Governance Officer; DAC Secretary Job Liverpool area,England UK,Administrative/Clerical

Position: Governance Officer (DAC Secretary)

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

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

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…