Job Specification for Chelmsford Diocesan Rural Officer

Job Description

As Bishop’s Officer,

1. to adopt both an initiatory and a responsive role towards Parishes and Deaneries across the Diocese, engaging with and acting as a consultant to them, concerning any aspects of the Church within the rural scene, and the rural scene as a whole;
2. to be the link officer in matters relating to the Church in rural areas between this Diocese and other Dioceses, with the Church of England National Rural Officer; and with those at a diocesan or similar level in other denominations;
3. to offer advice on rural matters to the Bishop’s Staff Meeting, the Diocesan Pastoral Committee and other Diocesan structures when called upon to do so;
4. to be available for consultation separately as appropriate to the situation in each Episcopal Area;
5. to offer training for clergy taking up posts, or already working in, rural contexts;
6. to be a member of / engage with the work of the Essex Rural Partnership and to be familiar with the Essex Rural Strategy and rural strategies across the county;
7. to be familiar with the findings of the Report Faith in Rural Communities; and to represent the Church in rural areas to regional agencies, local authorities and others active in the voluntary and community sectors concerned with rural communities and the rural environment;
8. to engage with the Rural Theology Association, assisting the Church in rural areas to discern the nature of its task through Biblical and theological reflection rooted within a clear awareness of the distinctiveness of rural environments;
9. to encourage mutual listening and learning across the urban / rural divide.

Accountability

As Bishop’s Officer the Rural Officer will be accountable to the Diocesan Bishop. S/he will be expected to present an annual report of his/her work to the Diocesan Pastoral Committee. As stipendiary Priest in Charge of Margaretting, Mountnessing and Buttsbury s/he will report to the Area Bishop of Bradwell.

Qualifications

The Rural Officer will need

1. to be a Priest with experience of the countryside;
2. to have understanding of and insight into the nature of rural community life;
3. to be open to all those with whom s/he will be expected to work.

Tenure of Office

The appointment will be for a period of 5 years, with the possibility of renewal for a further term.

Location

The Rural Officer will be appointed Priest in Charge of the Benefice of Margaretting, Mountnessing and Buttsbury.

Support

The Diocesan Bishop will nominate members of a support group whose task will be to encourage the Officer in his/her work in line with objectives and directions agreed between the Bishop and the Officer.

Stipend

The Officer will receive a full incumbent’s stipend. S/he will also be provided with secretarial assistance, expenses of office and housing.

Training

The Rural Officer will be afforded opportunity to avail him/herself of training courses and conferences appropriate to the task.

Application

The Bishop’s Office, Bishop’s House, Orsett Road, Horndon-on-the-Hill, SS17 8NS.

Tel: 01375 673806 • email: b.bradwell@chelmsford.anglican.org

Post subject to enhanced CRB disclosure