JOB TITLE: Church & Community Engagement Officer
EMPLOYER: Peterborough Diocesan Board of Finance
DEPARTMENT: Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches
LINE MANAGER: DAC Secretary
Job Description
The Context
The Diocese of Peterborough is a living, growing network of churches, chaplaincies and schools covering Northamptonshire, the part of Cambridgeshire formerly known as the Soke of Peterborough (i.e. the area of the present-day city of Peterborough north of the river Nene) and the County of Rutland. Its total population is about 917,000. As a diocese, we are committed to being mission-focused and equipped to grow, with the parish church as a key part of this commitment.
Purpose of the role
The role is to develop and implement an inclusive community-based approach to using church buildings to their full potential as places of community action, engagement, and outreach through supporting existing church groups and users. The desired outcome is to catalyse the adoption of historic and modern churches by the whole local community and to increase their mixed use. The Community Support Officer will be a key part of making Church of England buildings used as a social and community resource, thus building their future sustainability.
Tasks and Priorities
- Build relationships with Local Authorities, local businesses, charities, groups and other partners or organisations who might play a role in projects or events for mixed use of church buildings.
- Work alongside these organisations to promote the potential of church buildings as community resources; to develop projects in parishes or at diocesan level that enhance community use and meet local needs; and to generate revenue.
- Help Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) and congregations to identify and maximise potential revenue and funding sources.
- Assist PCCs in navigating the legal requirements and processes for grant funding applications, as well as planning or other applications to adapt buildings sensitively for wider community use.
- Identify local needs as regards community outreach and support, including work with the Churches Support Officer to identify churches in need of particular help.
- Develop strategic approaches for the improved conservation and increased use of historic places of worship, helping to establish these buildings and identify opportunities in the priorities of partner organisations and the local community.
- Develop volunteering opportunities and support the establishment and development of other voluntary organisations, such as Friends groups.
- Develop mentoring and training schemes for volunteers (including Churchwardens, PCC Treasurers and Secretaries).
- Develop a framework and suite of resources that can be replicated across the Diocese to support sustainable community development.
- The post holder will receive internal training and development and will be encouraged to participate in CPD opportunities.
Key Relationships
DAC Secretary, Churches Support Officer, Mission Team, as well as:
- Community organisations: Local clubs, associations, charities and trusts, community leaders, volunteering organisations and individuals.
- Local businesses and enterprise associations.
- Public Sector: Local Authorities and their networks, regional National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England officers and wider funding organisations.
- Church of England: Incumbents, Archdeacons, Parochial Church Councils, Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan Advisory Committee members, National Church Funding Network, National Cathedral and Church Buildings Division.
Person Specification
Essential
- Skilled at building relationships and working with people, including volunteers.
- Experience in managing community-led projects and fundraising.
- Capability to develop and implement strategic plans and drive income generation.
- Experience in data collection and analysis.
- Experience in heritage interpretation.
- Proficient with IT and good record‑keeping skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly, widely and flexibly in both the rural and the urban parts of the diocese.
- Willingness to work outside normal office hours, with some work in the evenings and at weekends, which will be core to the effectiveness of the role.
- Normal DBS disclosure & Barring Service clearance.
Desirable
- An understanding of the context of church buildings, their history and development.
- Experience in sourcing and obtaining large grants for community projects.
- Understanding of the built environment, historic buildings, conservation and heritage sector.
- Experience in developing a successful community development framework or strategy.
Other Details
The Diocese of Peterborough is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Staff are subject to an enhanced DBS check. The role is flexible with the opportunity to work some of the week from home, although during the probationary period the post holder will be expected to work from the Peterborough office. Travel throughout the diocese is required.
Terms and Conditions
- Salary: £30,000 per annum.
- Full-time: 3‑year grant‑funded position.
- Pension: 10% non‑contributory pension scheme which includes life cover.
- Hours: 35 hours per week.
- Holidays: 25 days per year plus 8 public holidays and Christmas/New Year closure.
- Probationary period: 3 months.
- Place of work: Diocesan Office, The Palace, Peterborough, with travel throughout the diocese as required.
- Application deadline: 12 PM 10 August 2026.
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