The Presbytery of Edinburgh and West Lothian is situated in East Central Scotland and covers an area of 574 sq km (222 square miles) and has a population of 726,100; the population of Edinburgh, the main city in the Presbytery, is forecast to double within the next three decades. There are currently 62 congregations; the Presbytery Mission Plan sees a further reduction to 46 over the next five years.
The Presbytery was formed in January 2022 when the former Presbyteries of Edinburgh and West Lothian came together as part of the reform programme established by the General Assembly. It has a number of mission contexts ranging from the well-known streets of the centre of Edinburgh to the thriving light industry and rural farmlands of western West Lothian, from a busy tourist city to areas of multiple deprivation, from apparent wealth to all too evident poverty.
This role offers the opportunity to use your skills to support Presbytery, playing a key role in ensuring that its administrative business is conducted smoothly and efficiently and, working with colleagues and Presbytery members, that the information and support needs of committees and congregations are met. The postholder will work closely with the Presbytery Clerk and the Depute Clerk, ensuring that meetings are arranged, that papers are prepared, that minutes are produced and that all actions are recorded and followed up timeously. The postholder will also provide senior secretarial and administrative support to the Clerks and to appropriate Committee Conveners. Flexibility, creativity and a willingness to share and experiment will all be vital. High-level administrative experience and good IT skills are essential, as are excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Some evening working will be required. Flexible patterns of work may be available but there is a basic requirement to work Monday - Friday.
Applications should be sent by email to recruitment@churchofscotland.org.uk and must be received by noon on Monday 9 March 2026.
Applications should comprise:
This should be no more than two sides of A4.
Applications without both a personal statement and a full CV will not be taken forward.
For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Dr Hazel Hastie, Presbytery Clerk on 07827 314374 or by email (hhastie@churchofscotland.org.uk). A conversation with the temporary Administrator, Mrs Grace Mackay, can also be arranged.
The closing date is Monday, 9 March 2026