DAC & Pastoral Governance Lead

Church of England; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary within the Charity/

10% non-contributory pension

Life assurance 3x annual salary

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Staff wellbeing / employee assistance

Job summary

The Diocese of Guildford seeks an experienced, strategic professional to join our Governance Team as DAC and Pastoral Secretary. This role supports care, conservation and development of churches and churchyards, while leading governance and administration of pastoral reorganisation across the Diocese.

You will work with clergy, parish representatives, diocesan leaders, heritage professionals, statutory bodies and the wider Church to enable mission and ministry.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field such as town planning, law, estate management, architecture, building conservation, heritage management or a related discipline.
• Experience of managing complex casework, projects or statutory processes involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong governance, organisational and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to advise and influence a wide range of audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the faculty process across the Diocese, ensuring compliance with legislation, regulations and Church of England procedures.
• Serve as Secretary to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), supporting its governance, decision-making and statutory responsibilities.
• Provide authoritative advice on the care and management of churches, churchyards and heritage assets.
• Support and advise parishes on building projects, conservation matters and funding opportunities.
• Lead the Diocese's work on pastoral schemes, pastoral orders and related statutory processes.
• Act as Secretary to the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee (DMPC), managing consultations, reports and governance processes.
• Work collaboratively with senior clergy, churchwardens, the Church Commissioners, legal advisers and heritage organisations.
• Support the future use and management of closed church buildings and related assets.

Skills

Governance

Relationship-building

Organisational skills

Communication

Church knowledge

Education

Degree or equivalent professional experience

Job description

The Diocese of Guildford seeks an experienced, strategic professional to join our Governance Team as DAC and Pastoral Secretary. This role supports care, conservation and development of churches and churchyards, while leading governance and administration of pastoral reorganisation across the Diocese.

You will work with clergy, parish representatives, diocesan leaders, heritage professionals, statutory bodies and the wider Church to enable mission and ministry.