PA to the Archdeacons

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive part-time Personal Assistant (PA) to provide effective, professional, and confidential administrative support to the Archdeacons of Surrey and Dorking. This role is crucial in supporting their work and ministry. You will through the role represent the Archdeacons and the Diocese of Guildford. 

Your responsibilities will include managing the Archdeacons' diaries, arranging meetings and travel, handling their emails to ensure they have all necessary information for meetings. You will also support parish vacancy processes, liaise with clergy and church leaders, file and archive data, draft documents, and manage expenses. Additionally, you will prepare paperwork for clergy reviews and Archdeacon's Visitations, organize annual Visitation services, and follow up with attendees. 

The role also involves administering churchwarden Declarations and Certificates, ensuring GDPR compliance, and providing secretarial assistance to groups and committees as needed. You will coordinate with Diocesan staff and the Registrar’s office to ensure smooth work processes and effective communication. This position requires maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with care. 

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details of the responsibilities of the Personal Assistant to the Archdeacons.    

You will have experience in a similar administrative or PA role, with excellent organizational and communication skills. You will be able to maintain confidentiality, handle sensitive information, and work independently while taking initiative. Proficiency in Microsoft Office M365 is essential. 

Benefits of the role include: 

• Competitive salary within the Charity Sector 

• Hybrid working 

• A 10% non-contributory pension 

• Life assurance provision of 3x annual salary 

• 25 days annual leave per year (pro-rata) increasing to 26 days after one year of service. 

• An employee assistance programme 

• Learning and development opportunities 

How to apply: 

Interested candidates are invited to send your CV with a detailed supporting statement (cover letter), outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification as detailed in the job description. The supporting statement is an essential part of the application process and thus a failure to provide this information will mean that the application will not be considered.  

Applications should be submitted through the following link: Job Openings 

The Diocese of Guildford take our responsibility for the safeguarding of children and adults seriously. Our recruitment processes reflect this commitment. 

We believe that diversity is a strength. We actively welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities, particularly those who identify as female, younger, of a UK Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage, or disabled, as its essential that we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. 

Please note that if you are shortlisted and are unable to attend on the interview date it may not be possible to offer you an alternative date. 

Background: 

The Diocese of Guildford is the part of the Church of England that covers the western two-thirds of Surrey and a significant area of north-east Hampshire, alongside one parish in a London borough and one in rural Sussex. The diocese is divided into two archdeaconries, which each have six deaneries. The Archdeaconry of Surrey is roughly the western half of the diocese, and includes the deaneries of Aldershot, Cranleigh, Farnham, Godalming, Guildford, and Surrey Heath. The Archdeaconry of Dorking is roughly the eastern half of the diocese, and includes the deaneries of Dorking, Emly, Epsom, Leatherhead, Runnymede, and Woking. 

The Archdeacons are part of the Bishop’s Leadership Team, supporting and enabling the clergy and parishes in their areas. They serve on various committees including Bishop’s Council, Diocesan Synod and the Diocesan Advisory Committee, and have particular responsibilities for other committees and areas of the diocese.