At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to inspire and nurture vocations in ministry across the Diocese.
- Company: Join the Diocese of Chelmsford, fostering faith and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, and a solid pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by empowering others in their spiritual journeys.
- Qualifications: Must be an ordained priest with experience in vocational discernment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 € per year.
Are you someone who can recognise and nurture the God‑given gifts of others, empowering them as they explore their vocation to ministry?
Working hours: This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) with the opportunity for hybrid working and flexible working.
Salary: c£60,000, subject to qualifications and experience.
The Diocese of Chelmsford is seeking to appoint a Head of Vocations & Discipleship to lead our new Vocations & Discipleship Team. The new team in our Mission & Ministry Department brings together our Assistant DDO, Lay Ministry Adviser, and Vocations Outreach Officer, with two additional roles of Assistant Director of Ordinands and a Vocations & Discipleship Administrator.
We’re looking for a leader who knows how to create and implement inspiring approaches to Christian formation and discipleship, enabling people to grow and flourish in their faith. You will help shape the journey of those exploring their call to ordained and lay ministry. We know from experience that people growing in discipleship are people ready to follow Christ’s call into new vocations. Would you like to join us in this work, enabling the strategic development of vocations and discipleship across our diocese and leading our Vocations & Discipleship team?
Role duties:
- Lead the strategic development and delivery of a diocesan wide vocations and discipleship strategy and team, responding to the recently conducted Vocations Review, with the objective to increase the number of ordained and lay vocations in the Diocese of Chelmsford.
- Oversee and support Area Vocations/Ordination Advisers, developing a team approach to support learning and development.
- In liaison with Area (Sponsoring) Bishops, oversee discernment, sponsorship, and preparation processes for national selection panels for candidates for ordination.
- Oversee and line manage the work of the Lay Ministry Adviser and their wider team in the discernment, training and deployment of all licensed and authorised lay ministers across the Diocese of Chelmsford.
Criteria:
- An ordained priest of the Church of England, or a Church in communion with the Church of England, with experience of working with churches of more than one tradition.
- Substantial experience of vocational discernment work in the Church of England to at least a diocesan adviser level or equivalent.
- Experience of developing and delivering inspiring approaches to nurturing Christian formation and discipleship.
- Experience of staff line and volunteer management, enabling colleagues to flourish in role and experience of handling complex and sensitive staffing issues.
For an informal conversation please contact the The Revd Canon Rob Merchant at rmerchant@chelmsford.anglican.org.
Benefits: We offer a range of benefits including hybrid and flexible working, 11% non-contributory pension scheme, 25 days holiday rising to 29 after five years’ service.
For more information please see the job description, and to apply please visit the Diocesan Website.
Closing Date: 7 June 2026
Interview Date: 25 June 2026
We reserve the right to invite candidates for preliminary interviews. Please be advised we reserve the right to close the role early and we cannot consider candidates who do not complete and return a completed application form. Please refer to the CDBF Privacy Policy for guidance on how we will process your data.
Head of Vocations & Discipleship (inc. DDO) in Chelmsford employer: The Church of England
The Diocese of Chelmsford is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inspiring work environment for those passionate about nurturing Christian vocations and discipleship. With flexible working arrangements, a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to flourish in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in shaping the future of ministry and discipleship in a collaborative and faith-driven atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Vocations & Discipleship (inc. DDO) in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Diocese of Chelmsford. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for advice or insights on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the diocese's mission and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals in vocations and discipleship. We want to see your passion for empowering others!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've developed teams or nurtured individuals in their faith journeys. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission at the Diocese of Chelmsford.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Vocations & Discipleship (inc. DDO) in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who we are at the Diocese of Chelmsford. Tailor your application to reflect our values and mission, showing how your experience aligns with our vision for vocations and discipleship.
Be Authentic:We want to hear your genuine voice! Share your personal journey and experiences that have shaped your understanding of ministry. Authenticity resonates with us, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to emphasise your experience in vocational discernment and Christian formation. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've empowered others in their faith journeys, as this is key to the role we're looking to fill.
Follow the Application Process:Don’t forget to apply through our website! Ensure you complete all required forms and submit them before the closing date. We can’t consider applications that aren’t fully completed, so double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Know Your Vocation
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your own journey of faith and vocation. Be ready to share personal experiences that highlight how you've recognised and nurtured the gifts of others in ministry. This will show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Diocese
Research the Diocese of Chelmsford and its current vocations and discipleship strategies. Understanding their recent Vocations Review will help you align your vision with theirs, demonstrating that you're not just a fit for the role but also invested in their mission.
✨Prepare Inspiring Approaches
Think about innovative ways to develop Christian formation and discipleship. Prepare examples of past initiatives you've led or been part of that empowered others in their faith journey. This will showcase your leadership skills and creativity.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, be sure to listen carefully to the questions and comments from the panel. Engaging thoughtfully with their queries will not only demonstrate your communication skills but also your ability to support and nurture others in their discernment process.
