Head of Governance

The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is seeking a Head of Governance to lead its complex governance operations and work closely with the Bishop of London and General Secretary in developing church and charity best governance practice, based from Pimlico (London).

Job Summary

The Head of Governance is responsible for the effective and efficient running of the key governance bodies of the Diocese of London and its main charity, the London Diocesan Fund, providing strategic governance, constitutional and compliance advice to the Bishop of London, General Secretary and Trustees, offering first line advice and training service to deaneries and parishes on synodical governance.

Job responsibilities

• Provide strategic support to Trustees aligned with the Diocese's Vision.
• Ensure adherence to governance standards and oversee Synod planning.
• Stay updated on governance trends, offering strategic advice to stakeholders.
• Manage meetings, ensuring inclusivity and constitutional integrity.
• Lead election processes and facilitate member development initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Offer advisory support to clergy and oversee leadership development.
• Manage operational aspects, including line management and financial responsibilities.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on the main responsibilities.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of working in a pressured governance environment and to tight deadlines.
• Educated to degree level or experience of governance in a charity or not for profit environment.
• IT proficiency (MS Office suite)
• Empathetic to the mission and values of the Church of England.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Willing and able to work evenings and weekends as required.

Desirable

• Experience of working in value-based organisation.
• Fellow or Associate of the Chartered Governance Institute, or comparable experience.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on Person Specification.

About the London Diocesan Fund

The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is the employment body that serves and supports the Diocese of London and Church of England. The Diocesan of London comprises of c400 parishes north of the River Thames and within the M25 motorway. 

The Church of England in London is growing, vibrant and at the heart of communities throughout the capital. At the London Diocesan Fund we seek to do everything we can to support this mission and growth, using our resources to help our parishes and chaplains to serve over 4 million people.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community.

We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.

Benefits of working with us

The LDF offers a supportive working environment, opportunity for career development and the following financial benefits:

• Competitive remuneration package
• 27 annual leave days to rise to 30 after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays
• 15% employer pension contribution and salary sacrifice available
• Death in service benefit x3 of basic gross salary
• Enhanced maternity leave of six months full pay, after 12 months’ of employment
• Season ticket loans of public transport
• Access to Benenden Health Insurance
• EAP counselling through Health Assured                              
• Up to £100 for eye test and contribution to spectacles                        
• Two additional paid days for community volunteering

Interviews will be held on 11/12 July 2024 and second round interviews on 16 July 2024.