At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead six rural parishes in connecting communities with the love of God.
- Company: Welcoming and active church communities in the Diocese of Ely.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, strong community ties, and choice of modernised rectories.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workforce committed to safeguarding and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape and lead a newly formed benefice while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experienced leader with a heart for rural ministry and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
We are passionate about connecting our local communities with the love of God – will you help us? Six rural parishes on the west Norfolk fen edge – Terrington St John, Tilney All Saints, Tilney St Lawrence, Wiggenhall St Germans, Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalen and Walpole St Peter, home to 'The Cathedral of the Fens' – are seeking a Priest-in-Charge to lead them into a new chapter of shared life and mission.
Covering around 50 square miles and a population of 9,500, this is a well-connected rural benefice: close to the market town of King's Lynn and with rail links to Ely, Cambridge and London King's Cross from nearby Watlington. Our churches are small but faithful, warmly collaborative, and genuinely at the heart of village life – hosting festivals, coffee mornings and community events, and enjoying strong, established relationships with our village schools.
We are looking for an experienced, inspiring leader with a warm and empathetic character; someone approachable and sensitive to the needs of church and wider community alike. You will have a heart for rural ministry, a welcoming presence able to engage people at different stages of faith, and the flexibility to work across different styles of worship. You will support and encourage lay ministry, help our PCCs shape a clear and shared vision for growth, and build on our existing relationships with schools, children and families.
You will not be alone. You will be supported by the Archdeacon, by clergy colleagues in the deanery, and by the Diocese of Ely's Strengthening Multi Parish Benefices workstream, which offers administrative support and mentoring to clergy leading multi-parish benefices. You will also draw on one of the best-resourced Church Buildings Teams in the Church of England, helping keep our historic buildings as centres of mission rather than a drain on energy.
What we offer:
- a group of welcoming, active and forward-looking church communities;
- strong foundations of lay leadership and involvement;
- established links with schools and community organisations;
- the opportunity to shape and lead a newly formed benefice.
A choice of two modernised rectories (Tilney St Lawrence and Walpole St Peter) is available, so you can choose the base that best suits your family and ministry.
The Diocese of Ely is entering a new chapter with the arrival of its 70th Bishop, Rt Revd Sarah Clark, building on secure finances, strong central support for clergy, and a clear diocesan focus on mission in the parishes. We are proud of the wellbeing of our clergy and warmly welcome applications from women and men, and actively encourage applications from UKME/GMH clergy.
A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.
Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely
The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the Church of England’s safeguarding policies and procedures. Therefore, this position is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).
Priest in Charge of the East Marshland benefice with Walpole St Peter in Ely employer: Diocese of Ely
The Diocese of Ely offers a unique opportunity for a Priest-in-Charge to lead six vibrant rural parishes, fostering a strong sense of community and faith. With a supportive network of clergy colleagues and access to exceptional resources, you will be empowered to shape the future of these churches while enjoying a welcoming work culture that values diversity and inclusivity. This role not only allows for personal growth and development but also provides a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of local families and schools.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Priest in Charge of the East Marshland benefice with Walpole St Peter in Ely
✨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 Ely.
✨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 Ely.
✨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 Ely.
✨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 Ely. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Priest in Charge of the East Marshland benefice with Walpole St Peter in Ely
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 Ely. 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 Priest in Charge of the East Marshland benefice with Walpole St Peter, 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 Ely
✨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 Ely. 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!
