The Ely Diocesan Board of Finance (Diocese of Ely) is seeking to appoint a Lay Development Officer to oversee and facilitate initial and continuing training for Lay Ministry to nurture confident leaders. This is an exciting time to join the Diocese, with the successful candidate working within a thriving and supportive team.
Key Responsibilities
- The role will report to the Director of Mission and Ministry and work to the needs of the Diocesan Director of Lay Ministry (DDLM) and the Warden of Readers. The role requires close collaborative working with the Clergy Development Officer.
- To help lead the overall strategy and delivery of nurturing and equipping lay ministry in the diocese.
- To support, enable and oversee (in partnership with TEIs (in particular ERMC) as contracted service providers) the initial training of Licensed Lay Minsters in the diocese.
- To work with members of the Mission and Ministry Team to ensure the effective delivery of the identified strategic priorities -particularly around nurturing confident leaders.
Specific duties
Further specific duties are outlined in the accompanying Job description linked below.
- During the Licensed Lay Ministry (LLM) vocational process, to help assess the training needs of candidates and their suitability and to advise the Selectors, Diocesan Director of Lay Ministry (DDLM), Warden of Readers (Licensed lay Ministers), Director of Mission and Ministry (DMM) and Bishops.
- Work with the DDLM to provide suitable training for those who are about to start formal lay ministry training, including overseeing the Preparing to Study course.
- Overseeing the delivery and development of the programme of training for Authorised Lay Ministry (ALM). Working with the DDLM to establish, recruit, manage and provide ongoing support to a team of Course Tutors, Learning Community Facilitators and 1:1 Learning Mentors.
- To work with the Lay Ministry Team to grow Lay Ministry across the Diocese – in number as well as younger and more diverse.
- To induct new LLM students who are following the designated TEI route, to oversee their parish and external placements, to ensure they are properly supported and mentored, to monitor their progress and provide appropriate pastoral and academic support.
- To work with the LLM Board in developing and implementing strategy for the training of LLMs and their pastoral support.
- Continuing to explore potential for collaboration with neighbouring dioceses and partner denominations (particularly across the Eastern Region).
- To continue to develop the Ely Learning Framework as a vehicle for delivering training for lay minsters.
- To oversee the establishment of a programme of continued learning opportunities for lay ministers: ALMs, LLMs and Lay Chaplains
Qualifications and Essential Experience
Further specific experience is outlined in the accompanying Job description linked below.
- Ordained or Lay, with theology or a related subject studied to at least degree level (Level 6) with study to Masters level being preferable or other exceptional proven ability to train others.
- A Confirmed member of the Church of England.
- Commitment to the development of the whole people of God as disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Understanding of the Church of England and its missionary interface with contemporary society.
- Understanding of and experience of providing accessible ways into learning
- Understanding of and experience of the needs of people with a range of academic and lifestyle backgrounds, and the challenges they encounter in engaging with learning.
- Experience of designing and creating programmes of adult education.
Terms and Conditions
- Salary: £ 36,000-39,000 (dependent on experience)
- Working hours: full-time (35 hours per week), within a standard 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. There will be evening and weekend work as necessary so a willingness to work flexible hours will be required, with time off offered in-lieu.
- Location: Flexible, with time in the Diocesan Offices (Ely) to be agreed
- Contract: Full time (subject to the successful completion of a 3-month probation period)
- Employer: Ely Diocesan Board of Finance
- Pension: Membership of The Church Workers Pension Fund (non-contributory)
Further Information and Application Process
- For an informal discussion about this role, please contact the Revd Peter Leech, initially by email, on peter.leech@elydiocese.org
- Closing date for Applications: 5pm on Monday 5 August 2024
- Interviews: In-person in the Diocesan Office (Ely), date TBC
- Job Description: download the full Job Description - click here
- Application Form: download an Application Form - click here
- Completed Application Forms should be submitted by email to peter.leech@elydiocese.org
The Ely Diocesan Board of Finance (EDBF) 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 (click here for more).