PA to the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments

The Archbishops' Advisers for Appointments and Vocations team is a key team within the Office of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, supporting and advising the Archbishops and the wider Church on the appointments process for senior clergy. The team's work supports the Crown Nominations Commission in identifying new Diocesan Bishops, those involved in appointing Suffragan Bishops and the selection panels who nominate new cathedral Deans.

This role provides an excellent opportunity of working in a small, friendly, committed, professional and busy team working on a complex, detailed and fast-paced portfolio of senior appointments and associated projects. We work as a close-knit team in beautiful surroundings, part of the Lambeth Palace community and Office of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, supporting each other with care, flexibility and good humour.

As Personal Assistant to the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments, you will provide full diary and administrative support to the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments.

The working hours for this post are 35 hours per week and the working arrangements will be discussed further at interview.

This post is offered on a fixed-term contract expected to last for 2 years.

For an informal conversation please contact:

The closing date for applications is 14 April 2024.

A comprehensive and supportive induction programme will be put in place for the post holder to ensure that they have all the information, access and contacts required to quickly acclimatise and excel in this role.

The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. Therefore, while of course we welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME)/Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and other under-represented groups.

We offer a unique environment with opportunities for continuous learning, generous annual leave for work life balance, season ticket loans and a range of benefits including discounted entry to attractions and what we feel is a market leading package when it comes to our pension scheme.

The Role

• Complex and efficient diary management involving multiple stakeholders, including booking travel and accommodation.
• Organising meetings and ensuring the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments is fully briefed and prepared in advance.
• Building and maintaining relationships with key contacts and their offices, keeping the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments updated, as appropriate.
• Ensuring the timely processing of the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments' expenses.
• Receiving and greeting visitors and being an ambassador for the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments and the wider team in welcoming guests.
• Providing hospitality administration and support, e.g. ensuring meetings with external guests are catered for appropriately (ordering lunches, tea and coffee), booking appropriate rooms for meetings and informing relevant reception desks of visitors.
• Supporting research projects relating to the work of the Archbishops' Secretary for Appointments.
• Managing and prioritising communications, whether by phone, e-mail, letter or in person, drafting high-quality and timely responses.
• Updating documents, reports, policies and other material as required.
• Working alongside and supporting the planning and delivery of senior appointments processes and the wider work of the team, as required.

The Requirements

Essential

Skills/Aptitudes:

• Excellent knowledge of IT, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, the internet, a networked computer system and the ability to use IT to find creative solutions.
• Excellent word processing skills and proof reading.
• Strong sense of responsibility that the work issued is of a consistently high standard, with fast response times.
• Highly confidential, discreet and diplomatic.
• Good judgement in understanding and dealing with urgent and complex matters across a wide range of issues.
• Innovative and creative, with the ability to create and implement new processes and systems to improve efficiency.
• Enthusiastic, proactive and forward thinking with highly effective planning skills.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with an understanding of the importance and effectiveness of good communication.
• Ability to draft and prepare high-quality, accurate correspondence, briefs and other material as required.
• Good organisation and ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Initiative and ability to work unsupervised and under pressure.
• Emotionally intelligent with the ability to respond sensitively and pastorally.
• The ability to adapt plans quickly in response to change.
• Strong collaboration and team working skills.
• Outstanding attention to detail.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Ability to manage diaries, correspondence and papers for a senior manager.
• Good level of interpersonal and social skills, experience of and confidence in, dealing with a wide range of people in the course of work, including at senior level.
• Desirable
• Experience of a Human Resources environment and/or recruitment.
• Significant experience providing personal support to a manager at a senior level.
• Experience of preparing papers for committees, planning high-quality events and meetings.

Interest in the structures and ministry of the Church of England and the role it plays in the life of the nation.

If there is anything we can do to support you in your application please get in touch via email.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively look to attract, recruit and retain those of you who are disabled.

We are a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and welcome applications from those of you who have served in our Armed Forces and their families.