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Parish Adviser
Parish Adviser
Join the team supporting thriving parishes across Sussex
The Diocese is seeking an enthusiastic Parish Adviser to support the mission and ministry of parishes, benefices and deaneries. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong financial, governance and relationship-building skills to work alongside clergy, lay leaders and diocesan colleagues to help churches flourish.
This role offers flexi-time and hybrid working.
Position: Parish Adviser
Location: Hove/Hybrid
Salary: £38,600 per annum
Hours: 37.5 per week
Contract: 2.5 year fixed term contract
Closing Date: 12th August 2026
Interview Date: 3rd September 2026
About the Role
As Parish Adviser, you will provide advice, training and practical support to Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) on charity governance, finance, stewardship and best practice. You will play a key role in helping parishes navigate regulatory requirements, strengthen financial sustainability and make effective use of digital tools and systems.
This is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the life and mission of local churches and contribute to building strong relationships with parishes across the Diocese. Please note that this is role is offered on a two and half year fixed term basis.
You will:
- Provide guidance and support to PCCs on charity governance, finance, accounting and stewardship.
- Advise parishes on accounting best practice, record-keeping, Gift Aid and financial compliance.
- Deliver training seminars, workshops and resources for PCC officers and parish volunteers.
- Support engagement with the Church of England's Cornerstone platform through training and subscription management.
- Work with Archdeacons and diocesan colleagues to encourage participation and generosity within the Parish Share system.
- Review parish finance and mission returns and help ensure compliance with charity reporting standards.
- Provide consultancy support to parish officers, particularly during clergy vacancies.
About You
We are looking for someone with great communication skills who has a passion for mission and supporting PCCs and parishes. You will be able to who combine technical knowledge with a supportive and collaborative approach.
You will have:
- Experience of preparing accounts for small charities and/or churches.
- Practical knowledge of charity governance, including the Charities Act 2011 and Charity SORP.
- An understanding of parish finance within the Church of England.
- Experience of delivering training, presentations or workshops.
- Experience of working with committees, volunteers or multiple stakeholder groups.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial and governance matters clearly to non-specialists.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Confidence using Microsoft 365 applications and digital systems.
You can view full details of the in the job description and person specification when you apply.
About the Organisation
The vision of the Diocese is to help people to know, love and follow Jesus. Based in Hove and serving the people of Sussex across more than 360 parishes and 154 church schools and the wider community, this is a great role for someone who supports the ethos, aims and objectives of the Diocese and the Church of England.
As an employer, and as a team, the mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.
What is on offer:
- 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year.
- Membership of the Church Worker's Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0-6%.
- Employee Assistance Programme with access to GP appointments, counselling and financial and legal support.
- Free parking, and the ride to work scheme and development opportunities.
Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and to comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and the post will involve travelling around the Diocese, some evening work and occasional work at weekends.
You may have experience in roles such as Finance and Governance, Finance, Governance, Finance and Governance Officer, Finance, Governance Officer, Parish Advisor, Parish Finance Officer, Parish Governance Officer, Parish Finance and Governance Officer.
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People.