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- Tasks: Support the Archbishops' Secretary with diary management, communications, and event planning.
- Company: Join a friendly team at Lambeth Palace, supporting senior clergy appointments.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with a comprehensive induction programme.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the Church while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and excellent communication abilities are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Archbishops' Advisers for Appointments and Vocations (AAAV) team is a key team within the Office of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, supporting and advising the Archbishops and the wider Church on the nomination process for senior clergy. The team supports the work of the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) on the nomination of Archbishops and Diocesan Bishops, those involved in nominating Suffragan Bishops and the selection panels who nominate new cathedral Deans, as well as any other appointments involving the Archbishops. The team supports senior clergy in their vocation and discernment, working to develop and equip a diverse pipeline of candidates for senior ministry roles. The team also works in partnership with others to ensure that senior clergy are equipped for leadership in the Church and the vital role it plays in the life of the nation.
This role provides an excellent opportunity of working in a small, friendly, committed, professional and busy team supporting a complex, detailed and fast-paced portfolio of senior appointments, vocational discernment and associated projects. We work as a close-knit team in beautiful surroundings, part of the Lambeth Palace community and Office of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, supporting each other with care, flexibility and good humour.
The purpose of this role is to provide seamless, proactive support to the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments, ensuring their time, priorities, and workflow are protected and optimised. It also exists to act as a reliable presence within a busy team - stepping in to assist wherever it strengthens the overall operation. Ultimately, the role keeps the Archbishops' Secretary focused and the team functioning smoothly by being the connective, proactive and organised force that helps to hold everything together.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Complex, efficient and strategic diary management involving multiple stakeholders and competing demands, including booking travel and accommodation.
- Being aware of the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments' objectives, priorities and views, communicating these appropriately and sensitively to external and internal stakeholders.
- Organising meetings and ensuring the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments is fully briefed and prepared in advance.
- Building and maintaining relationships with key contacts and their offices, keeping the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments updated, as appropriate.
- Supporting the planning and delivery of nomination processes involving the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments.
- Ensuring the timely processing of the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments' expenses and providing wider team financial administrative support.
- Receiving and greeting visitors and being an ambassador for the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments and the wider team in welcoming guests.
- Providing detailed hospitality administration, coordination and support, e.g. ensuring meetings are set up and catered for appropriately, booking appropriate rooms, ensuring appropriate technology is in place and coordinating visitors.
- Supporting research projects relating to the work of the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments with preparatory independent research and briefings.
- Managing and prioritising communications, whether by phone, e-mail, letter or in person, drafting high-quality and timely responses.
- Drafting and maintaining documents, reports, policies and other materials, informed by an understanding of their context, implications and impact.
- Taking and drafting high-quality meeting minutes, ensuring key outcomes, decisions and actions are clearly documented.
- Working alongside and supporting the planning and delivery of senior appointments processes and the wider work of the team, as required.
A comprehensive and supportive induction programme will be put in place for the post holder to ensure that they have all the information, access and contacts required to quickly acclimatise and excel in this role. All staff working at Lambeth Palace share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture with regard to children and vulnerable adults, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.
Person Specification
Personal support and administration
- Essential: Strong ability to manage diaries, correspondence and papers for a senior leader.
- Essential: Strong ability to draft high-quality, accurate correspondence, briefs, minutes and other written material.
- Essential: Outstanding word-processing and proof-reading skills.
- Desirable: Experience of providing personal assistant support at senior level.
- Desirable: Experience preparing committee papers and planning high-quality events or meetings.
Digital skills and process improvement
- Essential: Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, the internet and networked systems, with confidence using IT to develop creative solutions.
- Essential: Ability to design and implement new processes and systems to improve efficiency.
Communication, interpersonal skills and stakeholder engagement
- Essential: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an understanding of the importance of clear, timely and effective communication.
- Essential: Strong interpersonal skills and confidence in engaging professionally with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders.
- Essential: Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to respond with sensitivity and pastoral awareness when required.
- Essential: Excellent ability to collaborate effectively and work well within a team.
Judgement, discretion and professionalism
- Essential: Demonstrably confidential, discreet and diplomatic in handling sensitive information and situations.
- Essential: Excellent judgement in managing urgent, complex and varied matters.
- Essential: Strong commitment to delivering consistently high-quality work.
Planning, prioritisation and delivery
- Essential: Proactive, consistent, organised and forward-thinking, with strong planning and prioritisation skills.
- Essential: Ability to work independently, use initiative and remain calm under pressure.
- Essential: High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Essential: Ability to adapt plans quickly in response to changing circumstances and to incorporate new learning into future planning.
- Desirable: Interest in the mission and ministry of the Church of England and the processes for appointing senior clergy.
- Desirable: Experience in a Human Resources or recruitment environment.
Closing date for applications is 28 May, 23:55.
EA to the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments in London employer: Church of England
Contact Detail:
Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EA to the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Archbishops' team. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Church's recent initiatives and the role of the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments. Show us you’re not just interested in the job, but also in the mission behind it!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it's drafting emails or speaking with stakeholders, being clear and confident is key. We want to see how well you can represent the Archbishops' team.
✨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 follow instructions!
We think you need these skills to ace EA to the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Understand what the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments needs and tailor your application to show how you can meet those needs. We want to see that you get the essence of the role!
Be Personal and Professional: While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Use clear language and avoid jargon. Show us your personality, but also demonstrate your understanding of the responsibilities involved in supporting senior clergy appointments.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any experience that relates directly to the duties listed. Whether it's diary management or drafting documents, we want to see how your past roles have prepared you for this position. Be specific and give examples!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you're keen on being part of our community at Lambeth Palace!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and how they align with your skills. This will help you articulate how you can support the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments effectively.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Given the complexity of diary management and stakeholder communication, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed competing demands in the past. Highlight your ability to stay organised and proactive, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
This position requires strong interpersonal skills and sensitivity. Think of instances where you've navigated delicate situations or built relationships with diverse stakeholders. Showing that you can handle sensitive information with discretion will set you apart.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones that reflect your interest in the team and its mission. For example, inquire about the current challenges the team faces or how they measure success in their appointments process.