Synod Clerk

National Synod of Scotland - SC011907

SYNOD CLERK

Synod Clerk – National Synod of Scotland
Convenor, Synod Executive and/or nominated Line Manager
Synod Moderator, Synod Treasurer, Synod Finance Manager, Convenors of Synod
Committees, and the Synod Trustees.  In addition, to be a companion to the local
church secretaries and ministers.
3/2 Atlantic Chambers
45 Hope Street
Glasgow G2 6AE
There is regular travel during the year, across the UK meetings and conferences,
with  occasional  requirements  for  overnight  stays,  evening,  and  weekend
commitments, for which all expenses are paid.
20 hours per week two days of which to be spent in the office. Working outside of
normal hours can be an occasional feature of this role, requiring some flexibility.
£45,500 pro-rata = £26,000 gross (£25.00 per hour)
25  pro-rata  =  15  days  plus  public/bank  days  pro-rata,  Annual  Leave  to  be  taken
between 1st January and 31st December in any year.
The  Synod  will  ‘close’  during  the  period  between  Christmas  and  New  Year,  and
employees will be gifted discretionary paid time off. The exact closure dates will
vary each year and will be communicated in advance, however, the post-holder is
expected to take a  share of  responsibility for ‘Contact in Emergency’ during this
period of office shut down.
Permanent position which includes a probationary period of 6 months as standard
for all staff. Thereafter, staff reviews are conducted each autumn.
This post has a genuine occupational requirement, in accordance with the Equality
Act 2010, for the post-holder to be a member of the United Reformed Church, due
to the nature and context of the role.

Title
Reporting to
Liaison with

Location

Travel

Contract

Salary
Holiday

Terms of
Appointment

Job Purpose

The Synod Clerk postholder will provide key leadership and administrative oversight within the Synod,
ensuring its quality and relevance to key groups, including members, stakeholders, and the public, as
well as working in close partnership with the Synod Moderator, Synod Committees, Synod Treasurer;
Synod Finance Manager, Synod Trustees (Synod of Scotland Nominees Ltd), and other Synod Officers.

Overall, this role is pivotal in ensuring effective communication, governance, and coordination across
all of the Synod’s activities.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership, Governance, and Strategic Support

•  Act as the primary channel for formal communication between the Synod and URC Offices

of the General Assembly, Northerly Synods, Ministers, and local congregations.

•  Provide strategic support and counsel to the Synod and Synod Moderator, sharing in the
leadership, management, and direction of Synod Office activities and Synod Staff across all
locations.

•  Support  the  life  and  mission  of  the  Synod,  fostering  strong  connections  with  the  wider

United Reformed Church.

•  Serve as an ex officio member of the Synod Executive and Synod Resources Committees,
and as an in-attendance member of Nominees Ltd (Trustees). Request meetings of Synod
Area Council as needed.

•  Act as one of the Trust’s authorised signatories.

Meetings and Administration

•  Collaborate with the Synod Moderator and other officers to shape the programme of Synod

and area-based meetings.

•  Oversee the scheduling and logistical arrangements for Synod meetings, including reviewing

documents and resolutions in advance, working in liaison with PA/Administrator

•  Serve  as  secretary  to  Synod  Executive,  prepare  agendas  for  Synod  Executive  meetings  in
consultation with the Synod Moderator, Executive Convenor, ensuring timely distribution of
supporting papers

•  Ensure  that  decisions  and  actions  agreed  by  the  Synod  Executive  are  implemented  and
followed up appropriately as well as ensuring effective governance and decision-making

•  Convene or request meetings of the Synod Area Council as needed

Church-Wide Engagement

•  Respond to requests from the General Secretary regarding the recruitment, appointment, and

review processes for the Synod Moderator.

•  Represent the Synod at URC Synod Clerks’ meetings, General Assembly, Assembly Executive,

and gatherings of the 5 Northerly Synods.

•  Ensure  appropriate  handling  of  matters  referred  between  the  Synod  and  wider  church

councils and committees.

General Duties

•  Ensure compliance with Synod policies, procedures, and all relevant regulatory and statutory

requirements.

•  Undertake other duties and projects as reasonably directed by the Synod Moderator or other

key Synod officers.
Line manage PA Administrator

•

Person Specification

Essential  Desirable

KNOWLEDGE
A degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field.
An active member of the United Reformed Church, in accordance with
the Equality Act 2010.
An ordained Elder of the United Reformed Church.
A knowledge of the structures, constitutional and procedural documents
of the United Reformed Church and of the National Synod of Scotland.
Willingness and desire to undertake any required training and
development.
Knowledge of the local churches of the National Synod of Scotland.
SKILLS
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to
communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to
prioritise and manage multiple tasks.
High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential
information appropriately.
Able to demonstrate the undertaking of Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) opportunities.
Competence in using office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) and
digital communication tools, including social media.
Ability to interpret and apply governance frameworks and policies.
A flexible approach to working hours, with a willingness to travel for
meetings and conferences, including occasional overnight stays,
evenings, and weekends.
A collaborative and diplomatic approach to working with others with a
proactive and flexible attitude, with the ability to work independently
and as part of a team.
EXPERIENCE
Experience of serving on Synod or URC committees.
Experience in organising and supporting formal meetings, including
minute-taking and agenda preparation.
Experience as an active contributor to committee/project group work.
Experience of working in a membership environment.
Demonstrated leadership and facilitation capabilities, with proven
experience in managing people and overseeing the work of staff and/or
volunteers.

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If you are interested in supporting the overall work of the National Synod of Scotland
through this post, or would like to discuss the role further, please contact:

Synod Moderator
Revd Lindsey Sanderson
moderator@urcscotland.org.uk

Convener of the Synod Executive
Revd Susan Henderson
synodexec@urcscotland.org.uk

The closing date for applications is Friday 27th March 2026.