Assistant Ministry HR Policy Officer

The Ministry Development Team (MDT) is a team of 45 within the Archbishops’ Council, responsible nationally for ensuring a pipeline of lay and ordained ministers, their terms of service, and the development of future and current senior leaders to meet the missional needs of the church. The team works collaboratively with 42 Church of England Dioceses, 20 Theological Colleges, the House and College of Bishops, the College of Cathedral Deans and the College of Archdeacons, universities, and other external bodies.

The Assistant Ministry Human Resources (HR) Policy Officer works within the MDT, supported by the Advisory Group for Terms of service and Wellbeing of Ministers (AGTAWM), and is line‑managed by the Ministry HR Lead. This is a fixed‑term role (0.5 FTE) to back‑fill part of the Ministry Human Resources (HR) Policy Officer’s role until the end of 2026 with interviews scheduled for 17 April 2026.

Responsibilities

• Support the collaborative development and deployment of new and revision of existing ministerial HR policies and practice with AGTAWM and other stakeholders.
• Undertake research and analysis in support of ministerial HR policy development.
• Contribute to ensuring ministerial HR policy and practice align with legislative and HR developments inside the church and wider society.
• Lead and support ministerial HR projects as required.
• Act as Clerk for AGTAWM – set meeting frequency, agenda, produce minutes, maintain knowledge of terms of reference.
• Support the work of the Ministry Development Board (MDB), including reporting and seeking formal approval where appropriate.
• Provide briefings to the Director for Ministry on request.
• Play a proactive and positive role within the wider MDT and National Church Institutions (NCIs).
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships across MDT, NCIs and wider church.

Key Relationships

• Within the NCIs – central HR, Legal and Data Services teams and the Pensions Board.
• Governance – AGTAWM and its episcopal chair.
• Wider church – Diocesan HR teams, Network of Diocesan Clergy Wellbeing Leads, Archdeacons.

Essential (Qualifications & Experience)

• Good track record in policy development and implementation.
• Understanding of the breadth of the Church of England and a willingness to serve the whole church.
• Experience of clerking for a committee or board.
• Willingness to develop relevant Human Resources expertise.

Skills & Abilities

• Clear communication and ability to produce concise written work and deliver presentations.
• Analytical skills – assimilate and analyse large volumes of complex data to produce concise advice and policies.
• Team player with ability to work with diverse colleagues.
• Capability to nurture healthy relationships and deep trust with stakeholders including senior leaders.
• Ability to work in an inherently complex system and manage a diverse portfolio of work with changing priorities.
• High levels of discretion and confidentiality.

Qualifications & Training

• Commitment to continued personal and professional development.

Desirable

• CIPD qualified (foundation or associate).
• Experience of policy development and implementation in people and terms and conditions.
• Experience working with large groups of senior leaders.
• Some understanding of complexities of ecclesiastical and employment law, especially regarding 'office holder' status.

Equal Opportunity

We welcome applications from people of all faiths, of no faith and from a diverse range of backgrounds.