Diocesan Secretary (CEO), Ely Diocesan Board of Finance (Diocese of Ely)

The Diocesan Secretary is the key lay leader within the Diocese of Ely, accountable as CEO for the governance, finance, and strategic operations of the Board of Finance. The Diocesan Secretary also orchestrates the smooth co-operation of the many independent legal entities that make up Ely Diocese and promotes effective governance. The post is responsible to the Diocesan Bishop and to the Board of EDBF Trustees (whose oversight is exercised through the Chair of Trustees).

Key Responsibilities

• Culture: Model a culture of service, transparency, trust and support.
• Co-operation: Work in close co-ordination with the Bishops, Archdeacons, Dean and other members of the diocesan senior leadership.
• Leadership & Governance: Act as CEO of EDBF Ltd and Company Secretary to key diocesan bodies, ensuring sound governance and financial oversight.
• Strategic Planning: Drive innovation, oversee strategic projects, and support diocesan priorities (notably children/youth and new-build communities).
• Financial Management: Oversee budgets, ministry share, income generation, and long-term financial planning to maintain financial sustainability.
• Operational Oversight: Lead and develop diocesan staff, ensure integrated service delivery, and uphold safeguarding and HR best practices.
• Wider Networks: Engage with the Diocesan Secretaries' regional and national networks, as well as with the national church institutions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with clergy, parishes, schools, and external partners, including funders and local authorities.

Person Specification

• Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience as an effective senior leader in a complex organisation.
• Financial acumen, with experience of managing multi-million-pound budgets.
• Strong governance knowledge, including legal compliance and risk management.
• Experience in building teams, including leading leaders.
• Track-record of achieving change by influencing stakeholders.
• A track-record of driving strategic change.

• Knowledge and understanding of the Church of England - its diversity, governance and legal frameworks.
• Supportive of the Diocese’s commitment to Christian mission and growth in numbers and spiritual depth.
• Experience as a Company Secretary or managing charitable governance.
• Professional qualification in finance, HR, law, or management.
• Knowledge of property, employment, and charity law.
• Proven effectiveness at a senior level in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

Terms

• Location: Based at Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely. The nature of the role requires occasional travel around the Diocese, and sometimes beyond. Scope for flexible/hybrid working, by agreement.
• Hours: Full-time, including some evenings and weekends.
• Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary; 25 days leave plus public holidays; 10% of salary employer contribution to pension (no employee contribution but AVCs can be paid); Employee Assistance Programme provides confidential support services.
• Contract: Employed by EDBF; subject to DBS check and right-to-work verification.

This is a strategic leadership role in the Diocese of Ely, supporting and promoting the aims of the Church of England. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement for the post holder to be a practising Christian. Section 9 of the Equality Act 2010 applies to this post.

At present the Diocesan leadership is predominantly male. The Diocese of Ely is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes equality. We welcome applications from all sections of society and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, transparent and based solely on skills, experience, and potential.

Further Information and Applications

Applications are being coordinated via Pure Executive, click here for further information on the role and details of how to apply. Interviews will take place on 16th July 2025.