At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant church community and inspire growth through creative worship and collaboration.
- Company: The Church of the Good Shepherd, a welcoming parish in Tadworth.
- Benefits: Opportunity for personal and spiritual growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join us in shaping the future of our parish and making a meaningful impact.
- Qualifications: Must have served in an Anglican church and possess strong leadership skills.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Bishop of Southwark wishes to appoint a Priest-in-Charge (Vicar Designate) of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Tadworth. The Church of the Good Shepherd, Tadworth, seeks a full-time Incumbent to lead us as we continue to evolve and grow. We are a single-church parish in a rural–suburban setting, offering a mid- to High-Church tradition with worship enriched by an outstanding four-part choir and a strong commitment to liturgy, music, and prayer. Following the retirement of our previous Vicar in October, the parish is discerning its future, including a proposed joint benefice with the neighbouring parish of Kingswood. This presents an exciting opportunity for collaborative, imaginative leadership.
Responsibilities
- a confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills
- decisive yet collaborative and inclusive
- creative and open-minded, balancing vision with delivery
- an effective leader and manager of people and change
- positive, resilient, empathic, and self-aware
- ambitious, humble, and able to inspire others
To find out more, please review the Parish Profile and Bishop's Statement.
How to apply / Informal contact
For an informal conversation with the Archdeacon, please contact Kathleen.bailey@southwark.anglican.org to arrange an appointment.
Closing Date: Sunday 15 March 2026
Parish Visit and Interviews: Thursday 16 April 2026
Qualifications and requirements
To be appointed to an incumbent status post in the Diocese of Southwark, a priest must have served a title post in an Anglican church in the British Isles. We aim to be a diverse and truly representative Diocese, and particularly welcome applications from women and people of UKME heritage. This post is subject to DBS enhanced disclosure.
Priest-in-Charge (Vicar Designate) of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Tadworth employer: Church of England
Contact Detail:
Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Priest-in-Charge (Vicar Designate) of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Tadworth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time in Tadworth, chat with locals, and understand their needs. This will help you connect better during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in leading the parish.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a confident communicator, it's essential to articulate your vision clearly. Consider role-playing interview scenarios with friends or colleagues to refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! Prepare examples of how you've worked with others in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to inspire and lead a team will resonate well with the selection panel.
✨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 take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Priest-in-Charge (Vicar Designate) of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Tadworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who we are at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Tailor your application to reflect our values and mission, showing how your experience aligns with our community's needs.
Be Authentic: We want to hear your genuine voice! Share your personal journey and experiences that have shaped your faith and leadership style. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection with us.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your previous roles and responsibilities that relate directly to the position. Whether it’s your experience in liturgy, music, or community engagement, let us see how you can contribute to our parish.
Follow Our Application Process: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth process. Make sure to double-check your application for any errors before submitting, as attention to detail is key in our selection process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know Your Parish
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the Church of the Good Shepherd and its community. Understand their traditions, values, and recent developments. This will help you connect your vision with theirs during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your approach to leadership and how you plan to inspire and manage the congregation. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your collaborative and inclusive nature, as well as your ability to balance vision with practical delivery.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the parish's future and the proposed joint benefice with Kingswood. This shows your genuine interest in their journey and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
As a confident communicator, be ready to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Share anecdotes that illustrate your ability to connect with diverse groups, resolve conflicts, and foster a sense of community within the church.