Personal Assistant to the Bishop of Exeter

Diocese of Exeter; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent religious organization seeks a skilled Personal Assistant to support the Bishop in Exeter. This role involves diary management, correspondence, and office administration. Candidates must demonstrate senior-level PA experience, ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, and proficiency in MS Office applications. The position is office-based with opportunities for hybrid working, competitive salary, and extensive benefits including annual leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Health cash plan reimbursement

Family Friendly Programme benefits

Qualifications

• Experience of senior-level PA support, including complex diary management.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously under tight schedules.
• Confident in using IT, particularly MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional and proactive diary support to the Bishop.
• Manage correspondence and record-keeping efficiently.
• Support the smooth running of the Bishop’s office.

Skills

Senior-level PA support

Complex diary management

Time management

IT proficiency

MS Office applications

Job description

Personal Assistant to the Bishop of Exeter

Salary £30,307 per annum and pro-rated if working part-time

Closing date for applications:7th January 2026

Interview date: 3rd February 2026

Hours: 35 hours

We are seeking a highly organised, emotionally intelligent, and proactive Personal Assistant to support the Bishop of Exeter in his ministry and leadership across the Diocese. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to work closely with a senior Church of England leader, providing executive support and helping to shape the effectiveness of his work.

The Personal Assistant will provide professional and proactive diary support to the Bishop of Exeter. To deal promptly and efficiently with the Bishop’s paper-based and electronic filing and correspondence. To support the smooth running of the Bishop’s office through accurate and timely administration. To be an effective and welcoming first point of contact for the Bishop.

Key Responsibilities

• Diary Management
• Correspondence and record-keeping
• Finance Management

Take lead responsibility for the maintenance of the Palace and Gatehouse: Manage any issues arising and consult with the Managing Agent (Savills) and the Church Commissioners

Modelling and prioritising welcome and hospitality, including providing refreshments and appropriate hosting as necessary to those meeting the Bishop or attending an event at the Palace, being prepared to take a share in the routine tasks of office life

Promoting positive working relationships will all areas of diocesan life, including linking and developing excellent working relationships with colleagues in the diocesan office at the Old Deanery and in the Cathedral

Working and co-ordinating closely with other Palace staff, ensuring a professional and efficient approach to work

• Experience of senior-level PA support, including complex diary management, or demonstrable experience of administrative leadership shown in another profession
• Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously, sometimes to tight schedules
• Experience in managing and prioritising a varied workload effectively
• Confident and competent in the use of IT, with good working knowledge of MS Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and SharePoint

Key Requirements

• This is an office-based position at The Palace Gatehouse, Palace Gate, Exeter EX1 1HX. On site, city centre car-parking is provided.
• Hybrid working for a day a week will be considered
• A salary of £30,307 per annum and pro-rated if working part-time, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.
• 25 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave.
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK’s leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.

Closing date for application will be 7th January 2026

Interviews will take place on 3rd February 2026 at The Palace Gatehouse, Palace Gate, Exeter EX1 1HX.