The Church of England
Church Buildings Support Officer
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Role Summary
This role is a key part of the Property & Buildings Team, supporting parishes in the care, maintenance, and development of church buildings and associated facilities. The postholder will help ensure that churches are sustainable and fit for worship, mission, and community engagement, while maximising opportunities for repair, maintenance, improvement, and long-term resilience.
Working as part of a dynamic diocesan team and a wider national network of Church Buildings Support Officers, the postholder will provide advice, practical support, and project leadership across a range of initiatives. This includes administering grant programmes, supporting repair and improvement projects, promoting best practice in church building management, contributing to Net Zero Carbon and accessibility objectives, and helping parishes access funding and development opportunities.
Based at St James’ House in Liverpool, the postholder will work closely with clergy, churchwardens, PCCs, professional advisers, and community partners across the Diocese, providing both strategic and practical support to help churches address building-related challenges and make the most of their buildings as places of worship and community life.
The CBSO post will report to the Head of Property & Buildings, working across all church buildings in the Diocese.
The Main Purpose Of The Role
- Support parishes in caring for their church buildings and planning repair and development projects.
- Lead the assessment, administration, monitoring, and reporting of diocesan church buildings grant programmes, including Minor Repairs & Improvements and Net Zero Quick Wins funding streams.
- Advise on the development of churches to be fit for mission for the future. This will include the introduction of new facilities, improved access, and compliance with building best practice and legislation.
- Provide project management support to the parishes to deliver refurbishment projects and ensure delivery to time, budget, and quality.
- Provide support on compliance initiatives.
- Prepare the ground for strategic Right Buildings reviews within the Fit for Mission programme.
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Duties And Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities and tasks include:
- Develop strong links between the Diocese and parishes.
- Signpost parishes to colleagues for assistance with permissions, fundraising, finance, and governance issues.
- Advise and assist on building management best practice and compliance with current legislation.
- Project manage, assess, administer, and monitor the Minor Repairs and Improvements Grant Scheme, Net Zero Quick Wins Grant Scheme, and other similar programmes.
- Produce reports and recommendations relating to grant funding and programme outcomes.
- Support delivery of the Your Spaces programme.
- Ensure that priorities identified through quinquennial inspections are strategically addressed and that appropriate approvals are in place.
- Work with colleagues to assess, scope, and develop plans for improving buildings for mission, including project-managing minor works where parish resources are limited.
- Work alongside the Net Zero 2030 Lead to deliver building-related sustainability initiatives across the Diocese.
- Assist in the implementation and evaluation of the Church Buildings Management Partnership Pilot.
- Liaise with the national Cathedrals and Church Buildings Training and Support Officer.
- Provide information on conservation and historic environment management and signpost to appropriate guidance, organisations, and training opportunities.
- Support the ethos, aims, and objectives of Christianity, the Church of England, and the Diocese.
- Engage in training and continuing professional development activities.
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The post holder will travel around the Diocese to meet with people, work with churches and communities across the Diocese, supporting a wide range of contexts including urban, suburban, post-industrial, and rural parishes. The post holder may occasionally be required to work outside normal office hours including occasional weekend working, subject to time off in lieu.
Beyond the Diocese the CBSO will be included in a wider network of CBSOs across England, gaining access to regular meetings, information, meet ups, and a national conference. Allowing for the sharing of best practice and sharing experiences in the role.
This role will form an integral part of the Property & Buildings Team, providing support to the Team and parishes and undertaking responsibilities as otherwise directed.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS INCLUDING PERSON SPECIFICATION PLEASE SEE ATTACHED RECRUITMENT PACK
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