THE ELY DIOCESAN BOARD OF FINANCE

The Diocesan Financial Controller has overall responsibility for managing the finances of the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance (EDBF) - this includes the Ely Diocesan Board of Education, Trust Funds, Ely DBF Property Ltd, Ely Diocesan Schools Services Ltd, the CMT project, other projects and Restricted Funds (Stipends, Pastoral Account etc.).

Support the efficient leadership and management of the finances

• reporting directly to the Diocesan Secretary and the Chair of the Finance Committee
• preparing the agenda, organising and preparing papers for the Finance Committee and Deanery Liaison Group
• producing regular management accounts and ad hoc reports upon request for budget holders and various diocesan committees/Boards
• producing financial reports on the Designated Funds (e.g. Changing Market Towns projects)
• managing cashflow and ensuring bank reconciliations are completed and documented
• preparing annual budgets, cashflows and forecasts in line with agreed priorities and introducing new departmental structures as required
• accounting for the movements and revaluation of Investments held by the Diocese
• analysing and accounting for the details of the restricted Diocesan Stipends Fund (including the Glebe fund and the Parsonages Fund), the Diocesan Pastoral Account
• calculating the repairs provision for required work on parsonage properties
• managing the payroll and associated matters relating to the diocesan office staff
• completing and submitting VAT returns for the different group entities
• liaising with the Church Commissioners on clergy stipends and clergy pensions
• preparing the annual calculations for the ministry share proposal
• ensuring that enquiries from parishes related to ministry share and other financial matters are responded to appropriately
• ensuring that regular reports on ministry share contributions are produced in a timely manner, reviewing and updating the method of calculation
• providing advice to PCC treasurers and others on statutory parochial fees
• liaising with the auditors and preparing the year-end documentation for the auditors
• having oversight of accounting for the 300+ trust funds within the Diocese
• managing any process for the selection and implementation of accounting software
• producing statistical reports and other finance information for Church Commissioners
• overseeing the administration of Gift Aid
• initiating the preparation of financial policies.

Contribute to the effectiveness of the Diocesan services

• Managing the finance team in day-to-day operations
• Working with the Director of Education in relation to managing the finances of the DBE
• Advising and providing guidance to the Director of Education, the Director of Mission & Ministry and other departments on budgetary matters
• Attending and presenting at meetings of the EDBF Finance Committee, Bishops Council, Diocesan Synod, Audit Committee, Deanery Liaison Group and other meetings as appropriate to the role
• promoting and maintaining effective communication with colleagues and parishes
• keeping up to date with current legislation relating to the role.

To participate in the formulation of Diocesan strategy and policy

• contributing to the evaluation of the Diocese's financial objectives in line with the strategy, vision and missional goals
• contributing to the development and implementation of budgets to support the policies of the Bishops Council and Diocesan Synod.

Further Information and Applications

• Deadline: To be confirmed
• Interviews: To be confirmed
• Further Information: Further information is available on the recruitment agencies website Pure – click here
• Applications: Applications are invited via the Pure Recruitment website here – click here

Rural Dean (House for Duty), Fincham & Feltwell Deanery, West Norfolk, Diocese of Ely

• are you an experienced priest with a generous spirit who understands rural ministry?

• are you looking for part time work with real responsibility and yet flexibility and autonomy?

• are you willing to locate to a beautiful part of the country near the coast yet only 100 mins train ride from London?

The Deanery of Fincham & Feltwell covers those parts of West Norfolk that sit within the Diocese of Ely (Ely is only 20 mins drive away). The Deanery contains the market town of Downham Market (pop. 9000) with 30 parishes/villages surrounding it. The total population is 38,000 and roughly 380 of these are on our electoral rolls.

The Deanery is served by 4 full time stipendiary clergy, with support from 3 self supporting ministers, 8 licensed lay ministers and 8 clergy with PTO, alongside churchwardens, authorised lay ministers and administrators. Your role will be to support all these leaders and unite them in the common purpose of renewing the church and growing younger disciples.

The role of Rural Dean specifically involves:

• Being pastor to the clergy and LLMs in the Deanery
• Leading Deanery Synod alongside the experienced Lay Chair
• Supporting and leading parishes in vacancy
• Liaising with the Bishop and Archdeacon so that diocesan strategy works to the benefit of growth in these rural areas
• Innovating, leading change, addressing problems with the soft skills of prayer, encouragement, challenge and example.

The role is not all plain sailing! We have some PCCs with almost no officers, 2 churches being rebuilt after catastrophic fires, small congregations and significant financial challenges, as well as the priority to grow younger and more diverse. Yet we also have lots of opportunities: great relationships with local schools (many Church schools), some churches that have grown significantly, and a willingness to work together that has been carefully nurtured by former Rural Deans and Lay Chairs.

We seek an experienced priest, who is:

• Able to lead amidst diversity without taking sides,
• Capable of delegating tasks and working collaboratively,
• Kind, gentle and wise,
• Open to new ideas, forward thinking and supportive of difference,
• Inclusive and respectful, yet clear and principled.

Terms

• The House that accompanies this role is in the beautiful village of Watlington, which is near Downham Market and has its own train station. Alternatively a housing allowance (currently £10,500) may be paid. Expenses of office will be provided.
• The Post will be held under Common Tenure Terms.
• Initial appointment is for 5 years.

Are you interested?

• Phone Ven Richard Harlow, Archdeacon of Huntingdon & Wisbech, Telephone 07415 757527 for an informal conversation/expression of interest
• Applications are welcome at any time
• For further information about the role and the Diocese of Ely, visit the Church of England Pathways site - click here.
• Application Form - dowload here
• Equality Monitoring Form - download here
• Please note that Application Forms and the Equality Monitoring Form must be submitted by email to archdeacon.handw@elydiocese.org

Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely

The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the  Church of England’s safeguarding policies and procedures . Therefore, this position is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).

A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce  

The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation. 

The Diocese of Ely is seeking a Rector of The Fen Edge Benefice, Cambridgeshire, serving the Parishes of Sawtry, Glatton and Holme, Cambridgeshire.

Rector of the Fen Edge Benefice

Parishes of Sawtry, Glatton and Holme, Cambridgeshire

These 3 parishes are situated close to the A1, 10 miles south of Peterborough and about 30 miles from Cambridge. Sawtry is a growing village with a population over 7000, and both primary and secondary schools; Glatton and Holme are smaller villages, with mixed populations of commuters and local workers. Agriculture is important to the life of the parishes, alongside those who commute to the major cities or homework.

The church communities have grown over the last 5 years, with growing numbers of children and young people and their families joining All Saints, Sawtry. In line with diocesan policy, we expect All Saints to become a base church for young people from the area, and will be looking for our next Rector to build on this area of ministry.

The parishes demonstrate a strong commitment to working together in pursuit of their shared mission. This spirit of partnership is actively encouraged within the Benefice, fostering a sense of unity whilst also respecting the distinct identities present among the church communities. Both contemporary evangelical with modern music and traditional worship with established hymns and liturgies are recognised and valued, supporting the different needs and approaches of each parish.

Expectations for the New Rector’s Ministry:

The Benefice eagerly anticipates the new Rector bringing their unique spiritual life skills, perspectives and passion to the role. The following aspects outline the ministry expectations and opportunities awaiting the new incumbent:

• Adaptable and Tailored Ministry: The three active parishes within the Benefice each possess distinct demographics, worship styles, and growth challenges. The new Rector is encouraged to adopt a ministry approach that is both tailored and adaptable, ensuring that the varied needs and characteristics of each parish are met effectively.
• Passion for Mission and Community Engagement: A core expectation is a genuine enthusiasm for mission, demonstrated through active engagement with local communities. The Rector should enhance outreach by employing strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective interaction with groups of all ages.
• Children and Youth Ministry:Continuing and nurturing the growth of children and youth ministries is a priority. The Benefice values a Rector with a heartfelt commitment to developing these vital areas, ensuring that young people are supported in their spiritual journeys.
• Strong Relationships with Local Schools: Building on the established, close working relationships with Holme CofE Primary Academy and the Sawtry schools (Infant, Junior Academy, and Village Academy) is essential. Productive interaction with these schools and active participation in village life, with a particular focus on families with young children, are central to the Rector’s role.
• Equipping and Empowering the Fellowship: The Rector is also expected to encourage and equip members of the fellowships in their personal spiritual growth and the development of their individual gifts. By supporting church members in fulfilling their callings and sharing their faith, the Rector will help to advance the vision of ‘taking the church into the community’.
• Financial Awareness:The Rector will have an awareness of rural ministries and the challenges of maintaining listed churches to encourage our PCCs in the development of budget setting and fund-raising plans.

Our Diocese and Deanery offers:

• spacious modern rectory in quiet street
• friendly supportive chapter colleagues
• well funded CMD and support for clergy and their families
• generous and pastoral senior leadership

Applications and Further Information

• Benefice Profile: Download here
• Application Form: Download here
• Equalitory Monitoring Form: Download here
• Please note that applications must be submitted by email to archdeacon.handw@elydiocese.org
• Closing Date: 2 February 2026 at 12noon
• Interviews: 4 March 2026
• Informal enquiries Ven Richard Harlow, Archdeacon of Huntingdon & Wisbech, Telephone 07415 757527

Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely

The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the  Church of England’s safeguarding policies and procedures . Therefore, this position is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).

A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce  

The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.

Our Diocese

The Diocese of Ely stretches from Cambridge to Peterborough and out towards the coastal areas of West Norfolk. It houses 3/4 million people, which will rise to 1 million in the next 15 years.

This area buzzes with energy from the academic, business and medical excellence of Cambridge University to the rich agricultural areas of Huntingdon, Fenland and Norfolk and the growing city of Peterborough, with its youthful diversity.

Despite the presence of a world leading university, Cambridgeshire is not all affluent. Towns and cities have pockets of poverty and low attainment. Some rural areas can be isolated and vulnerable, but these villages are thriving and well located.

The Diocese of Ely is a good place to live and work: stable finances, good housing, inclusive and warm hearted senior colleagues, coupled with a rich diversity of benefices in all traditions make this a place that clergy stay once they have discovered us. We have over 110 incumbent status clergy, with a strong Diocesan team, and a real emphasis on lay development and training.

We expect in early 2026 the announcement of a new Diocesan Bishop, who will probably lead us in a new strategic direction. Meanwhile, our current Mission Strategy devolves much decision making to the parishes, benefices and deaneries, so that clergy are able to innovate, take risks and build alliances for the sake of the Kingdom of God and the good of our communities. We welcome applications from clergy who are prepared to work collaboratively and faithfully. We will enable you to flourish and grow in ministry, whilst maintaining a sensible work life balance.

COME AND JOIN US.

We are looking for a new Priest-in-Charge for St Mary’s, Buckden. This will be a part-time (3 days per week, plus Sunday duties) position in a newly formed single parish benefice serving a population of 3000 people in a beautiful village location. The village is well located for travel (next to the A1) and served by an excellent Church Academy Primary school.

We believe this exciting role would suit both recently ordained and more experienced clergy, especially those who do not need a full time appointment. The modern vicarage is located next to the church. This is a perfect post allowing a priest to concentrate on growing the church in one location.

We are looking to appoint a forward-thinking, energetic priest who will:-

In the wider community:

• grow our missional impact by engaging with everyone in the village community
• energise children and young people and build on our relationship with Buckden CE Primary Academy
• support and enrich our existing pastoral and ecumenical activities
• lead our involvement in Deanery, Chapter & Diocesan life.

In our worship:

• be loving, inclusive and welcoming to all
• be open and embrace a range of styles of worship, including intergenerational worship, and activities to attract young people and families
• be sympathetic to the diverse liturgical traditions of those within our church
• encourage the development of all those involved in ministry (lay & ordained)

In the church:

• work with us to grow our church
• support us in our aim to become carbon net zero and to increase the sustainability of our church
• encourage and support all our volunteers
• work to increase the effectiveness of our fund-raising and outreach activities.
• help us to adapt and develop our church for this and future generations.

Good communication skills, organisational skills and a pastoral heart are essential. The candidate must be able to engage well with people of all ages, backgrounds and outlooks. Delegation will be important for this part-time position. There are many and varied talents within the congregation which can be utilised and nurtured. Many supportive and active volunteers organise a range of social and fund-raising activities which attract people to St Mary’s from Buckden and further afield.

Our diocese and deanery offers:

• spacious modern vicarage
• friendly supportive chapter colleagues
• well funded CMD and support for clergy and their families
• generous and pastoral senior leadership

Application Process

• Download the Benefice Profile and Application form from the Church of England Pathways recruitment site here - https://www.cofepathways.org/members/modules/job/detail.php?record=9090
• Please note that applications must be submitted by email to archdeacon.handw@elydiocese.org
• Closing Date: 12 noon Monday 26 January 2026
• Interviews: 10 or 12 February 2026
• Informal enquiries Ven Richard Harlow, Archdeacon of Huntingdon & Wisbech, Telephone 07415 757527

Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely

The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the  Church of England’s safeguarding policies and procedures . Therefore, this position is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).

A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce  

The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation. 

 

Our Diocese

The Diocese of Ely stretches from Cambridge to Peterborough and out towards the coastal areas of West Norfolk. It houses 3/4 million people, which will rise to 1 million in the next 15 years.

This area buzzes with energy from the academic, business and medical excellence of Cambridge University to the rich agricultural areas of Huntingdon, Fenland and Norfolk.

Despite the presence of a world leading university, Cambridgeshire is not all affluent. Towns and cities have pockets of poverty and low attainment. Some rural areas can be isolated and vulnerable, but this village is thriving and well connected.

The Diocese of Ely is a good place to live and work: stable finances, good housing, inclusive and warm hearted senior colleagues, coupled with a rich diversity of benefices in all traditions make this a place that clergy stay once they have discovered us. We have over 110 incumbent status clergy, with a strong Diocesan team, and a real emphasis on lay development and training. We have no plans to reduce clergy numbers.

The Diocesan Bishop has moved on, but the diocese remains on a steady course, as it seeks our next Diocesan. Our Mission Strategy, Ely 2025, devolves much decision making to the parishes, benefices and deaneries, so that clergy are able to innovate, take risks and build alliances for the sake of the Kingdom of God and the good of our communities. We welcome applications from clergy who are prepared to work collaboratively and faithfully. We will enable you to flourish and grow in ministry, whilst maintaining a sensible work life balance.

COME AND JOIN US.

Our congregation looks forward to welcoming you

We seek a new vicar for this established benefice; someone who can build on strong foundations. This will be a part-time (3 days per week, plus Sunday duties) position.

Inspiring delightful villages on the Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire border with the hope and joy of the Gospel.

We seek a priest who will help us to Engage, Grow and Deepen in our mission, with their vision of mission in rural spaces, and outreach to the communities, young families, children and young people in which we live and serve.

We are three quite small rural parishes who are increasingly working together, sharing worship and social activities. We are strongly supported by the local community and continue to pay our Parish Share but need help in increasing consistent attendance of regular church services.

We wish to welcome a priest who will be able to build on what we are already doing and help us in our outreach to those who so clearly value what we have to offer but have not yet made the step into personal discipleship and fellowship.

We hope you will:

• be led by the Spirit
• want to engage with rural life
• be outgoing and friendly
• especially engage younger families
• balance traditional with new expressions of church
• be committed to including all
• be able to delegate and still hold accountable.

We can offer you:

• strong ministry team
• engaged and active PCCs and officers
• generous and committed givers
• superb accommodation, close to the local school
• a glorious place to live and serve.
• Spacious modernised vicarage, with plenty (but not too much) garden

Applications

• Download the application form and benefice profile below from the Pathways Vacancy Ad here - https://pathways.churchofengland.org/en/jobs/vicar-of-the-staughtons-amp-hail-weston-0-6-fte-nr-st-neots-cambridgeshire/3184.
• Please note that applications must be submitted by email to archdeacon.handw@elydiocese.org
• Closing Date: Midday 2 February 2026
• Interviews: 3 March 2026
• Full details at https://www. elydiocese.org/about/vacancies
• Informal enquiries Ven Richard Harlow, Archdeacon of Huntingdon & Wisbech, Telephone 07415 757527

Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely

The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the  Church of England’s safeguarding policies and procedures . Therefore, this position is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).

A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce  

The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation. 

Our Diocese

The Diocese of Ely stretches from Cambridge to Peterborough and out towards the coastal areas of West Norfolk. It houses 3/4 million people, which will rise to 1 million in the next 15 years.

This area buzzes with energy from the academic, business and medical excellence of Cambridge University to the rich agricultural areas of Huntingdon, Fenland and Norfolk and the diverse, growing city of Peterborough. Ely Cathedral from the River OuseDespite the presence of a world leading university, Cambridgeshire is not all affluent. Towns and cities have pockets of poverty and low attainment. Some rural areas can be isolated and vulnerable, but this village is thriving and well connected.

The Diocese of Ely is a good place to live and work: stable finances, good housing, inclusive and warm hearted senior colleagues, coupled with a rich diversity of benefices in all traditions make this a place that clergy stay once they have discovered us. We have over 110 incumbent status clergy, with a strong Diocesan team, and a real emphasis on lay development and training. We have no plans to reduce clergy numbers.

We anticipate the announcement of a new Diocesan Bishop in early 2026, and the diocese remains on a steady course. Our Mission Strategy, Ely 2025, devolves much decision making to the parishes, benefices and deaneries, so that clergy are able to innovate, take risks and build alliances for the sake of the Kingdom of God and the good of our communities. We welcome applications from clergy who are prepared to work collaboratively and faithfully. We will enable you to flourish and grow in ministry, whilst maintaining a sensible work life balance.

Field Marshall William Slim knew firsthand of the arduousness of military service. Writing in his autobiography, on rebuilding the foundations of morale in a shattered 14th Army in Burma in 1942 he said, “morale, if it is to endure, must have certain foundations: spiritual; intellectual; and material. Spiritual first, because only spiritual foundations can stand real strain. Intellectual next, because people are swayed by reason as well as by feelings. Material last – important, but last because the very highest kinds of morale are often met when material conditions are lowest.” 

Every day of the year, the people of the Royal Navy are deployed at sea defending the nation’s interests, placing pressure on our adversaries, and representing our country abroad. They do this often unseen and unthanked, but always in remarkable ways. The isolation from home, the pressures of the environment, and the challenges of changed plans, military action and unexpected events can cause disconnection of body, mind and spirit. Chaplaincy exists to build and strengthen the spirit not only of the individual, but of the whole ship’s company, boat’s crew or troop of Royal Marines.

Royal Naval Chaplaincy serves as ‘a friend and advisor to all on board’, from the recruit on their first day to the oldest and most senior members of the Service, and to their families. Chaplains serve not to pull people out of their battles in whatever form they take, but to strengthen them to fight with purpose and courage, and we do so by being alongside them, equipped with nothing more than ourselves and that which sustains us spiritually. We serve at and under the sea, on land, in training establishments, headquarters, dockyards and hospitals, wherever our people are.

Royal Naval Chaplaincy wants to recruit superb leaders who can underpin, build and sustain the spiritual foundations of our sailors, officers and Royal Marines, for both Regular (full time) and Reserve (part time) Commission.

If you would like to know more, or discuss the role, please contact the Chaplain Recruiter, The Rev’d Alastair Blaine RN, on NAVYCHAPLAINCY-GROUPMAILBOX@mod.gov.uk or click the links above.