Applications are invited for a Church Buildings Support Officer (CBSO) to support Anglican parishes across East and West Sussex in caring for their church buildings.
There are 466 churches in the Diocese of Chichester, 75% of which are listed, including 181 at Grade I. This is an exciting opportunity to work with the Church Buildings team and to play a role in supporting parishes in conserving, repairing and developing this very special collection of buildings.
The Church Buildings Support Officer will proactively support parishes in caring for their church buildings and planning development projects. This will include administering the Minor Repairs and Improvements and Quick Wins grant funds, ensuring that quinquennial inspections are carried out, and assisting parishes with planning repairs. The CBSO will also advise on the development of churches, including options for the introduction of new facilities, making churches more accessible, and works towards achieving the Net Zero by 2030 target set by the Church of England.
The CBSO will also signpost to colleagues for assistance with permissions, fundraising and finance and governance issues, and towards key guidance on topics relating to building conservation, the development of church buildings, Net Zero, and insurance and health and safety. There will also be an opportunity to work on an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a diocesan led project and support the delivery of the project if this application is successful.
This role would suit somebody with a strong interest in historic church buildings and experience in the conservation, management and development of historic buildings. You will need to be a team player, who is self-motivated, enjoys working with people, and is able to balance a busy and varied workload.
The role is funded by the Church of England’s Buildings for Mission fund for an initial period of one year with the possibility of extension, subject to funding.
What we offer
* A salary of £36,000 per annum for 37.5 hours work per week.
* Enrolment into the Diocesan Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution.
* 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and an additional 2 privilege days leave per year.
* Free parking at Church House, use of the ride to work scheme and free eye tests.
* The role is based at Church House, Hove with the opportunity to apply to use the DBF’s remote working policy to work from home for part of the week.
As an employer, and as a Church House team, our mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.
Chichester DBF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. Our full safeguarding policy can be found here.
For further information please see the job description and person specification. If you have any questions or would like to arrange an informal conversation about the role, please contact Sophie Allen (sophie.allen@chichester.anglican.org).
Please apply via Pathways by midnight on 27th April 2025.
Interviews will be held at Church House, Hove on 9th May 2025.
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