Priest in Charge, Buckden, near St Neots, Cambridgeshire
We are looking for a new Priest-in-Charge for St Mary’s, Buckden. This will be a part-time (3 days per week, plus Sunday duties) position in a newly formed single parish benefice serving a population of 3000 people in a beautiful village location. The village is well located for travel (next to the A1) and served by an excellent Church Academy Primary school.
We believe this exciting role would suit both recently ordained and more experienced clergy, especially those who do not need a full time appointment. The modern vicarage is located next to the church. This is a perfect post allowing a priest to concentrate on growing the church in one location.
We are looking to appoint a forward-thinking, energetic priest who will:-
In the wider community:
- grow our missional impact by engaging with everyone in the village community
- energise children and young people and build on our relationship with Buckden CE Primary Academy
- support and enrich our existing pastoral and ecumenical activities
- lead our involvement in Deanery, Chapter & Diocesan life.
In our worship:
- be loving, inclusive and welcoming to all
- be open and embrace a range of styles of worship, including intergenerational worship, and activities to attract young people and families
- be sympathetic to the diverse liturgical traditions of those within our church
- encourage the development of all those involved in ministry (lay & ordained)
In the church:
- work with us to grow our church
- support us in our aim to become carbon net zero and to increase the sustainability of our church
- encourage and support all our volunteers
- work to increase the effectiveness of our fund-raising and outreach activities.
- help us to adapt and develop our church for this and future generations.
Good communication skills, organisational skills and a pastoral heart are essential. The candidate must be able to engage well with people of all ages, backgrounds and outlooks. Delegation will be important for this part-time position. There are many and varied talents within the congregation which can be utilised and nurtured. Many supportive and active volunteers organise a range of social and fund-raising activities which attract people to St Mary’s from Buckden and further afield.
Our diocese and deanery offers:
- spacious modern vicarage
- friendly supportive chapter colleagues
- well funded CMD and support for clergy and their families
- generous and pastoral senior leadership
Application Process
- Benefice Profile - Download here
- Application form - Download here
- Equality Mionitoring Form - Download here
- Please note that applications must be submitted by email to archdeacon.handw@elydiocese.org
- Closing Date: Midday 1 November 2025
- Interviews: 3 December 2025
- Informal enquiries Ven Richard Harlow, Archdeacon of Huntingdon & Wisbech, Telephone 07415 757527
Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely
The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the Church of England’s safeguarding policies and procedures . Therefore, this position is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).
Our Diocese
The Diocese of Ely stretches from Cambridge to Peterborough and out towards the coastal areas of West Norfolk. It houses 3/4 million people, which will rise to 1 million in the next 15 years.
This area buzzes with energy from the academic, business and medical excellence of Cambridge University to the rich agricultural areas of Huntingdon, Fenland and Norfolk.
Despite the presence of a world leading university, Cambridgeshire is not all affluent. Towns and cities have pockets of poverty and low attainment. Some rural areas can be isolated and vulnerable, but this village is thriving and well connected.
The Diocese of Ely is a good place to live and work: stable finances, good housing, inclusive and warm hearted senior colleagues, coupled with a rich diversity of benefices in all traditions make this a place that clergy stay once they have discovered us. We have over 110 incumbent status clergy, with a strong Diocesan team, and a real emphasis on lay development and training. We have no plans to reduce clergy numbers.
The Diocesan Bishop has moved on, but the diocese remains on a steady course, as it seeks our next Diocesan. Our Mission Strategy, Ely 2025, devolves much decision making to the parishes, benefices and deaneries, so that clergy are able to innovate, take risks and build alliances for the sake of the Kingdom of God and the good of our communities. We welcome applications from clergy who are prepared to work collaboratively and faithfully. We will enable you to flourish and grow in ministry, whilst maintaining a sensible work life balance.
A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.