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- Tasks: Support the Registrar with legal secretarial and administrative tasks in a busy environment.
- Company: Join The Church of England, a respected institution making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with training provided and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a small team, gain valuable experience, and contribute to meaningful work.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office are essential; legal secretary experience is a plus.
- Other info: No prior legal knowledge needed; training will be provided to help you succeed.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
The Clerk to the Registry will provide legal secretarial support and administrative assistance to the Registrar who is responsible for the legal office of the Diocese of Blackburn. The position will require excellent communication and organisation skills and the ability to manage a busy workload in a proactive manner. The candidate will be a reliable and enthusiastic key person working within a small team. Previous experience of working as a legal secretary would be an advantage. Experience of formatting complicated documents and tables using Microsoft Office systems including Word and Excel is essential. No prior knowledge of the legislation that applies to the role is required as training will be provided.
Key responsibilities:
- Providing administrative, legal secretarial and PA support to the Registrar
- Dealing with enquiries to the Registry by telephone, email and in person, answering queries wherever possible
- Preparing paperwork for clergy and lay appointments in a timely manner
- Managing the legal archive of documentation and deeds. Saving, scanning and copying correspondence and documents onto the Registry database and into the Parish Boxes on site
- Requesting and collecting information from ordinands, using it to prepare ordination documents. Liaising with the Ministry Team and meeting with ordinands at the office when required
- Processing the Registries in accordance with legal requirements, including an active spreadsheet tracking the legal status of vacant parishes across the Diocese
- Coordinating the requirements of the Pastoral Benefice Measure 1986 regarding patronage, answering queries and managing the upkeep of the Patronage Register in electronic form
- Assisting the Designated Officer in accordance with the Patronage and Benefice Measure 1986, answering queries and liaising with parishes regarding the legal requirements of the appointment of clergy
- Providing first line support to the DAC regarding Faculties and Consistory Court Applications and processing faculty requests
- Preparing Court bundles for Consistory Court hearings and arranging venues for court hearings
- Liaising with external lawyers, including the Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor, Deputy Registrar and property solicitors as required
- Liaising with key contacts within the diocese, e.g., Bishop of Blackburn, Bishop's Appointment Secretary, Archdeacons and the Diocesan Secretary
- Liaising with the Accounts department regarding Consistory Court fees and Marriage License fees. Preparing legal costs calculations using Excel
- Sealing documents and preparing deeds and Faculty Orders
- Preparing and formatting legal documents, tables and letters using Word - tracked changes and creating comparisons
- Preparing and managing Excel spreadsheets
- Undertaking paralegal responsibilities and legal research with supervision
- Ensuring the confidentiality of all Registry documentation and information
For a full job description, including terms and conditions and how to apply, please visit General vacancies | The Diocese of Blackburn.
Clerk to the Diocesan Registry employer: The Church of England
Contact Detail:
The Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Clerk to the Diocesan Registry
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the Clerk to the Diocesan Registry role. Understanding the specific tasks, such as managing legal documents and liaising with various stakeholders, will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness for the position during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Microsoft Office skills, particularly in Word and Excel. Since the role requires formatting complex documents and managing spreadsheets, being able to showcase your proficiency in these tools can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with individuals who work within the Diocese or similar legal environments. Engaging with current employees or attending relevant events can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which you can leverage in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your organisational and communication skills in detail. Given the busy nature of the role, having examples ready that illustrate how you've successfully managed workloads and communicated effectively in previous positions will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Clerk to the Diocesan Registry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any previous roles as a legal secretary. Emphasise your organisational skills and ability to manage a busy workload, as these are key for the Clerk to the Diocesan Registry position.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the Church of England. Mention specific responsibilities from the job description that excite you, such as managing legal archives or liaising with external lawyers, and explain how your skills align with these tasks.
Showcase Technical Skills: Since the role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel, include examples of how you've used these tools in past positions. Highlight any experience with formatting documents and managing spreadsheets, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a legal support role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As the role requires excellent organisation skills, be prepared to discuss how you manage your workload. Share specific examples of how you've successfully organised tasks or projects in the past.
✨Demonstrate Communication Proficiency
Since you'll be dealing with various enquiries, it's crucial to show that you can communicate effectively. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and consider discussing a time when you resolved a complex query.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Microsoft Office
Given the emphasis on using Word and Excel, brush up on your skills with these applications. Be ready to talk about your experience formatting documents and managing spreadsheets, as this will be key to your success in the role.
✨Express Enthusiasm for the Role
Being a reliable and enthusiastic team member is essential. Convey your passion for the position and the Church of England's mission during the interview. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about contributing to the team.
