Post Introduction

The Archbishops’ Council Central Secretariat serves the Archbishops’ Council, the General Synod (and its three Houses of Bishops, Clergy and Laity), the Business and Appointments Committees, and a number of other related Commissions and Committees. The staff team provides policy and administrative support to all of these bodies. 

The Archbishops’ Council itself was created in 1998 to 'co-ordinate, promote, aid and further the work and mission of the Church of England'. The General Synod considers and approves legislation affecting the whole of the Church of England, formulates new forms of worship, debates matters of national and international importance, and approves the annual budget for the work of the Church at national level. 

As Executive Officer you will be supporting the work of the Archbishops’ Council Central Secretariat and will have responsibility for a number of different committees and commissions. This key role provides administrative support and helps to coordinate the activities, meetings, communication and workstreams of the different bodies. In this role you will also be an integral part of the organisation of the Church of England’s General Synod and ensuring that it is run smoothly and effectively. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment right at the heart of the governance of the Church of England. 

You will be working with a wide variety of colleagues both within the Central Secretariat Team and from several other Archbishops’ Council departments. You will also be in contact regularly with trustees, committee members, General Synod members, and senior clergy such as bishops and archbishops. 

This role is offered on a 12-month fixed-term basis as maternity cover. We are advertising at 35 hours per week but there is scope to discuss the role at 28 hours per week as appropriate. The role-holder must be willing and able to attend the residential General Synod in London and York, as well as occasional other residential meetings, and day meetings taking place outside of Church House, Westminster. 

• You will need previous office experience, demonstrating a proven track record in providing administrative support in a busy office and prioritising competing tasks. 
• This role requires 2 days per week in the Westminster office 
• The successful candidate will have a Basic DBS undertaken as part of the pre-employment checks
• This is a 12-month fixed term contract

It is expected that interviews will take place on 17,18 or 19 September 2025

• A salary of £40,572 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department’s needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK’s leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity