At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Vocations & Discipleship team to nurture others' gifts.
- Company: Join the Diocese of Chelmsford, a community focused on faith and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's spiritual journeys and vocations.
- Qualifications: Must be an ordained priest with experience in vocational discernment.
The predicted salary is between 57000 - 63000 € 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.
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) employer: The Church of England
The Diocese of Chelmsford is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for those passionate about Christian ministry. With flexible working arrangements, a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, we empower our team to flourish in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the community. Join us in shaping the future of vocations and discipleship, where your leadership can inspire others to explore their God-given gifts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Vocations & Discipleship (inc. DDO)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Diocese of Chelmsford. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the role inside out. Dive into the specifics of the Head of Vocations & Discipleship position and think about how your experiences align with their mission. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've empowered others or led a team effectively. This is key for the role, so be ready to share those stories during your interview.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Vocations & Discipleship (inc. DDO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. The Diocese of Chelmsford is looking for someone passionate about vocations and discipleship, so make sure your application reflects that enthusiasm and aligns with their mission.
Showcase Your Experience:Highlight your relevant experience in vocational discernment and Christian formation. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've empowered others in their ministry journey. We want to see how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your personal journey and how it has shaped your understanding of vocations and discipleship. Authenticity resonates with us, and it helps us see the real you behind the application.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application via our Diocesan website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission!
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 discuss how you can contribute to their goals and align your vision with theirs during the interview.
✨Prepare Inspiring Approaches
Think about innovative methods you've used or could use to foster Christian formation and discipleship. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented these approaches in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
✨Showcase Your Team Management Skills
Since the role involves overseeing a team, be ready to talk about your experience in staff line management and volunteer coordination. Share examples of how you've enabled colleagues to flourish and handled complex staffing issues, as this will highlight your ability to lead effectively.
