At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vocations and ordained ministry, guiding candidates through discernment and training.
- Company: The Church of England, committed to equality and diversity.
- 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: Shape the future leadership of the Church and make a real difference.
- 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) in Kidlington employer: Church of England
The Diocese of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With competitive salaries, generous pension contributions, and flexible working arrangements, staff are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally in a modern working environment. The role of Area Director of Ordinands provides a unique opportunity to shape the future leadership of the Church while benefiting from a range of employee perks, including sabbatical leave and wellbeing support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Director of Ordinands (ADO) in Kidlington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the Church of England and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Personal connections can often lead to job openings that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Diocese of Oxford and understand their values and mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in supporting vocations and ordained ministry.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Area Director of Ordinands, you'll need to relate well to a diverse range of people. Role-play interview scenarios with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and contributing to the Church's future leadership.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Director of Ordinands (ADO) in Kidlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and how your experiences have shaped you as an ordained member of the Church of England. Don't be afraid to share your journey!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Area Director of Ordinands role. Highlight your experience in discernment and pastoral care, and show us how you can support candidates in their journey.
Clear Communication is Key:We value clarity and sensitivity in communication, so ensure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon to convey your thoughts effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know Your Vocation
Make sure you have a clear understanding of your own journey and calling within the Church of England. Reflect on your experiences in discernment and pastoral care, as these will be key topics during the interview.
✨Engage with the Team
Familiarise yourself with the DDO Team and their work. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to supporting candidates through their vocational journeys and how you envision collaborating with bishops and colleagues.
✨Communicate with Clarity
Practice articulating your thoughts and experiences clearly and sensitively. Given the role's focus on guiding others, demonstrating effective communication skills will be crucial in showcasing your ability to support ordinands.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
Prepare examples that highlight your wisdom, compassion, and good judgement. Think about situations where you've successfully supported others in their spiritual journeys, as this aligns perfectly with the expectations for the Area Director of Ordinands.
