About The Role
This role involves reception duties, office administration, co-ordination of church activities and practical oversight of the church premises. This person will be a key point of contact for clergy, volunteers, visitors and hirers. An enhanced DBS check will be required.
The post is 20 hours per week, initially for 12 months. The postholder will be required to be on-site for most of the working hours.
Applicants should have strong organisational and communication skills, a practical and flexible approach and should be sympathetic to the mission and values of the Church of England.
Key Responsibilities
Reception, Hospitality & Front-of-House
• Answer the telephone, take messages, and respond appropriately or pass on information.
• Receive deliveries and ensure they are directed or stored correctly.
• Welcome visitors, volunteers, and hirers, providing basic hospitality as required.
• Ensure full-day hirers are oriented within the building, including health and safety information.
• Ensure internal and external noticeboards are tidy, accurate, and up to date.
Office Administration & Clergy Support
• Open and distribute post.
• Administer the church diary in conjunction with the administrator.
• Arrange appointments for the priest as required.
• Set up PCC meetings and sub-committee meetings, including room preparation.
• Print service sheets on Fridays or coordinate volunteers to do so.
• Lead on arrangements on the day for special services (e.g. weddings, funerals, baptisms), including organising music, candles, vergers, chairs and other requirements as needed.
• Ensure that online filing and hard copy filing (as appropriate) are kept up to date
Building Care, Cleaning & Presentation
• Check toilets and kitchen each morning, ensuring they are clean, tidy, and appropriately stocked.
• Check church grounds every day, reporting any issues that are noticed.
• Keep the church office tidy and well organised.
• Ensure church buildings are cleaned in accordance with the approved cleaning specification.
• Review and implement procedures to support a clean, safe, and efficient office operation.
• Have oversight of all cupboards and storage space in the building.
• Read gas and electricity meters and record data
Supplies, Equipment & Procurement
• Monitor supplies and reorder as required.
• Order stationery, domestic supplies, communion supplies, and other items as advised.
• Assist with the purchase of equipment required for church use.
• Oversee maintenance of office equipment and arrange servicing contracts.
Maintenance, Health & Safety
• Ensure that all annual maintenance checks are booked and completed including: fire extinguishers, lightening conductor, gas and electricity safety, emergency lighting, gutter cleaning and others as required. Schedule the visits and be available to meet with the contractor.
• Keep providers of the maintenance checks under review and ensure that we are getting best value for money for the service provided.
• Maintain the minor repairs log and order items and arrange repairs as needed.
• Carry out weekly fire alarm checks.
• Run occasional errands or undertake odd jobs as requested.
• Communicate regularly with the Buildings Committee.
• Report missing items, breakages, or damage promptly.
• Regularly check the fridges and freezer are working properly, dispose of out-of-date foods.
• Regularly check and restock the first aid boxes
• Maintain the accident book records
Person Specification
Essential
• Good organisational and administrative skills.
• Clear and courteous communication skills with a welcoming and hospitable approach to people.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
• Basic IT skills.
• Understanding of confidentiality, data protection, and safeguarding.
• Flexible, reliable, and practical approach.
• Will need to be able to carry out physical tasks such as setting up trestle tables and putting out chairs.
• Sympathy with the mission and values of the Church of England.
Desirable
• Previous administrative experience.
• Experience in a church, charity, or community setting.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures.
• Experience coordinating volunteers.
• Familiarity with Diocese of London guidance.
Equal Opportunities
The Diocese of London 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) 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.