At a Glance
- Tasks: Support communities in caring for historic church buildings and manage permissions for repairs.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on heritage conservation in Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in preserving cherished places for future generations.
- Qualifications: Degree or experience in heritage conservation and strong teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 38600 - 38600 £ per year.
Help Shape the Future of Sussex's Church Buildings
Are you passionate about historic buildings, heritage conservation and supporting communities to care for cherished places?
We are seeking a proactive and organised Church Buildings Officer to join our Church Buildings Team.
This is an exciting opportunity to work with parishes across the Diocese, helping them care for and adapt their church buildings for future generations, while balancing heritage conservation, sustainability and mission.
Our churches are among the most significant historic buildings in Sussex.
As Church Buildings Officer, you will provide advice and support to parishes, manage permissions for repairs and routine works, assist with faculty applications, and support the work of the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC).
- Reporting to the Church Buildings Team Leader, you will
- Manage the List B permissions process on behalf of the Archdeacons.
- Advise parishes on the care, repair and improvement of church buildings, contents and churchyards.
- Support parishes in using the Online Faculty System and navigating permissions processes.
- Assist in progressing faculty applications and church building projects.
- Prepare agendas, committee papers and draft minutes for DAC meetings.
- Attend site visits across the Diocese and prepare reports on proposed projects.
- Help deliver training and guidance sessions for clergy, churchwardens and parish volunteers.
- Work with colleagues to encourage sustainable and energy‑efficient solutions for church buildings.
About You
You will be someone with proven ability to understand and apply legislation relating to the management of the historic built environment, with a strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
- You will have
- A relevant degree or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of historic buildings, heritage conservation and the management of the built environment.
- Experience in an advisory role and of working with volunteers.
- Experience of managing casework, applications or administrative processes that require a high degree of accuracy.
- Experience of organising meetings, preparing papers and maintaining records.
- Excellent written, administrative and IT skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- The ability to interpret legislation, technical guidance and procedures.
- A proactive, adaptable and solution‑focused approach.
Experience in a church environment and knowledge of the Faculty Jurisdiction system would be advantageous but is not essential.
What We Offer
- A salary of £38,600 per annum
- Flexi‑time and the opportunity to apply to use the DBF’s remote working policy to work from home for part of the week.
- 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year.
- Membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0–6%.
- Employee Assistance Programme with access to GP appointments, counselling and financial and legal support.
- Free parking, and the ride‑to‑work scheme and development opportunities.
Our values
As an employer, and as a Church House team, our mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.
Safeguarding
Chichester DBF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy.
Our full safeguarding policy can be found here.
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