At the London Diocesan Fund (LDF), we seek to do everything we can to support the mission and growth of the Church of England in London. The Diocese of London consists of 402 parishes, each one representing an independent but affiliated charity, and is responsible for 450 active places of worship.

Many of our parishes have extensive community and social outreach programmes to support their Mission. However, many of the buildings are in a poor condition and need urgent repairs and improvement. This large-scale regeneration will require significant funding.

The Buildings Adviser has a direct relationship with the three other key forms of parish support which are within this directorate: the Fundraising Team, Church Buildings Advisers and Asset Managers. The four streams of work are interconnected, and the working pattern is highly collaborative.

The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community.

We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.

The Buildings Adviser will work within a departmental team to facilitate property regeneration. This will involve a large number of Listed Buildings, to achieve new and enhanced use for them and to gain broader public benefit. The Adviser will support the team on aspects of securing Planning Permission, as well as oversight of construction, and working alongside Valuation Surveyors, Funding Bid writers, and external Consultants giving specialist advice relating to major regeneration projects.

The responsibilities vary between buildings in direct diocesan ownership and property such as churches and halls which are vested with incumbents or belong to PCCs.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of knowledge of procurement processes (consultants and construction), project management (pre-project and construction), and the ability to select and appoint professional teams (Architects, Planning Advisers and related professions).

Role

• Support the long-term sustainable future of listed and unlisted buildings within the LDF portfolio, including those now occupied by non-Anglican congregations.
• Support the Head of Development with major grant applications which relate to building regeneration by evaluating technical information, providing briefings and commissioning specialist advice such as conservation statements and plans, building condition surveys and cost reports.
• Support the Director, Senior Asset Manager and our external project managers by writing briefs, commissioning specialist advice, and evaluating reports.
• Manage procurement and tendering for professional services.
• Put forward proposals to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC).
• Help parishes to look after their own buildings by providing advice and support.
• Review and advise on construction documents.
• Work to further the aims of Capital Vision 2030, particularly the Open Churches initiative.

Engagement

• In parallel with the Head of Development and the Director, develop packages of grant funding for churches.
• Arrange and attend site visits to leasehold properties with the Asset Managers and our consultants for project review and to develop building repair strategy.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including Historic England, local conservation officers and the national amenity societies.
• Collaborate with the Fundraising Team on commissioning conservation statements and options appraisals.

Expected Outcomes

• Establish and operate a monitoring process for approximately 40 leasehold properties to ensure condition surveys and maintenance tests are carried out and recorded.
• Establish and maintain a cycle of insurance valuations for our leasehold properties.
• Actively work with approximately 15 charity tenants on long leases to ensure they meet their repairing obligations.
• Improve the condition of our building stock by commissioning expert advice and recommending programmes of managed repairs.
• Assist with the assessment of the places of worship property portfolio for the Diocese of London and develop a prioritised strategy for the church estate.
• Assist with assessing QI reports in order to update the Church Buildings Review.
• The Church Buildings Adviser may be required to undertake any other duties that are appropriate to the role, as instructed by the Director.
• Willingness to travel to properties within the Diocese of London is expected.

Skill and aptitudes

• A self-starter with the initiative and creativity to make a difference.
• A knowledge of conservation repair, and construction as well as materials and best practice.
• Ability to manage and report on budgets of up to £500k.
• Ability to read architectural drawings, works schedules and specification.
• Demonstrable ability in problem solving and strategic thinking.
• An effective communicator, with an ability to write concise, professional, and personable emails, and address both formal and informal meetings.
• Ability to work flexibly and effectively through a large volume of varied casework.
• A passion for historic buildings and landscapes, and a demonstrable interest in London’s historic places of worship.
• A willingness to engage with the wider community.

Knowledge & Experience

• Desirable Building Surveyor in training, or Part 2 / 3 Architect, Prince2 certification.
• Understanding of historic buildings legislation, listed buildings, conservation areas, PPS5, the planning process and, ideally, faculty jurisdiction.
• Good knowledge of secular and ecclesiastical architectural history and associated technical language.
• Practical experience of working with historic buildings and methods of investigation, and specialist conservation work and maintenance.
• A relevant degree-level qualification.
• Experience in project report writing.

Personal Attributes

• Strong team player, able to work collaboratively with colleagues and parish partners.
• Willingness to seek out help and advice when required and to share knowledge with others.
• Tact, diplomacy, and politeness.
• Ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and to explain complex issues in a straightforward way.

The LDF exists to support the mission of the Church of England in London. The principal activity of the London Diocesan Fund is to operationally and practically serve and support the parishes and people within the Diocese of London, enabling the vision that every Londoner will encounter the love of God in Jesus Christ.