Parish Adviser

Overview

Join us in supporting thriving parishes across Sussex. The Diocese of Chichester seeks an enthusiastic Parish Adviser to support the mission and ministry of our 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.

As Parish Adviser, you will provide advice, training and practical support to Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) on charity governance, finance, stewardship and best practice to help parishes navigate regulatory requirements, strengthen financial sustainability and use digital tools.

This is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the life and mission of local churches and to build strong relationships across the Diocese. The role is offered on a two and a half year fixed‑term basis.

• 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.

We are looking for someone with great communication skills who has a passion for mission and supporting PCCs and parishes.

• Experience of preparing accounts for small charities and/or churches.
• Practical knowledge of charity governance, including the Charities Act 2011 and Charity SORP.
• Understanding of parish finance within the Church of England.
• Experience delivering training, presentations or workshops.
• Experience 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.

• Salary of £38,600 per annum.
• Flexi‑time and the opportunity to apply to use the DBF’s remote working policy to work from home for part of the week.
• 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, the ride‑to‑work scheme and development opportunities.