, transparent and based solely on skills, experience, and potential. Further Information and Applications Applications are being coordinated via Pure Executive, click here for further information on the role and details of how to apply. Interviews will take place on 16th July 2025. Seniority level Seniority level Executive Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Other Industries Religious Institutions Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Church of England by 2x Get notified about new Secretary jobs in Ely, England, United Kingdom . 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Diocesan Secretary (CEO) employer: The Church of England
Contact Detail:
The Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Diocesan Secretary (CEO)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Church of England's governance structure and its operational frameworks. Understanding how the Diocese of Ely functions within this context will help you demonstrate your knowledge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Diocesan Secretaries or senior leaders within the Church of England. Engaging in conversations with them can provide valuable insights into the role and expectations, which you can leverage in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience in financial management and governance in any informal discussions or interviews. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and ensured compliance in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to diversity and inclusion, as this is a key focus for the Diocese of Ely. Be ready to discuss how you've promoted these values in your past leadership roles, which will resonate well with their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Diocesan Secretary (CEO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Diocesan Secretary (CEO) position. Familiarise yourself with the governance, finance, and strategic operations aspects mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the key responsibilities of the role. Emphasise your leadership skills, financial management experience, and any previous work in governance or strategic planning.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the Church of England's mission and values. Discuss how your background and skills make you a suitable candidate for promoting effective governance and driving strategic change within the Diocese.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, provide specific examples of your past achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead complex organisations, manage budgets, and influence stakeholders. This will help illustrate your suitability for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Understand the Church's Values
Familiarise yourself with the Church of England's mission and values. As a Diocesan Secretary, you'll need to embody these principles, so be prepared to discuss how your personal beliefs align with the Church's commitment to service and community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your experience in leading complex organisations. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven strategic change, particularly in financial management and governance.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
Expect questions about governance and legal compliance. Brush up on your knowledge of charity law and risk management, as these are crucial for the role. Demonstrating your understanding will show that you're well-prepared for the responsibilities ahead.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Engagement
Discuss your experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including clergy, parishes, and external partners. Be specific about how you've built relationships and influenced change, as this is key to fostering cooperation within the Diocese.
