Chaplain and Social Policy Adviser to the Bishop of Leicester Job Summary

Job Description

Job Title: Chaplain and Social Policy Adviser to the Bishop of Leicester

Job Summary: To facilitate the ministry of the Bishop of Leicester by:  Supporting the Bishop in his diocesan, civic, interfaith and national responsibilities  Acting as Social Policy Adviser to the Bishop and as his representative on the Diocesan Social Responsibility Panel

Accountable to: Bishop of Leicester

Main Duties

Supporting the Bishop in his responsibilities:

Prayer  pray regularly for and with the Bishop, and take every opportunity to encourage others in prayer  produce the Diocesan Prayer Diary and ensure this reflects the Bishop’s priorities

Personal  Act as a sounding board and advisor to the Bishop; someone with whom the Bishop can talk in complete confidence  Act as the Bishop’s personal representative with individuals, parishes and at particular events/meetings, and on task groups within the Diocese  With the Executive Assistant, take a strategic view of the Bishop’s ministry and diary commitments to ensure these match priorities  With the Executive Assistant, ensure that the Bishop is fully and appropriately briefed for all engagements  Drive the Bishop on occasion to meetings, services and engagements  Undertake whatever other tasks the Bishop may reasonably expect

Liturgical and leading worship  Liaise with the Dean and the Precentor in relation to episcopal services in the Cathedral  Liaise with parochial clergy or officers in relation to services at which the Bishop of Leicester or the Bishop of Loughborough will preside in parish churches and scrutinise orders of service  Attend services with either Bishop as needed  Preach and preside at services around the Diocese when required or requested  Prepare for services in the Bishop’s Chapel and coordinate Morning Prayer

1 Safeguarding and Discipline  Work closely with the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser on issues related to clergy and safeguarding  Be a member of the Diocesan Safeguarding Oversight Group and the Case Management and Review Group  Ensure Clergy Personal Files are maintained with regard to safeguarding issues  Review clergy blue files on receipt, prior to issuing a Clergy Current Status Letter and prior to sending on to a receiving Diocese  Take particular responsibility for Subject Access Requests  Oversee any processes related to the Clergy Discipline Measure  Liaise with the Registry with regard to clergy discipline, ordinations, the issue of licences and other legal documents

The Bishop’s Office  Work as part of a team, helping with the practicalities of running an office and creating a culture of hospitality and welcome for visitors  Draft letters, emails and references in the Bishop’s name and responding in his/her own name to letters addressed to the Bishop where appropriate

Acting as Social Policy Adviser to the Bishop  Advise the Bishop on areas of social policy, and opportunities for the Bishop to influence public debate and practical action  Develop contacts with others involved in social policy in the city and county  Act as the Bishop’s Representative on the Diocesan Social Responsibility Panel and various sub-groups  Liaise with the St Phillip’s Centre, to support the Bishop in interfaith work, especially the Faith Leaders’ Forum  Support the Bishop in his role as Chair of the Oversight Group of Leicester Homelessness Charter  Support the Bishop in preparing for his regular meetings with other senior leaders in the city and county e.g. the City Mayor and the Leader and CEO of the County Council  Liaise with the Cathedral to coordinate social responsibility work  Within the next few years the Bishop is likely to enter the House of Lords and the Chaplain and Social Policy Adviser will therefore take on the added work of research, speech writing and liaison with the Parliamentary Unit at Church House Westminster

Personal and professional  Have a spiritual director or mentor  Take advantage of professional development opportunities  Be part of the national and regional Bishop’s Chaplains’ networks and social responsibility networks

2 Person Specification

Essential Desirable

A person ordained as priest in the Experience of line-managing other Previous Church of England (or a church in staff. experience full communion with it) with

significant experience in ministry.

Good experience in the charity sector and / or as a policy adviser.

Knowledge and Theologically qualified to degree Post-graduate degree in theology understanding level. and / or social policy.

Evidence of disciplines of current Familiarity with canon law and reading and theological other relevant legislation. engagement.

Able to draft policy documents and write succinctly and clearly.

Able to articulate a theology of safeguarding and familiar with church policies.

Worship An excellent understanding of and love for liturgy.

A good preacher and teacher with a love for the Bible.

Able to lead worship and prayer well in churches of different traditions.

Mission Able to articulate a theological Experience of working with people understanding of the kingdom of of different faiths.

God as wider than the Church.

Able to demonstrate a good

understanding of social policy.

Able to relate well to, and influence senior leaders in various

3 fields.

Demonstrates a concern for, and a willingness to be alongside those who are economically poor, vulnerable and excluded.

Skilled in the use of computers, IT IT/Admin skills and social media.

Excellent administration skills.

Spirituality and A Christian disciple with a mature Prayer Life faith able to watch over themselves and others.

The ability to be sustained in ministry through disciplines of prayer and study.

Personal style Self-aware and mature.

Empathetic and approachable.

Able to see tasks through to completion.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT Salary The salary for this post is equivalent to that of an incumbent in the Diocese of Leicester.

Accommodation The Diocese may be in a position to provide a house (free of rent, council tax and water rates) for the better performance of duties (occupied on licence from its owners, the Leicester Diocesan Board of Finance). Alternatively, a housing allowance may be paid. Options will be discussed with a preferred candidate. Removal expenses are paid, as is a resettlement grant.

Pension Contributions

4 Clergy already in the Church of England Funded Pensions Scheme (CEFPS) will have the option of either remaining in this scheme or joining the Church Administrators Pension Fund (CAPF) scheme.

There is no contracting – out certificate under the Pension Schemes Act 1993 in force for this employment in relation to the CAPF and CEFPS. Both CAPF and CEFPS members are contracted-in to the State Second Pension.

The Church Commissioners have an income protection insurance arrangement. To be eligible for cover under this policy an employee must be a member of the CAPF DC section. Please note that insurance cover is not necessarily automatic and that underwriting may be required by the schemes in some instances. Cover will be subject to any terms and conditions laid down by the insurance company.

Hours of work The post is for 35 hours per week with the post holder working 9.00am to 5.00pm including a 1 hour lunch break. Occasionally the post holder may be required to start earlier or work later than these hours.

Annual Leave You are entitled to 30 days paid annual leave per leave year. This is exclusive of public and additional holidays. The leave year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Notice During the probationary period your employment may be terminated by one month’s written notice on either side or by pay in lieu of notice by your employer. Once your appointment is confirmed the notice period will be extended to three months on either side or by pay in lieu of notice by your employer. Should you be summarily dismissed on the grounds of gross misconduct, your employment will be terminated without notice.

Probationary period There will be a probationary period of six months.