At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vocations and ordained ministry, guiding candidates through discernment and training.
- Company: Join the Church of England in shaping future leadership within a supportive community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and 25+ days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while nurturing future leaders in the Church.
- Qualifications: Must be an ordained member of the Church of England with pastoral care experience.
The predicted salary is between 49748 - 53575 £ per year.
Hours: 18.5 hours (0.5 FTE), Monday–Friday, with evening and weekend work required.
Salary: £49,748.09 to £53,574.86 per annum (pro-rata) Salary Band I.
Contract: Permanent.
Location: Dual place of work: Archdeacon’s House, Stone, Buckinghamshire HP17 8RZ and Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1GF.
Closing date for receipt of applications: Monday 6 July 2026, at midnight.
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 22 July 2026, at Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1GF.
About The Role: Working within the DDO Team, this is a significant part‑time role supporting vocations and ordained ministry in the Buckingham Archdeaconry and across the Diocese of Oxford. You will guide candidates through discernment, selection and training, working closely with bishops, colleagues and ordinands to help shape the Church’s future leadership. There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the post holder to be an ordained member of the Church of England under Part 1 Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010. An Enhanced DBS check with barred lists will be required for this role. If parish ministry in a House for Duty post in the Buckingham Archdeaconry might enhance this role for you, please make that known in your covering email when submitting your application.
About You: We are looking for an ordained member of the Church of England who brings wisdom, compassion and good judgement, with experience in discernment, pastoral care and collaborative ministry. You will be someone who relates well to a wide range of people, communicates with clarity and sensitivity, and is able to support and encourage others as they explore God’s call on their lives.
Benefits And Rewards:
- Competitive salary.
- Generous employer pension contribution of 12.5% into the auto‑enrolment pension scheme, which includes a death‑in‑service benefit (5% employee contribution).
- Re‑accreditation as a Living Wage employer.
- Annual holiday entitlement starting at 25 days, excluding public holidays, rising each year by one day to a maximum of 30 days, pro‑rata for part‑time employees.
- In addition to the statutory UK public holidays, the Diocese offers three privilege days to all employees, namely Maundy Thursday, Ascension Day, and Christmas Eve (or the closest working day, where this falls on a weekend).
- Flexible working patterns with the ability to do some work from home.
- Sabbatical leave, after a qualifying period of service.
- Access to wellbeing support via Employee Assistance Programme.
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies and a generous occupational sick pay provision.
- Free parking and subsidised on‑site café.
- Electric car and cycle‑to‑work salary sacrifice schemes.
- EV charging points on site.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme with Octopus Electric Dreams.
- Cycle to Work scheme with Green Commute Initiative.
- Contributions towards eye examinations and prescriptive lenses.
- Access to low‑interest rate financial services from Churches Mutual Credit Union.
- An attractive modern working environment.
How To Apply: If you feel you have the skills and gifts we are looking for, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please email your completed application form, recruitment monitoring form and confidential declaration form to: recruitment@oxford.anglican.org. The forms are accessible via the links below: Job Description | Application Form | Recruitment Monitoring Form | Confidential Declaration Form | Confidential Declaration Form Privacy Notice. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. If you do not hear from us, your application has not been successful.
We want the Church of England’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion for all to be reflected in our staff. We are particularly keen to receive applications from UK Minority Ethnic / Global Majority heritage and disabled candidates, who are currently underrepresented. The Church of England is committed to the safeguarding, care, and nurture of everyone within our church community. In the Diocese of Oxford, we follow and are committed to the Church of England's House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policies and the relevant statutory legislation and guidance, 'Working together' to ensure the welfare of children and young people is paramount.
Area Director of Ordinands (ADO) in Kidlington employer: The Church of England
As an Area Director of Ordinands with the Diocese of Oxford, you will join a supportive and collaborative work culture that values wisdom, compassion, and good judgement. With competitive salaries, generous pension contributions, and flexible working patterns, this role offers meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth while contributing to the future leadership of the Church. The dual locations in Buckinghamshire and Oxford provide a modern working environment, enhanced family-friendly policies, and access to wellbeing support, making it an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding vocation in ministry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Director of Ordinands (ADO) in Kidlington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the Church of England and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Personal connections can often lead to job openings that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Diocese of Oxford and its values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to shaping the Church’s future leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves guiding candidates, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and compassionately is key. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining the team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Director of Ordinands (ADO) in Kidlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for the role, so don’t be afraid to share your journey and experiences that have shaped your calling.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Area Director of Ordinands role. Highlight your relevant experience in discernment and pastoral care, and how you can contribute to shaping the Church’s future leadership.
Follow the Instructions:Pay close attention to the application process outlined in the job description. Ensure you include all required forms and submit them via email to recruitment@oxford.anglican.org. We appreciate a well-organised application!
Proofread Before Sending:Before hitting send, take a moment to proofread your application. Typos and errors can distract from your message, so make sure everything is clear and polished. We’re excited to read your application, so let’s make it shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Area Director of Ordinands. Familiarise yourself with the DDO Team's objectives and how your experience in discernment and pastoral care aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires clear and sensitive communication, prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to relate well to diverse groups. Think about times when you've successfully guided others through their own journeys, highlighting your wisdom and compassion.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgement and decision-making in pastoral situations. Practice responding to hypothetical scenarios related to supporting ordinands and working collaboratively with bishops and colleagues, showcasing your approach to leadership.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the future direction of the Diocese of Oxford or how they envision the role evolving. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
