At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire 4 diverse churches in a growing community.
- Company: Join the Diocese of Ely, known for its supportive and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a spacious rectory, generous support, and a collaborative team.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal and professional development in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant community while nurturing spiritual growth.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, pastoral sensitivity, and a good sense of humour required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The role of Rector of the benefice of Whittlesey, Pondersbridge and Coates is an opportunity to lead 4 diverse but interconnected churches with a desire to grow in mission and grace. We serve 18,000 people in this fenland town and surrounding communities within 4 miles of Peterborough. Our population is growing younger as new housing brings new people to enrich our fenland communities. Our churches have been a benefice for decades and are held in high regard in this community. Recent leadership has taken us into a season of growth and transformation. Though we still face the challenges of buildings that need adapting and finding a strategy that enables all to flourish in diversity.
Missional challenges and opportunities
- Continuing to grow younger and more diverse - We have grown younger over the last few years. We want to maintain this momentum: growing our ministry to baptism families, enlarging Alpha, developing local teams and leaders. Our town is growing fast, and we want to attract and engage new and existing residents.
- Growing Missional Disciples - We see disciples growing in many different ways: through bible studies in Lent & Advent, LYCIG (leading your church into growth), a weekly bible study group, prayer triplets, mid-week services, Men’s ministry, Community breakfast, Women’s breakfast, Worship Wednesdays.
- Rebuilding a sense of team - We hope that our next incumbent will continue to grow the diversity of mission and worship that is needed to share the gospel with the whole of our community.
- Renewing buildings for mission - We have big plans for developing 3 of our 4 church buildings and renewing our hall.
We are looking for these qualities in our next incumbent:
- Skills
- Team Builder and enabler of others
- Leader of missional engagement with the community
- Pastorally Sensitive
- Able to train a curate
- A car driver
- Character
- Spiritual Depth
- Energy and Enthusiasm
- Hospitable faith
- A good sense of humour
Our Diocese And Deanery Offers
- Excellent, spacious modern rectory in quiet street
- Friendly supportive chapter colleagues
- Well funded CMD and support for clergy and their families
- Generous and pastoral senior leadership
Applications and Further Information
- Benefice Profile - download here (2026)
- Application Form - download here (2026)
- Equality Monitoring Form – download here
Please note that applications must be submitted by email to: archdeacon.handw@elydiocese.org
Closing Date: 18 April 2026
Interviews: 13 May 2026
Informal enquiries are welcomed, please contact the Ven Richard Harlow, Archdeacon of Huntingdon & Wisbech, archdeacon.handw@elydiocese.org or 07415 757527
Our Diocese
The Diocese of Ely stretches from Cambridge to Peterborough and out towards the coastal areas of West Norfolk. It houses 3/4 million people, which will rise to 1 million in the next 15 years. This area buzzes with energy from the academic, business and medical excellence of Cambridge University to the rich agricultural areas of Huntingdon, Fenland and Norfolk. Despite the presence of a world leading university, Cambridgeshire is not all affluent. Towns and cities have pockets of poverty and low attainment. Rural areas can be isolated and vulnerable. These parishes contain some of the more economically deprived wards in Cambridgeshire, yet they are full of loyal, innovative people with deep roots in these communities. There is work to be done here, and there are good people to share it with.
The Diocese of Ely is a good place to live and work: stable finances, good housing, inclusive and warm hearted senior colleagues, coupled with a rich diversity of benefices in all traditions make this a place that clergy stay once they have discovered us. We have over 120 incumbent status clergy, with a strong Diocesan team, and a real emphasis on lay development and training. We have no plans to reduce clergy numbers. We look forward to welcoming our new Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev Sarah Clark, in summer 2026; in the meantime we look to continue the steady growth of our worshipping communities in recent years.
Our Mission Strategy devolves much decision making to the parishes, benefices and deaneries, so that clergy are able to innovate, take risks and build alliances for the sake of the Kingdom of God and the good of our communities. We welcome applications from clergy who are prepared to work collaboratively and faithfully. We will enable you to flourish and grow in ministry, whilst maintaining a sensible work life balance.
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).
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.
Rector for the Benefice of Whittlesey, Pondersbridge & Coates, Peterborough employer: Elydiocese
The Diocese of Ely offers a supportive and inclusive environment for clergy, with a focus on community engagement and spiritual growth. As the Rector for the Benefice of Whittlesey, Pondersbridge & Coates, you will have access to excellent housing, generous leadership support, and opportunities for professional development, all while serving a vibrant and diverse population. This role not only allows for personal and spiritual fulfilment but also provides a chance to make a meaningful impact in a growing community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rector for the Benefice of Whittlesey, Pondersbridge & Coates, Peterborough
✨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 Elydiocese.
✨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 Elydiocese.
✨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 Elydiocese.
✨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 Elydiocese. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Rector for the Benefice of Whittlesey, Pondersbridge & Coates, Peterborough
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 Elydiocese. 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 Rector for the Benefice of Whittlesey, Pondersbridge & Coates, Peterborough, 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 Elydiocese
✨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 Elydiocese. 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!
