Personal Assistant to the Bishop of Kirkstall

Summary

The role of Personal Assistant to The Bishop of Kikrstall provides effective support to the Bishop of Kirkstall, by dealing proactively with diary matters, correspondence and enquiries. Ensuring that the Bishop is well prepared for services, meetings and events. Working with the Bishop to pastorally care for the clergy and people of the Leeds Episcopal Area.

Background Information

The Bishop of Kikrstall is one of five area bishops working with the Bishop of Leeds as part of the Diocese Of Leeds. Each Bishop has a part-time PA with whom they build a strong working relationship and rely on to provide administrative and PA support for their roles.

The postholder manages the Bishop's Office and ensures that work for the Bishop of Kirkstall is completed to a high standard. The PA is usually the first point of contact with the Bishop's Office and provides PA and administration for the Bishop. This includes prioritising mail and messages, organising the Bishop's diary, drafting replies and/or briefing papers as appropriate, producing communication and paperwork around Bishop's appointments in a timely manner, attending and arranging events and meetings and in general ensuring that the Bishop is properly resourced and supported in his work. There is a high degree of confidentiality in this work.

The PA has key working relationships with other senior staff in the Diocese, particularly the Bishops, Archdeacons, Area Deans and staff at the Episcopal Area Office in Church House in Leeds City Centre.

What you'll be doing

• Respond to telephone enquiries - providing information, using judgement in directing calls and ensuring that appropriate information is brought to the Bishop's attention.
• Arrange confirmations and licensing dates for clergy working with the Archdeaon of Leeds PA and the Bishop of Leeds' office.
• Make arrangements for the Bishop's travel, including providing maps and directions
• Welcome visitors to the Bishop's Office and ensure that they are dealt with in a polite and courteous manner
• Assist where necessary in the making and serving of refreshments to visitors
• Manage the Bishop's working expenses using good judgement

You will need to have/be:

• Educated to A Level standard or with relevant secretarial qualifications and equivalent work experience
• Experience of working in an administrative capacity in an office environment
• Excellent communications skills (verbal and written), including good telephone skills
• Proficient IT skills including strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (particularly Word and Outlook) and ability to use databases to search and record work

The full person specification can be found within the job description attached.

Closing date for applications is 12th May 2025

Interviews are expected to be held on 19th May 2025 at Church House, York Place, Leeds LS1 2EX

What we offer

• A salary of ££17,318.28 per annum (£30,307 FTE)

Your Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays (pro-rated if working part-time).
• 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 
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club.
• Age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of sala