The role of Rector (designate) for The Paxtons with Diddington, Southoe and The Offords is an opportunity to lead 5 rural churches with a vision to grow in faith together, to be at the centre of village life and to share the message of Jesus. Building on faithful ministry, you will work with a team of loyal and resourceful paid and volunteer staff. You will find villages that value the role of the church and actively work alongside church members.
We face both challenges and opportunities for growth and transformation: we seek a new Incumbent who will embrace these challenges and opportunities; to lead us forward in reaching those we currently don’t; someone who is approachable; a good listener and committed to working collaboratively with the PCCs to develop a plan for growth.
Some of the challenges include:
- building a new sense of identity and vision after pastoral re-organisation joined the church and village of the Offords to our benefice
- completing (with diocesan & local support) a building project in Southoe church to make the church the centre of community in the village
- growing the ministry team, and building on excellent work in local schools
Some of the opportunities include:
- a legacy of deeply pastoral and missional leadership
- some of the best adapted churches for rural mission
- experienced admin support and faithful churchwardens
- church and county schools welcoming the ministry of the church.
Our ideal candidate would have the following qualities:
- People Person - Having a genuine interest in people and able to communicate effectively with all ages particularly having experience of working with children and young families, be a good listener; have a good sense of humour;
- be a team player who fosters the talents and enthusiasms of members of every age.
- A person of prayer, faith and inclusion who can encourage, energise and inspire.
- Vision - Able to help us develop a vision for a growing and thriving church
- Manage growth & change; build partnership; keep us relevant; lead with wisdom & insight;
- Values - both traditional and contemporary forms of worship flexing to meet the needs of the individual parishes
- Youth outreach - Develop the ministry to children and young families
- Fabric – previous experience of building projects, sourcing of grants and ecclesiastical permissions for building works is preferred.
Our diocese and deanery offers:
- spacious modern rectory in quiet street
- friendly supportive chapter colleagues
- well funded CMD and support for clergy and their families
- generous and pastoral senior leadership
Applications and Further Information
- Benefice Profile - Download here
- Application form - Download here
- Equality Monitoring Form - Download here
- Please note that applications must be submitted by email to archdeacon.handw@elydiocese.org
- Closing Date: Midday 1 November 2025
- Interviews: 2 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 these villages are thriving and well located.
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.