Full-time (up to 35 hours per week)

£30,307 - £35,646 per annum dependant on experience

The Diocese of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich is looking for an organised, enthusiastic and professional individual to provide comprehensive and professional support and assistance (administrative, secretarial and clerical) to its Bishop. The successful candidate will work closely with the Bishop’s Chaplain to manage the Bishop’s calendar, appointments and correspondence with accuracy, efficiently, discretion and sensitivity. As such, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate excellent administrative, IT and time management skills, diary management experience and attention to detail.

This is a varied, demanding but interesting role which will also see you organising key meetings, events and social functions, maintaining accurate records, planning the Bishop’s travel and accommodation needs and working with the Bishop’s Chaplain to ensure the Bishop is fully briefed and provided with the relevant paperwork for all engagements. You will also provide support for the Bishop in any of their national roles, including the House of Lords and work with the national church institutions, as well as other bodies outside the diocese

A candidate with the right aptitude is just as important to us as proven relevant skills and experience and we are looking for someone who is decisive, empathetic and able to remain calm and focused under pressure. You will also need to be adaptable, able to anticipate requirements, take the initiative, but also be willing to collaborate with others and ask for assistance when needed. It’s a big ask but, equally, an extremely rewarding opportunity for an experienced PA or administrator sympathetic to the mission and ministry of the Church of England.

The DBF 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.

The care and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in church activities is the responsibility of the whole church. Everyone who participates in the life of the church has a role to play in promoting a Safer Church for all.

Safeguarding is an integral part of the mission and ministry of the church in this diocese and is in line with our Growing in God strategy. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

For an informal conversation please contact Alan Forsdike, Bishops Chaplain, on 07923 253762 to arrange a suitable time.  

Application closing date: Friday 21 November 2025

Interview Date: Wednesday 10 December 2025

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