Overview
We are seeking a Stakeholder Engagement and Comms Manager. The National Safeguarding Team provides professional safeguarding advice to the Church of England on matters of national policy as part of its wider transformation plan, which includes the development and implementation of national policy, training, quality assurance and audit, and work with survivors. The National Safeguarding Team leads complex casework and supports dioceses in safeguarding children and adults. The Redress Scheme project is part of the Church of England's Safeguarding Programme, which aims to embed structure, quality assurance and continuous improvement in line with safeguarding principles. Following the Church of England\'s approval of a comprehensive redress scheme for survivors of Church-related abuse, the project is moving into the implementation phase. We are looking for a new member of the team to help prepare for opening the Scheme. The role will work with multiple NCI departments (e.g., HR & Payroll, Finance & Resources, Legal) as well as Safeguarding Bishops and Safeguarding teams, external stakeholders including the media, to support the mission of the Church of England and this Programme in particular.
What you'll be doing
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Manager to play a pivotal role in the delivery of the Church\'s Redress Scheme. This high-profile project requires a strategic communicator and relationship-builder who can lead engagement efforts across the wider Church and National Church Institutions (NCI) staff, ensuring clarity, sensitivity, and impact in all communications. As a key member of the project team, you will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive stakeholder engagement and communications strategy, acting as the face of the programme and ensuring that all stakeholders are informed, consulted, and supported throughout the Scheme\'s development and launch.
Summary of main responsibilities
* Lead stakeholder engagement across diocesan and cathedral safeguarding teams, NCI staff, and external media.
* Develop and deliver a multi-channel communications and engagement strategy.
* Build stakeholder knowledge and capacity to support effective communication and collaboration.
* Serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholder enquiries and engagement.
* Facilitate meetings and consultations, including with volunteer survivors to inform messaging.
* Maintain and update project FAQs and key messaging documents.
* Liaise with the National Communications Team to manage media strategy and press engagement.
* Coordinate out-of-hours media responses via dedicated mobile (as agreed).
* Monitor and report on engagement progress, risks, and feedback to governance boards.
* Create awareness campaign materials and oversee their release in line with Scheme launch.
Key Role Requirements
* Fixed-term contract until June 2026.
* A basic DBS check will be required as part of our pre-employment checks.
* This is a hybrid role with the expectation to work from the office location 1-3 days per week.
* The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. Therefore, while we welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME)/Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and other under-represented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to recruiting disabled people. We offer interviews to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the role.
* Please refer to the Job Description for more information about the role and person specification.
What we offer
* Your Salary: A salary of £59,248 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.
* Benefits: 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
* Flexible working: We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at case-by-case and if it fits within the department\'s needs to support work-life balance.
* Family Friendly Programme: enhanced Maternity Leave, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave; structured induction programme and development opportunities including apprenticeships.
* Health benefits: Medicash health plan, including dental, optical, and therapy treatments; access to virtual GP and private prescription service; health and stress helplines.
* Other benefits: Occupational Health, Employee Assistance Programme, access to Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest, Eyecare voucher, Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and staff networks.
Desired Skills and Experience
Understanding of Project Management framework and best practices; Good knowledge of the Church of England structure.
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