The Church of England
Governance Officer (DAC Secretary)
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Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced administrator and coordinator to join our Property & Buildings Team. This is a varied role focused on committee administration, case management, stakeholder liaison, governance support and maintaining compliance within a structured decision-making process. Full training will be provided on the Church of England's faculty system and relevant legislation. We are particularly interested in candidates with strong administrative, governance, coordination or case management experience.
Providing support for the work of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) - A group of experts that advises churches on building works, changes, and care to ensure they are appropriate, sustainable, and compliant -
and the Diocese of Liverpool’s closed church buildings processes. The role is key to ensuring the smooth, efficient, and compliant operation of DAC procedures, while supporting parishes in the care, development, and sustainable use of church buildings and churchyards.
Working closely with senior diocesan staff, Archdeacons, and national Church of England bodies, the postholder will act as a primary point of contact for parishes, clergy, and external stakeholders. They will facilitate faculty processes (similar to secular planning system), manage communications and records, and provide guidance on heritage, legal, and planning matters – which is something we can provide support and training on. Through strong organisational skills and a proactive approach, the role supports the Diocese of Liverpool’s commitment to responsible stewardship, effective mission, and long-term sustainability, working with and advising parishes to develop successful applications.
We'd Love to Hear From You If You Have Experience In:
- Public sector administration and business support
- Committee or governance administration
- Casework or process management
- Compliance or regulatory environments
- Property, housing or planning administration
- Project coordination
- Legal support or paralegal work
- Stakeholder engagement and customer service
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Duties And Key Responsibilities
DAC Coordination & Committee Management
- Coordinate the overall operation of the Diocesan Advisory Committee and its subcommittees
- Prepare agendas, reports, and papers for meetings
- Attend meetings, take minutes, and communicate decisions and advice
- Maintain records of DAC business, including the faculty register
- Manage conflicts of interest and ensure governance standards are met
- Circulate agendas, minutes, and documentation to relevant stakeholders
- Represent the DAC at hearings, including consistory court when required
- Present applications to the DAC
Faculty Process & Advisory Support
- Act as the first point of contact for all faculty-related enquiries
- Provide guidance on the care and maintenance of church buildings and churchyards
- Support clergy, PCCs, and parish officers in navigating the faculty system
- Assist with applications and documentation via the Online Faculty System
- Manage expectations regarding processes, requirements, and timescales
- Work closely with Archdeacons on faculty matters and permissions
- Work independently within delegated responsibilities to support and progress faculty applications, providing practical guidance and ensuring processes are followed appropriately.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Build effective relationships with parishes, clergy, architects, surveyors, and local authorities
- Coordinate education within the diocese of the care and development of church buildings
- Liaise with national bodies such as the Church Buildings Council and Historic England
- Collaborate with internal diocesan teams, including Net Zero and Mission & Pastoral
- Deliver guidance and support to new incumbents and parish representatives
- Attend the annual meeting for DAC Secretaries and Chairs organised by the Church Buildings Council
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Church Buildings Development & Stewardship
- Support parishes in developing proposals for building changes and improvements
- Promote sustainable, accessible, and mission-aligned use of church buildings
- Maintain awareness of planning regulations and conservation requirements
- Encourage best practice in building care, sustainability, and accessibility
- Receive and review Quinquennial Inspection Reports, working closely with the Archdeacon to support parishes in delivering recommended repairs and maintenance works.
Administration, Data & Systems
- Maintain accurate records for church buildings, applications, and inspections
- Ensure documentation is up to date, accessible, and compliant
- Maintain a register of architects and surveyors approved to undertake quninquennial inspection reports in the diocese
- Use digital systems (e.g., Online Faculty System) effectively
Mission & Pastoral Support (Closed Churches)
- Support the Closed Church Buildings (Uses and Disposals) sub-committee
- Prepare agendas and minutes for meetings
- Assist with administration of closed church buildings
- Facilitate access for inspections and works, including liaising with stakeholders
- Gather and manage utility and property-related information
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure legal and procedural compliance under ecclesiastical legislation
- Maintain indemnity insurance arrangements for DAC members
- Support governance processes, reporting, and audits
- Keep informed of relevant legislation, policies, and sector developments
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 INFORMATION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION PLEASE SEE ATTACHED RECRUITMENT PACK.
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