Church Buildings Support Officer

Diocese of Chichester; England; On-site; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job description

Church Buildings Support Officer

We are seeking a Church Buildings Support Officer (CBSO) to support Anglican parishes across East and West Sussex in caring for their church buildings.

There are 466 churches in the Diocese, 75% of which are listed, including 181 at Grade I. This is an exciting opportunity to work with the Church Buildings team and to play a role in supporting parishes in conserving, repairing and developing this very special collection of buildings.

Positions: Church Buildings Support Officer

Location: Hove/Hybrid

Hours: Full-time

Salary: £36,000 per annum

Contract: Fixed term for one year with possibility of extension.

Benefits: 28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and 2 privilege days per year, flexi-time, free parking, the ride to work scheme, a range of staff development activities and the Diocesan Pension Scheme with 15.1% employer contribution.

Closing Date: Midnight on 27th April 2025.

Interviews: Interviews will be held in Hove on 9th May 2025.

About the Role

The Church Buildings Support Officer will proactively support parishes in caring for their church buildings and planning development projects. This will include administering the Minor Repairs and Improvements and Quick Wins grant funds, ensuring that quinquennial inspections are carried out, and assisting parishes with planning repairs. The CBSO will also advise on the development of churches, including options for the introduction of new facilities, making churches more accessible, and works towards achieving the Net Zero by 2030 target set by the Church of England.

The CBSO will also signpost to colleagues for assistance with permissions, fundraising and finance and governance issues, and towards key guidance on topics relating to building conservation, the development of church buildings, Net Zero, and insurance and health and safety. There will also be an opportunity to work on an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a diocesan led project and support the delivery of the project if this application is successful.

About You

This role would suit somebody with a strong interest in historic church buildings and experience in the conservation, management and development of historic buildings. You will need to be a team player, who is self-motivated, enjoys working with people, and is able to balance a busy and varied workload.

The role is funded by the Church of England's Buildings for Mission fund for an initial period of one year with the possibility of extension, subject to funding.

The organisation wants its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion for all to be reflected in the composition of staff and are particularly keen to receive applications from candidates from communities currently underrepresented in the diocese.

You may have experience in other roles such as Historic Site, Heritage Site, Historic Site Manager, Heritage Site Manager, etc.