Full Time – 35 hours per week Fixed term for an initial period of 6 months. Although this post is offered as a full time post, applications will be considered from exceptional candidates on a flexible basis, possibly to work around other commitments. Salary range: £86,000 - £92,000 FTE The Diocese is seeking an Interim Diocesan Secretary to deliver the work of the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) under the oversight of the Bishop of Chester and the Chair of the DBF whilst a substantive post is advertised and recruited. The Interim Diocesan Secretary will be an approachable, inspiring, pragmatic, and faithful individual who will join the Bishop’s senior team and help us ‘love Jesus and love others’. We’re not looking for a heroic figure; we need someone who walks simply and humbly with Christ and inspires others to do the same. We’re looking for someone with a high level of emotional intelligence and a deeply practical ability to serve, who enables us to be better ‘together in Christ, sharing hope’. We’re looking for someone who loves the church enough to keep us true to our calling and who does this in a deeply practical way. As a member of the Bishop’s Senior team, the Interim Diocesan Secretary will work with their peers under the leadership of the Bishop of Chester to provide shared oversight for the life and work of the Diocese. The particular portfolio for the Diocesan Secretary concerns the proper operation of the DBF within legal and ethical constraints as guided by the Charity Commission and the aims set out in the trust deed. This responsibility is held, as with all responsibilities in the life of the Diocese of Chester, in a collaborative and collegial manner, but remains the key unique focus of this role. The Interim Diocesan Secretary Will report to the Bishop of Chester in all matters of leadership, strategy, and ministry the Chair of the DBF for governance oversight relate to Suffragan Bishops, Archdeacons, Bishop’s Chaplain, and the Dean as peers provide employment structure for DBF employees and share line-management of these (with Directors, the Bishop, and others) The Interim Diocesan Secretary will be an inspiring but humble servant of God’s people and a visible invitation of grace to those who don’t think they belong. They will be an agent of hope, reconciliation, and grace. They will communicate excellently, drive efficiency, pray faithfully, focus missionally, innovate both wildly and responsibly, and live a life of transparent discipleship to Christ. They will need to be resilient, strategic, and collaborative as they join us at a time of considerable change in the Diocese. They will also be much loved and regularly held in prayer. To arrange an informal conversation with the Bishop concerning this role, please contact his Chaplain at bpchester@chester.anglican.org The job description, person specification and further details can be found in the recruitment pack below. The application form can also be downloaded below or from the Diocesan website: https://www.chesterdiocese.org/vacancies PLEASE NOTE: Applications for this post should not be made through Pathways. Please apply by using the diocesan application form found on the Diocesan website (using the link in the paragraph above) or the copy attached in word format at the bottom of this page. Completed application forms should be returned by email to: bpchester@chester.anglican.org Closing date: Sunday 15th February 2026 Interviews: Thursday 26th February 2026 The Diocese of Chester is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. An Enhanced DBS Disclosure will be required for the successful candidate. An Occupational Requirement exists for the postholder to be a practising Christian, in accordance with the Equality Act, 2010. Applications from all under-represented groups are particularly welcomed.