Peterborough Diocese: Church and Community Engagement Officer

The Context

The Diocese of Peterborough is a living, growing network of churches, chaplaincies and schools covering Northamptonshire, the part of Cambridgeshire formerly known as the Soke of Peterborough (i.e. the area of the present-day city of Peterborough north of the River Nene), and the County of Rutland. Its total population is approximately 917,000.

As a Diocese, we are committed to being mission-focused and equipped to grow. The parish church is a key part of this commitment.

Purpose of the Role

The role is to develop and implement an inclusive, community-based approach to using church buildings to their full potential as places of community action, engagement and outreach by supporting existing church groups and users. The desired outcome is to catalyse the adoption of historic and modern churches by the whole local community and increase their mixed use.

The Community Support Officer will play a key role in ensuring Church of England buildings are used as social and community resources, helping to secure their future sustainability. These buildings should be an asset both to worshipping communities and wider society, and opportunities must be identified to serve and support all local people within a parish through their use.

Tasks and Priorities

• Build relationships with Local Authorities, local businesses, charities, community groups and other organisations that may contribute to projects or events supporting the mixed use of church buildings.
• Work alongside these organisations to promote the potential of church buildings as community resources, develop projects within parishes or at diocesan level that enhance community use, meet local needs and generate income.
• Help Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) and congregations identify and maximise potential revenue and funding sources.
• Assist PCCs in navigating legal requirements and processes for grant funding applications, planning applications and other permissions required to adapt buildings sensitively for wider community use.
• Identify local needs relating to community outreach and support, including working with the Churches Support Officer to identify churches requiring particular assistance.
• Develop strategic approaches for the improved conservation and increased use of historic places of worship, helping establish opportunities aligned with partner organisations and community priorities.
• Develop volunteering opportunities and support the establishment and growth of voluntary organisations, including Friends groups.
• Develop mentoring and training schemes for volunteers, including Churchwardens, PCC Treasurers and PCC Secretaries.
• Develop a framework and suite of resources that can be replicated across the Diocese to support sustainable community development.
• Participate in internal training, development activities and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities.

Key Relationships

• Internal: DAC Secretary, Churches Support Officer, Mission Team.
• Community Organisations: Local clubs, associations, charities, trusts, community leaders, volunteering organisations and volunteers.
• Businesses: Local businesses and enterprise associations.
• Public Sector: Local Authorities and their networks, National Lottery Heritage Fund officers, Historic England officers and wider funding organisations.
• Church of England: Incumbents, Archdeacons, Parochial Church Councils, Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan Advisory Committee members, National Church Funding Network and the National Cathedral and Church Buildings Division.

Person Specification

Essential

• Skills in building relationships and working with people, including volunteers.
• Experience in managing community-led projects and fundraising.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans and drive income generation.
• Experience in data collection and analysis.
• Experience in heritage interpretation.
• Strong IT and record-keeping skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly throughout both rural and urban parts of the Diocese.
• Willingness to work outside normal office hours, including evenings and weekends where required.
• Satisfactory Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Desirable

• Understanding of church buildings, their history and development.
• Experience in sourcing and securing significant grant funding for community projects.
• Understanding of the built environment, historic buildings, conservation and the heritage sector.
• Experience in developing a successful community development framework or strategy.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

• Degree-level qualification, or equivalent, in a relevant subject.
• Experience managing community-led projects and fundraising.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans and generate income.
• Experience in heritage interpretation.
• Experience in data collection and analysis.
• Experience securing large grants for community projects (desirable).
• Understanding of the historic environment, conservation and heritage sector.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint.
• Understanding of obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and Data Protection Act 2018.
• Ability to understand and support the Diocese’s Christian ethos and vision.
• Ability to travel to remote sites during weekdays and occasional weekends.
• Satisfactory DBS outcome.

Personal Qualities

• Passion for community development within the heritage sector.
• Strong interpersonal relationship-building skills with people at all levels of seniority.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex matters clearly.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational and planning skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Quick learner with a solution-focused approach to problem-solving.

Other Details

In line with many organisations, the Diocese currently operates a flexible working policy, providing opportunities to work part of the week from home.

During the probationary period, the successful candidate will be expected to work from the Peterborough office. This arrangement will be reviewed following successful completion of probation.

Your place of work will be the Peterborough Diocesan Office, with travel throughout the Diocese as required.

The Diocese of Peterborough is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Staff are subject to an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

Terms and Conditions

For further information on the role please contact Emily Elliott, DAC Secretary on [email protected] or visit our website: www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk/aboutus/vacancies.php

Please send completed applications to: Sharon Welbourne