At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vocations and ordained ministry, guiding candidates through discernment and training.
- Company: Join the Church of England in shaping future leadership within a supportive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and 25+ days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while nurturing future leaders.
- Qualifications: Ordained member of the Church of England with experience in pastoral care.
The predicted salary is between 49748 - 53575 £ per year.
Hours: 18.5 hours (0.5 FTE), Monday–Friday, with evening and weekend work required
Salary: £49,748.09 to £53,574.86 per annum (pro-rata)
Salary Band: I
Contract: Permanent
Location: Dual place of work: Archdeacon’s House, Stone, Buckinghamshire HP17 8RZ and Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1GF
Closing date: Monday 6 July 2026, at midnight
Interviews will be held: On Wednesday 22 July 2026, at Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1GF.
About the role
Working within the DDO Team, this is a significant part‑time role supporting vocations and ordained ministry in the Buckingham Archdeaconry and across the Diocese of Oxford. You will guide candidates through discernment, selection and training, working closely with bishops, colleagues and ordinands to help shape the Church’s future leadership. There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the post holder to be an ordained member of the Church of England under Part 1 Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010. An Enhanced DBS check with barred lists will be required for this role. Eligibility for a House for Duty post in the Buckingham Archdeaconry is welcomed – if that would enhance this role for you, indicate this in your application.
About you
We are looking for an ordained member of the Church of England who brings wisdom, compassion and good judgement, with experience in discernment, pastoral care and collaborative ministry. You will be someone who relates well to a wide range of people, communicates with clarity and sensitivity, and is able to support and encourage others as they explore God’s call on their lives.
Benefits and Rewards
- Competitive salary
- Generous employer pension contribution of 12.5% into the auto‑enrolment pension scheme, which includes a death‑in‑service benefit (5% employee contribution)
- Re‑accreditation as a Living Wage employer
- Annual holiday entitlement starting at 25 days, excluding public holidays, rising each year by one day to a maximum of 30 days, pro‑rata for part‑time employees
- In addition to the statutory UK public holidays, the Diocese offers three privilege days to all employees, namely Maundy Thursday, Ascension Day, and Christmas Eve (or the closest working day, where this falls on a weekend)
- Flexible working patterns with the ability to do some work from home
- Sabbatical leave, after a qualifying period of service
- Access to wellbeing support via Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies and a generous occupational sick pay provision
- Free parking and subsidised on‑site café
- Electric car and cycle‑to‑work salary sacrifice schemes
- EV charging points on site
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme with Octopus Electric Dreams
- Cycle to Work scheme with Green Commute Initiative
- Contributions towards eye examinations and prescriptive lenses
- Access to low‑interest rate financial services from Churches Mutual Credit Union
- An attractive modern working environment
Equal Opportunity
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. If you do not hear from us, your application has not been successful. We want the Church of England’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion for all to be reflected in our staff. We are particularly keen to receive applications from UK Minority Ethnic / Global Majority heritage and disabled candidates, who are currently underrepresented. The Church of England is committed to the safeguarding, care, and nurture of everyone within our church community. In the Diocese of Oxford, we follow and are committed to the Church of England's House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policies and the relevant statutory legislation and guidance, 'Working together' to ensure the welfare of children and young people is paramount.
Area Director of Ordinands (ADO) employer: Church of England
The Diocese of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about guiding future leaders in the Church. With a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and flexible working arrangements, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful vocations within the community. The dual locations in Buckinghamshire and Oxford provide a vibrant backdrop for collaboration and growth, making it an ideal place for ordained members of the Church of England to fulfil their calling.
