Parish Adviser in Hove
About the role
Join the team supporting thriving parishes across Sussex. The Diocese is seeking an enthusiastic Parish Adviser to support the mission and ministry of parishes, benefices and deaneries. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong financial, governance and relationship-building skills to work alongside clergy, lay leaders and diocesan colleagues to help churches flourish. This role offers flexi-time and hybrid working.
Location: Hove/Hybrid
Salary: £38,600 per annum
Hours: 37.5 per week
Contract: 2.5 year fixed term contract
Closing Date: 12th August 2026
Interview Date: 3rd September 2026
About the Role
As Parish Adviser, you will provide advice, training and practical support to Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) on charity governance, finance, stewardship and best practice. You will play a key role in helping parishes navigate regulatory requirements, strengthen financial sustainability and make effective use of digital tools and systems. This is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the life and mission of local churches and contribute to building strong relationships with parishes across the Diocese.
You will:
- Provide guidance and support to PCCs on charity governance, finance, accounting and stewardship.
- Advise parishes on accounting best practice, record-keeping, Gift Aid and financial compliance.
- Deliver training seminars, workshops and resources for PCC officers and parish volunteers.
- Support engagement with the Church of England's Cornerstone platform through training and subscription management.
- Work with Archdeacons and diocesan colleagues to encourage participation and generosity within the Parish Share system.
- Review parish finance and mission returns and help ensure compliance with charity reporting standards.
- Provide consultancy support to parish officers, particularly during clergy vacancies.
About You
We are looking for someone with great communication skills who has a passion for mission and supporting PCCs and parishes. You will be able to combine technical knowledge with a supportive and collaborative approach.
You will have:
- Experience of preparing accounts for small charities and/or churches.
- Practical knowledge of charity governance, including the Charities Act 2011 and Charity SORP.
- An understanding of parish finance within the Church of England.
- Experience of delivering training, presentations or workshops.
- Experience of working with committees, volunteers or multiple stakeholder groups.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial and governance matters clearly to non-specialists.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Confidence using Microsoft 365 applications and digital systems.
You can view full details of the job description and person specification when you apply.
About the Organisation
The vision of the Diocese is to help people to know, love and follow Jesus. Based in Hove and serving the people of Sussex across more than 360 parishes and 154 church schools and the wider community, this is a great role for someone who supports the ethos, aims and objectives of the Diocese and the Church of England. As an employer, and as a team, the mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.
What is on offer:
- 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year.
- Membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0-6%.
- Employee Assistance Programme with access to GP appointments, counselling and financial and legal support.
- Free parking, and the ride to work scheme and development opportunities.
Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and the post will involve travelling around the Diocese, some evening work and occasional work at weekends.
You may have experience in roles such as Finance and Governance, Finance, Governance, Finance and Governance Officer, Finance, Governance Officer, Parish Advisor, Parish Finance Officer, Parish Governance Officer, Parish Finance and Governance Officer.
Your tasks
Support parishes with governance, finance, and training to help them thrive.
Your profile
Experience in charity finance and governance, plus great communication skills.
What's also included
Flexi-time, hybrid working, 28 days leave, and a generous pension scheme.
Tech stack & ways of working
Parish Adviser in Hove employer: Diocese of Chichester
Join a dedicated team at the Diocese of Sussex, where your passion for historic buildings and heritage conservation will be valued and nurtured. With a flexible working environment, generous leave, and a strong commitment to employee well-being, this role as Church Buildings Officer offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying professional growth and support in a collaborative culture. Located in Hove, you'll work closely with local parishes, ensuring that cherished church buildings are preserved for future generations.
View Diocese of Chichester profile
Your perspectives
Make a real impact in local communities and support church missions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Diocese of Chichester.
Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Diocese of Chichester.
Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Diocese of Chichester.
Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Diocese of Chichester. Apply directly through us to stand out!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause
In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Diocese of Chichester. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience
When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role
For a full-time role like Parish Adviser, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diocese of Chichester
Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Diocese of Chichester. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
Locations
- Hove
