The Diocese of St Albans encompasses:

• 20,000+ people who attend worship in our churches across the week
• 800+ clergy, who are available to anyone in the community.

The Diocese of St Albans is Living God’s Love by Going Deeper into God • Making New Disciples • Transforming Communities.

PA to the Bishop of Bedford – the Diocese of St Albans

The Bishop of Bedford, within the Diocese of St Albans, is seeking an experienced PA with excellent interpersonal skills and proven administrative experience.

Based in the Bishop’s Home in Cardington (three miles south east of the centre of Bedford) and involving a high degree of autonomy, this role offers an exciting opportunity for varied, interesting and sometimes challenging work which has a particular focus on the churches and communities of Bedfordshire and Luton.

Whilst you will often be working alone in the office, you will be part of the wider Diocesan team and will be liaising regularly with colleagues in St Albans and the offices of the Bishop of Hertford and the Archdeacons, as well as with clergy and key stakeholders within the County of Bedfordshire and beyond.

Hours:32 hours per week: Currently 9.00-5.30 Monday – Thursday (some flexibility may be possible e.g. to work five shorter days, with agreement from the Bishop)

Location:Bishop’s Lodge, Cardington (with occasional home working possible with agreement from the Bishop).

To arrange an informal conversation about the post please email the Bishop of Bedford's PA at bishopbedfordpa@stalbans.anglican.org

Closing date for applications: Thursday 6^th April 2023.

Interviews: Wednesday 19^th April at Bishop’s Lodge, Bedford Rd, Cardington, Bedford MK44 3SS.

For full details about the post, please find the job description attached below.

The main responsibilities for this role are:

• Providing administrative and secretarial support for the Bishop, including (but not limited to)
  • Maintaining the Bishop’s diary;
  • Producing letters and minutes of meetings, and drafting these where appropriate;
  • Editing and redrafting letters according to pastoral need and sensitivity;
  • Preparing paperwork for meetings and services of worship;
  • Maintaining and updating confidential clergy files;
  • Maintaining the Bishop’s Expenses Account;
  • Maintaining the Bishop’s databases;
  • Producing and circulating Notices of Appointment and Vacancy;
  • Liaising with parishes about services of worship, including Confirmations;
  • Arranging the Bishop’s interviews, including with clergy and candidates for ordination;
  • Overseeing the Bishop’s hospitality programme;
  • Undertaking general reception duties, arranging for provision of lunches and other refreshments;
• Liaising with
  • the personal staff of the Bishop of St Albans and his senior colleagues, as necessary;
  • colleagues in the Diocesan Office;
  • lead officers and staff of other bodies, both diocesan and national;
• Undertaking confidential administrative work in connection with safeguarding, Disclosure and Barring Service checks and Clergy Discipline procedures, including liaison with diocesan staff;
• Organising national, and occasionally international, travel arrangements;
• Undertaking general research for the Bishop in preparation for his speeches, sermons, policy statements and other public work both written and spoken;
• Occasional oversight of casual staff;
• Carrying out other duties broadly in line with these from time to time as instructed by the Bishop and those he nominates.

Person Specification:

The Bishop’s PA will:

• be able to deal efficiently with a range of enquiries and tasks;
• be able to work independently and flexibly, and be able to show absolute discretion in all matters;
• be confident, professional and positive;
• have the ability to manage an ever-changing workload;
• be able to prioritise with ease, operating several steps ahead at all times;
• have an understanding and sympathy for the faith, worship and mission of the Church of England.

Qualifications, skills and experience

Essential

• Graduate level education or relevant employment experience, with a high standard of literacy and numeracy;
• Proven interpersonal skills applicable to daily liaison with clergy, colleagues and the public on the telephone and face-to-face;
• The ability to maintain absolute confidentiality and to be courteous, friendly and highly discreet;
• The ability to work well in a small team and be part of a close-knit household;
• The ability to work independently and regularly alone in a quiet environment;
• The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to work on own initiative;
• A working knowledge of safeguarding and GDPR requirements;
• Competence in the use of all aspects of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook and database management;
• Efficient keyboard skills;
• A flexible approach to duties and working hours, including a willingness to share responsibilities with colleagues and to assist at and attend occasional evening/weekend functions;
• A professional personal appearance;
• Good time management and organisational skills;
• Readiness and ability to share in the ethos of the Bishop’s office and household;
• A current driving licence and access to a car.

Desirable

• A good working knowledge of the structures and systems of the Church of England.

We are the Church of England in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Luton and Barnet, with over 400 churches offering a Christian presence in every community.

To find out more about us, please visit https://www.stalbans.anglican.org/