The Diocese of Ely

Thank you for taking an interest in this unique post. It offers great opportunity for making a difference, because the Diocesan Secretary and CEO plays a pivotal role in the life of the Diocese of Ely, supporting and resourcing ministry and mission across Cambridgeshire and West Norfolk.

As the Briefing Pack explains, this role is as CEO of a service-delivery organisation but also has wider leadership dimensions captured by the title of “Diocesan Secretary”. For simplicity we will use the latter title through this pack.

Our churches serve the local community, teach faith and nurture leaders to support growth. By encouraging worship in community as well as personal prayer, lives are inspired to share hope and love. Our schools reflect Christian values as we give children a great education popular with parents of all faiths, and none. Across the Diocese, we are currently prioritising boosting ministry with children and young people, and promoting the growth of worshipping communities in areas of new housing. Supporting all this is the fundamental purpose of the role of Diocesan Secretary, a post that promises considerable job satisfaction.

This will be an exciting time to join. We await a new Diocesan Bishop (expecting a nomination in November 2025), so the coming years will be a time of renewed focus. The communities we serve are changing fast, and so is the national Church of England. Here in Ely we are seeing steady growth in congregational numbers, and many opportunities. To respond to them, and to rise to the challenges we face, we will need to change.

We look forward to welcoming and working with a new Diocesan Secretary who shares our passion for the church in this part of the world, and wishes to use their gifts to lead, support and inspire. If, after prayer and discernment you can see yourself in this role, we very much hope to hear from you.