Position of Bishop’s PA

The Diocese is entering an exciting new phase as we will shortly welcome our new Bishop Elect into post in early May. Due to the imminent retirement of the PA to the previous Bishop, and acting Bishop, a new opportunity has arisen within the Centre. You will be part of a team of another 5 staff co-ordinated in the office by the Diocesan Administrator.

Terms

This is a permanent contract, 35 hours per week with working from home on Friday, but will include occasional evening and Saturday morning working for which generous overtime and/or TOIL will be available. The position also has a generous non-contributory pension, and the current salary is £29,558.

Job Purpose

To ensure that the Bishop is able to efficiently fulfil the objectives of his role.

Objectives

To provide an effective, efficient and confidential secretarial role and PA service to the Bishop.

Principal Areas of Responsibility

• Administrative support to the Bishop in terms of managing diary, meetings and correspondence, all in consultation with the Bishop.
• Assisting with general office duties in consultation with the DA and Diocesan Secretary. Supporting the Secretary with minute taking at meetings.
• Assisting the new Bishop with formal paperwork such as appointments and resignations of clergy, Protection of Vulnerable Groups Procedures for clergy, and Canon 31 procedures (marriage of divorced persons and same sex marriage)
• Oversee the organisation of cyclical events in consultation with Diocesan Secretary including:
  • Ordinations
  • Confirmations
  • Bishop’s Lent Appeal
  • Chrism Mass
  • Retired Clergy Lunch at the Centre
  • Hospitality
• Answer phones, greet visitors and make them comfortable
• Work collaboratively with other staff and assist where required with key tasks
• Any other reasonable duties requested by the DA or Bishop.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• A professional and pastoral approach, with a high degree of discretion and confidentiality.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills, with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and database management.
• Experience managing diaries, coordinating meetings, and handling correspondence.
• Ability to work independently and flexibly within a small team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in the voluntary sector, particularly with committees or governance structures.
• Ability to manage events and hospitality arrangements.
• Proactive and adaptable approach to work.

NOTE Some training will be offered for the role by the current Bishop’s retiring PA.

Under the leadership of a new Bishop, the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway is seeking to expand its staff group. You will be joining a small team of 5 who work alongside a an honorary secretary and treasurer, as well as Bishop and Dean. For the majority of the week, the running of the office is overseen by the Diocesan Administrator.

Role of Finance Assistant

The Diocese is seeking to recruit a finance assistant to work alongside our book-keeper in providing a professional finance and accounts service for the Centre, as well as help and advice to 53 independent church charities ( Charges) within the Diocese.

Essential Skills

Ideally you will be someone with a knowledge of sage, excel, and payroll who can give back up to our current book keeper and honorary treasurer, as well as providing help and support to our Charges as required. You will be flexible, adaptable and used to working within a small friendly co-operative team environment with an emphasis on pastoral care. Ideally, you will have some experience of working within the voluntary sector.

The role is a flexible one with days to suit you and the office although ideally your work pattern should overlap with the current book-keeper, so 2 days from Monday, Wednesday or Thursday would be preferable. Some home working could also be accommodated. A pro rata salary up to £30,000 dependent on skills and experience is offered, together with a generous non-contributory pension, and holiday entitlement. The occasional Saturday working will be necessary for which there is a generous overtime/toil package available.