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- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Vocations & Discipleship Team to nurture others' gifts.
- Company: Join the Diocese of Chelmsford, fostering faith and ministry.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and a solid pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's spiritual journeys and vocations.
- Qualifications: Must be an ordained priest with experience in vocational discernment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you someone who can recognise and nurture the God‑given gifts of others, empowering them as they explore their vocation to ministry?
Working hours: This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) with the opportunity for hybrid working and flexible working.
Salary: c£60,000, subject to qualifications and experience.
The Diocese of Chelmsford is seeking to appoint a Head of Vocations & Discipleship to lead our new Vocations & Discipleship Team. The new team in our Mission & Ministry Department brings together our Assistant DDO, Lay Ministry Adviser, and Vocations Outreach Officer, with two additional roles of Assistant Director of Ordinands and a Vocations & Discipleship Administrator.
We’re looking for a leader who knows how to create and implement inspiring approaches to Christian formation and discipleship, enabling people to grow and flourish in their faith. You will help shape the journey of those exploring their call to ordained and lay ministry. We know from experience that people growing in discipleship are people ready to follow Christ’s call into new vocations. Would you like to join us in this work, enabling the strategic development of vocations and discipleship across our diocese and leading our Vocations & Discipleship team?
ROLE DUTIES- Lead the strategic development and delivery of a diocesan wide vocations and discipleship strategy and team, responding to the recently conducted Vocations Review, with the objective to increase the number of ordained and lay vocations in the Diocese of Chelmsford.
- Oversee and support Area Vocations/Ordination Advisers, developing a team approach to support learning and development.
- In liaison with Area (Sponsoring) Bishops, oversee discernment, sponsorship, and preparation processes for national selection panels for candidates for ordination.
- Oversee and line manage the work of the Lay Ministry Adviser and their wider team in the discernment, training and deployment of all licensed and authorised lay ministers across the Diocese of Chelmsford.
- An ordained priest of the Church of England, or a Church in communion with the Church of England, with experience of working with churches of more than one tradition.
- Substantial experience of vocational discernment work in the Church of England to at least a diocesan adviser level or equivalent.
- Experience of developing and delivering inspiring approaches to nurturing Christian formation and discipleship.
- Experience of staff line and volunteer management, enabling colleagues to flourish in role and experience of handling complex and sensitive staffing issues.
We offer a range of benefits including hybrid and flexible working, 11% non-contributory pension scheme, 25 days holiday rising to 29 after five years’ service.
Closing Date: 7 June 2026
Interview Date: 25 June 2026
We reserve the right to invite candidates for preliminary interviews. Please be advised we reserve the right to close the role early and we cannot consider candidates who do not complete and return a completed application form. Please refer to the CDBF Privacy Policy for guidance on how we will process your data.
Head of Vocations & Discipleship (inc. DDO) in Chelmsford employer: Church of England
Contact Detail:
Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Vocations & Discipleship (inc. DDO) in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Diocese of Chelmsford. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sharing your passion for vocations and discipleship.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to ministry and leadership. Think about how you can showcase your experience in vocational discernment and your approach to nurturing others’ gifts.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your vision! When you get the chance to speak with interviewers, share your ideas on developing a diocesan-wide strategy for vocations and discipleship. Let them see your passion and creativity in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Vocations & Discipleship (inc. DDO) in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who we are at the Diocese of Chelmsford. Tailor your application to reflect our values and mission, showing how your experience aligns with our vision for vocations and discipleship.
Be Authentic: We want to hear your genuine voice! Share your personal journey and experiences that have shaped your understanding of ministry. Authenticity goes a long way in helping us see how you can nurture others in their faith.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your substantial experience in vocational discernment and Christian formation. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've empowered others in their ministry journeys, as this is key to the role.
Follow Our Application Process: Don’t forget to apply through our website! Ensure you complete the application form fully, as we can’t consider applications that aren’t submitted correctly. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know Your Vocation
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your own journey of faith and vocation. Be ready to share personal experiences that highlight how you've recognised and nurtured the gifts of others in ministry. This will show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Diocese
Research the Diocese of Chelmsford and its current vocations and discipleship strategies. Understanding their recent Vocations Review will help you discuss how you can contribute to their goals and align your vision with theirs during the interview.
✨Prepare Inspiring Approaches
Think about innovative methods you've used or could use to nurture Christian formation and discipleship. Be prepared to present these ideas clearly, demonstrating how they can help increase ordained and lay vocations within the diocese.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a potential leader of the Vocations & Discipleship Team, be ready to discuss your experience in staff management and volunteer support. Share specific examples of how you've enabled colleagues to flourish and handled complex staffing issues, as this will be crucial for the role.