At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-level admin support to the Bishop, managing schedules and communications.
- Company: Join The Church of England, a diverse and inclusive organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a pivotal role supporting community leadership.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and experience in administration required.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 35934 - 35934 ÂŁ per year.
The Bishop of Bath and Wells is seeking a Senior Executive Assistant to provide high‑level administrative support, ensuring the Bishop’s time and properties are managed effectively. The role involves handling confidential information, managing calendars, coordinating meetings and travel, preparing reports, and acting as a liaison between the Bishop and internal/external contacts. You will also be responsible for budget management and the line management of the Bishop’s Office support team. You will manage complex schedules, critical communications and stakeholder relationships, enabling the Bishop to focus on his work. This is a pivotal role requiring discretion, agility and the ability to anticipate needs before they arise.
Roles And Responsibilities
- Diary and meeting planning and management
- Manage correspondence including oversight and support of HR processes
- Office management
- Finance
- Assist with hospitality events at the Palace, as required, including outside normal office hours. Time off in lieu will be given.
Key Role Requirements
- 35 hours per week exclusive of an hour unpaid lunch break, to be taken at a time agreed with the Bishop, but some flexibility may be required from time to time.
- Based onsite at the Bishop’s Office, the Bishop’s Palace, Wells, BA5 2PD.
- Occasional hybrid working to be considered.
About You
The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. We welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, and would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME)/Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and other under‑represented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to recruiting disabled people and offer interviews to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Please refer to the Job Description for more information about the role and person specification.
What We Offer
Your Salary
A salary of £35,934 per annum, plus age‑related pension contributions between 8‑15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.
Your Benefits
- 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro‑rated if working part‑time).
- We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case‑by‑case scenario and if this fits within the department’s needs, we try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments and give a good work‑life balance.
- We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, including enhanced Maternity Leave, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave.
- Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
- Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK’s leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments.
- Unlimited access to virtual GP & private prescription service and health & stress‑related helplines.
- Access to occupational health and an employee assistance programme.
- Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus‑one guest.
- Apply for eligibility for an eyecare voucher.
- Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and to get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.
About National Church Institutions
The National Church Institutions comprises a wide variety of teams, professions and functions that support the mission and ministries of the Church of England in its vision to be a church, centred on Jesus Christ, for the whole nation – a church that is simpler, humbler, bolder.
We Include. You Belong. Our Belonging and Inclusion Strategy aims for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. Together, our people contribute in different ways towards our common purpose, whichever NCI they work in and whatever their background. Living out our values in all that we do, we:
- Strive for excellence
- Show compassion
- Respect others
- Collaborate
- Act with integrity
Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for the role.
Senior Executive Assistant to the Bishop of Bath & Wells employer: The Church of England
Contact Detail:
The Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Executive Assistant to the Bishop of Bath & Wells
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Church of England. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Bishop's Office and its recent activities. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in the role and the mission of the Church.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm for the role show!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Executive Assistant to the Bishop of Bath & Wells
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Executive Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing complex schedules, handling confidential information, and supporting high-level executives. We want to see how your skills align with what the Bishop needs!
Showcase Your Discretion: Since this role involves handling sensitive information, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to maintain confidentiality. Share examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully managed private matters or sensitive communications. This will show us you’re the right fit!
Highlight Your Agility: The Bishop’s schedule can be unpredictable, so we’re looking for someone who can adapt quickly. In your application, mention times when you’ve had to pivot or adjust plans on the fly. This will help us see your agility in action!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Church of England!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Executive Assistant to the Bishop. Familiarise yourself with diary management, budget oversight, and the importance of discretion in handling confidential information. This will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations where you've successfully managed complex schedules or handled sensitive communications. Be ready to share these examples during the interview to showcase your skills and experience. This will help the interviewers see how you can apply your expertise in their context.
✨Research the Church's Values
Understanding the Church of England's mission and values is crucial. Reflect on how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding compassion, integrity, and collaboration. This will not only show your commitment but also help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the challenges the Bishop faces or how the office supports its team members. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.