JOB TITLE:
Church Buildings Support Officer
GRADE:
5.1 - £34,262.00
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Buildings for Mission Secretary
REPONSIBLE FOR:
No line management responsibility
RELEVANT TO THIS JOB:
3 Year Fixed Term Contract*
(*potentially extendable subject to securing further funding)
LOCATION:
The Diocesan office - Cuthbert House, Stonebridge, Durham, DH1 3RY.
The organisation is currently adopting a hybrid working approach which may allow flexibility around some home working.
SAFEGUARDING:
The Diocese of Durham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
· Chair and members of the Closed Churches Uses Panel
· Archdeacons
· Parish clergy, churchwardens and PCCs affected by church closures
· Governance Support Manager
· Buildings for Mission Secretary
· Diocesan Secretary
· Church Commissioners' case officers
· Parish Giving Champion
· Diocesan Advisory Committee
· Diocesan Registrar
· Diocesan appointed estate agents and external stakeholders
BACKGROUND:
The job role will support the care of church buildings, including both those which are open for worship and those which are closed, or planning to close.
JOB SUMMARY:
The post-holder will develop suitable future uses for closed churches in conjunction with the church commissioners and other stakeholders, whilst ensuring the maintenance of closed churches for which the Durham Diocesan Board of Finance (DDBF) holds responsibility.
The post-holder will liaise between grant-making bodies and parishes in order to support the development of high-quality successful grant funded projects.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES SPECIFIC TO THIS POST:
Management and use-seeking of closed churches
· To identify alternative uses for closed church buildings;
· In liaison with the Buildings for Mission Secretary, to manage the church closure process on behalf of the diocese:
o record the contents of closed churches and arrange for the approved relocation or disposal of their contents;
o In partnership with the Church Commissioners, manage the process for dealing with redundant churches, taking the lead until an offer has been recommended and then supporting the Commissioners until sale has been finalised.
· To implement the diocese's policies and procedures in respect of closed churches and to assist in communicating these to parishes and other stakeholders as appropriate;
· To ensure compliance with church building legislation;
· To manage the budget associated with closed church buildings, including the production and maintenance of accurate records in conjunction with the Buildings for Mission Secretary and Finance Team and to seek out and apply for relevant funding;
· To ensure the inspection of closed church buildings on a periodic basis;
· To manage the utilities of closed church buildings and maintenance and repair works as required, seeking quotes and tenders, liaising with contractors and design professionals and ensuring all necessary permissions as needed;
· To manage insurance for closed churches;
· To work with our legal experts to prepare heads of terms, leases and licenses for closed church buildings;
· To assist in the preparation of Planning and Listed Building applications for closed churches;
· To deal with general correspondence and enquiries in respect of closed churches.
Governance
· To draft and circulate agendas and papers for meetings of the Closed Churches Uses Panel, to attend those meetings and produce accurate minutes liaising with the Chair of the Closed Churches Uses Panel and making recommendations/presenting as necessary;
· To attend meetings relating to closed churches; advising and minuting as appropriate;
· To prepare faculty applications for any work to and removal of items from closed churches.
Supporting church building projects
· Liaison with grant-making bodies to identify potential sources of funding for church building projects including capital alterations and maintenance;
· Communicating potential sources of funding to parishes;
· Working with parishes and their professional advisors to develop grant applications, particularly supporting those with limited grant application experience and expertise;
· Developing good practice in parishes around management of maintenance and repairs;
· Liaising with the Buildings for Mission Secretary and DAC when working with parishes that are preparing faculty submissions;
· Developing and promoting diocesan and national church resources and training to support parishes with building projects and maintenance.
General
· To undertake other duties as may be required within the context of the care of church buildings and to provide cover for other members of staff in that area of work as appropriate.
The main duties and responsibilities of your post are outlined in your job description. This list is not exhaustive and is intended to reflect your main tasks and areas of work. Changes may occur over time and you will be expected to agree any reasonable changes to your job description that are commensurate with your banding and in line with the general nature of your post. You will be consulted about any changes to your job description before these are implemented.
Closing Date: Monday 12th January
Interviews: Wednesday 21st January
Please contact for an application pack
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 36 months
Pay: £34,262.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
* Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Durham DH1 3RY