Our aim is 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.

Lambeth Palace is seen as an iconic statement of the values and the nature of the Church of England, the Anglican Communion and the ministry of the Archbishop of Canterbury. As such, the way it is managed is essential to the witness and ministry exercised or exemplified within its boundaries. It requires flair to work well, joy to give atmosphere, peace to encourage ministry, and love to welcome guests of all kinds.

In collaboration with the wider events team, this fast-paced position plays a key role in the setting of the tone and ethos of the practical operational extension of the Archbishop’s ministry. The pattern set by the traditions of hospitality set out in the Rule of St Benedict and the ancient traditions of Christian hospitality, which call for all visitors to be treated as if they were Christ Himself, set the benchmark for this post. A visit or event at the Palace should always have the aim of turning tourists into pilgrims, of being an occasion that people look back on as having touched them at a deeper than expected level.

As Events Co-ordinator, you will facilitate and coordinate the Events Diary at Lambeth Palace, as well as to assist in the day-to-day running of meetings, events and hospitality.

You will also be responsible for ensuring that internal events/meetings are supported with the necessary resources and occasionally deputise for the Events & Commercial Manager in the running of small-sized events, as required.

This role requires the ability to work flexibly, including evenings and up to five Saturdays a year.

This post is offered as a fixed term contract expected to last for 12 months.

To arrange an informal conversation about the role please contact sophie.larner@lambethpalace.org.uk

Interviews will be held on Monday 17th April 2023.

The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. This is a priority for the Archbishops. Therefore, while of course we welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minority Ethnic Backgrounds and disabled people.

We offer a unique environment with opportunities for continuous learning, generous annual leave for work life balance, season ticket loans and a range of benefits including discounted entry to attractions and what we feel is a market leading package when it comes to our pension scheme.

The Role

Events:

• To receive and acknowledge all event enquiries in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Acting as point of contact for Lambeth Palace staff booking meeting rooms for non-catered events and overseeing the booking in the event management system.
• To facilitate and co-ordinate the Events Diary and make sure that it is reconciled with the catering database.
• Monitoring the ‘Hospitality’ e-mail address and passing on messages to the Director of Events and Hospitality, Hospitality Operations Manager and/or Events & Commercial Manager, or responding where appropriate.
• When required, provide all necessary support for internal events, working closely with the lead member of staff to ensure that the event is effectively and efficiently delivered, as planned.
• Assisting team in the logistical running and administration of their events, as required on a case-by-case basis.
• Ensure effective records management for each event to enable subsequent reports, analysis and feedback to be adequately recorded.
• In the planning, communication and execution of events, being constantly mindful and sympathetic to the significance of Lambeth Palace as the home and office of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

• Assist with ensuring joined-up communication and information sharing with the key stakeholders of the Events Team.
• Collating feedback from guests and clients via the department feedback portal.
• When required, provide the delivery of tea and coffee for small events and meetings.

Administration:

• Facilitating the weekly Events Diary meeting and presenting a clear overview of the fortnight ahead to the wider Events Team.
• Assisting the Events & Commercial Manager with financial tasks including processing incoming/outgoing invoices and event expenses.
• Compiling event paperwork for team preparations and on the day delivery of events.
• Ordering external catering for small-to-medium sized events, as required when the Head Chef is not able to cater an event through the internal kitchen.

The Requirements

Skills/Aptitudes:

• Ability to multi-task.
• An interest and passion for welcoming visitors.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, Excel and the internet, as well as a networked computer system.
• Excellent word processing skills.
• Strong sense of responsibility that the work issued is of a consistently high standard, with fast response times.
• Highly discreet and diplomatic.
• Good judgement in understanding and dealing with urgent and complex matters across a wide range of issues.
• Forward thinking with effective planning skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to draft and prepare accurate correspondence, briefs and other material as required.
• Highly organised and methodical, with the ability to cope with conflicting priorities.
• A self-starter, able to use initiative and good judgement.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure.
• Flexibility with the ability to adapt plans quickly in response to change.
• Strong team working skills.
• Ability to create and implement new processes and systems to improve efficiency.
• Innovative and creative.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Knowledge/Experience:

• An excellent grounding in event co-ordination and diary management.
• Experience working in an administrative capacity.

Personal Attributes:

• Able to work flexibly, including evenings and up to five Saturdays a year.
• All staff working at Lambeth Palace share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture with regard to children and vulnerable adults, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.

Education:

• Educated to A level standard or equivalent.

Desirable

Skills/Aptitudes:

• A working knowledge of Health and Safety requirements and legislation.
• A working knowledge of Food Safety requirements and legislation.
• A sympathy with and interest in the Archbishop of Canterbury’s ministry.

In the National Church Institutions (NCIs), we support the mission and ministries of the Church of England. We work with parishes, dioceses, schools, chaplaincies and other ministries, and with national and international partners including mission agencies, and other denominations and faith groups.-.

Find out more about working for the National Church Institutions by visiting Careers | The Church of England

NCI values

• We strive for excellence
• We collaborate
• We act with integrity
• We show compassion
• We respect others

We welcome everyone and we accept and value people for who they are and what they contribute, treating others in the way we would wish to be treated ourselves. We actively listen to and include others, encouraging and enabling everyone’s voice to be heard in discussions and decisions. When we disagree, we aim to disagree well with respect and kindness.

We want to encourage applications from a diverse group of people. Even if you have never thought about working for us before, if you have the skills and experience we’re looking for then we would like to hear from you. If there is anything we can do to support you in your application please get in touch via email to hr.recruitment@churchofengland.org.

• As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively look to attract, recruit and retain those of you who are disabled.
• We are a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and welcome applications from those of you who have served in our Armed Forces and their families.