The post holder will be the strategic and operational lead on all matters relating to work with children and young people from 0-23 years. They will lead on the development and implementation of strategy accountable to the Board of Education in line with the diocesan vision. They will hold managerial oversight of the Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education and the development and delivery of activities and policies in relation to its work with schools/academies, colleges, universities and parish work with children and young people and their parents or carers.

The role involves representing the Diocese and the Board of Education in local, regional, and national settings relating to education and requires the post holder to be able to relate effectively with a wide range of agencies, both within and outside the Church.

There is a genuine occupational requirement for the post holder to be a practicing Christian.

• To lead and manage of the work of the Diocesan Board of Education.
• To implement the inspiring children and young people part of the diocesan vision.
• To ensure the effective leadership and management of the staff of the Board of Education.
• To assist in the provision of proactive, constructive and cost-effective support to all Church schools/academies in the diocese.
• To be responsible for policy and development work for the Board in relation to Church schools/academies, its work in colleges, universities and parishes, and in relation to children and young people.
• To encourage and support the development of church strategies at a local level for engagement with children and young people and for the relationship and involvement of local churches with Church schools/academies.
• To facilitate and support the work of the Diocesan Board of Education and for ensuring that the meetings of the Board and its sub committees are effectively serviced.
• To monitor the financial performance of the Board of Education and the effective management of the monies which flow through the accounts of the Board and for ensuring that the work of the Board is discharged in accordance with its annual budget.
• Support governing boards in meeting their statutory obligations on admissions, appeals and other compliance matters.
• Support governing boards through the legal implications of changes of structures of governance or a move to academy status.
• Meet and liaise with local authorities to plan for future pupil place planning.
• To act as the main contact for the National Society.
• To liaise with the EFSA and DFE as necessary to undertake the role.
• To represent the DBE on Boards and Committees as required.
• To represent the Diocesan Board of Education as necessary in relation to its dealings with other Dioceses, relevant local authorities, Multi­ Academy Trusts, relevant national bodies and other bodies and organisations with which the Board of Education needs to relate.
• To be responsible for the management of church school trusts and capital work through the SCA scheme and liaise with DBEServices on capital programmes.
• To be responsible for managing all land and buildings related issues regarding church school premises.
• To work with the diocesan senior team to develop and deliver diocesan strategy on youth work and children's work in parishes.
• To undertake such other responsibilities as may reasonably be required by the Diocesan Secretary.
• Liaise with DBE Services and headteachers on all matters relating to school buildings

• An active member of a church affiliated to Churches Together in England or the Evangelical Alliance with a clear and well­ articulated faith in Jesus Christ and an understanding of the breadth of the Church of England.
• Educated to degree (or equivalent) level.
• A good understanding of the educational and other sectors in which the Diocesan Board of Education works and, in particular, of the work of the Church of England in relation to primary and secondary education, and in relation to children and young people in parishes and the wider community.
• Experience of leadership at a senior level within the educational sector.
• Ability to lead, motivate and manage a team of committed and experienced staff and associate advisers.
• Ability to be a team player, working constructively, effectively, and harmoniously as part of a wider team.
• Ability to be an excellent communicator with all relevant stakeholders.
• Clear ability to create, and then work within, fixed budgets and to challenging financial targets. The post holder needs to have significant financial numeracy and good experience of operating within firm financial boundaries.
• Experience of managing projects from inception through to completion, within clear financial parameters.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and justice and a desire to create and influence positive change.
• The post holder will be a self-starter and will be able to work effectively without close day­ to-day supervision.
• The post holder will be a hard worker, prepared to work irregular hours as the demands of the post require and who understands the importance of leading his/her team by example.
• Ability to travel effectively around the Diocese.

The Church of England is one of the largest providers of voluntary activities for children and young people in the country.

In this Diocese of 250 parishes there are many thousands of children, young people and their families being nurtured in the faith in a wide variety of voluntary based groups. Many of the parishes have strong links with their local Church of England school and community school where they will often lead worship and Christian activities week by week.

The Board of Education oversees the development and support of educational chaplaincies. There are youth workers/chaplains in many of our secondary schools/academies and chaplains working in Universities of Lancaster, Central Lancashire and Cumbria (Lancaster Campus).

Over the past eighteen months, the DBE has developed an equity, diversity and justice strategy aimed at challenging racial bias across our areas of work and seeking to make changes in our work that will positively affect attitudes and organisational culture both within the diocese and across other partners. This work is now being integrated into the diocesan and national responses to the Church of England's 2021 'From Lament to Action' report.

Diversity - The Board of Education believes that diversity enables us to thrive and develop and is committed to race equality, welcoming applications from UK Minority Ethnic backgrounds

The Board of Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

For full details of the role including an outline of the terms and conditions please visit the attached recruitment pack below

For further information about the Diocese please visit Diocese of Blackburn (anglican.org)

Next Steps

For an informal conversation regarding this post please contact Stephen Whittaker, Diocesan Secretary stephen.whittaker@blackburn.anglican.org

How to apply

Please visit the general vacancy website by following the link below to apply

General vacancies | The Diocese of Blackburn (anglican.org)

Please do not apply via the pathways system

This post involves regular dealings with children and other vulnerable groups. Accordingly the appointee to this post will be subject to an enhanced DBS clearance.