Office Administrator
| Posting date: | 20 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £780 per month |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 19 February 2026 |
| Location: | CT19 4NW |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Benefice of Cheriton with Newington |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Introduction
We seek a dedicated and focused person to run the administrative life of our community of three local churches and to be our first point of contact for enquiries from the local community seeking access to our services.
The work involved is varied with scope to shape it to your own needs, subject to some legal processes.
Aims of the post
-To provide a quality, sensitive service to the benefice as the first point of contact with the church, to the public and organisations.
-To assist in the handling of benefice administrative work, associated with church services and the occasional offices (baptism, weddings and funerals).
-To assist communication with office holders and people of the church to enable the above.
Safeguarding and Safer Working
The parishes of St Martin, Cheriton, St Nicholas, Newington, and All Souls, Cheriton are committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops' guidance and policies for Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment. Therefore, this post is subject to:
-The understanding and acceptance of the Safeguarding Guidelines of the Diocese of Canterbury.
-The understanding and acceptance of the Benefice Lone Worker’s policy (copy available on request).
-Completion of the Basic Awareness level of safeguarding training provided by the Church of England.
-Completion of a 6 month Settling in Period with regular supervision support, reducing to twice yearly on completion of 6 months.
-The provision of 2 references.
Working Hours & Provisions
-14 hours weekly, on a pattern suitable to the successful candidate, with flexibility.
-Salary £780 per calendar month
-4 weeks holiday leave, according to the hours worked.
-No pension is offered with this post
Main Responsibilities
-Occasional Offices (Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals), and Graveyard Enquiries
Handle initial enquiries from the public and all administrative work involved. Giving information, liaising with public and messaging ministers, organist and welcomers and others with information. Preparation of registers, certificates and statistical returns for the diocese. Maintaining information on a benefice database.
-First Point of Contact
To be an understanding and courteous point of contact for all telephone, e-mail and direct contact from the public, being mindful of the churches’ commitment to inclusivity and equality.
-Monthly fees
Handling monies for the payment of individuals servicing the Occasional Offices and diocesan and PCC fees.
-Weekly Notice Sheet
Produce the weekly service sheet with bible reading, notices, and service schedule from a master template. Update the Benefice website with the same. Run off copies for each church.
-Diary & Church Calendar
Maintain the online church calendar for all events and services. Liaise with the vicar and others to confirm dates.
-Office Routines
Maintain computer and paper-based filing systems, with regard to the requirements of confidentiality and retention of information under the Data Protection Act and GDPR.
-Office Care
Maintain stocks of office stationary and sundry supplies, ordering as required. Ensure the office equipment is serviced and repaired through contact with our service providers.
-Orders of Service
Occasional production of service booklets as agreed by the vicar.
Person Specification
Essential characteristics
-Tact, sensitivity, discretion and flexibility as the public face of the churches here.
-Honesty and Integrity of character
-Understanding of our values of equality and the inclusive environment we aim to to foster for all peoples of all backgrounds.
-Good secretarial skills including computer related skills for word-processing, email, and database use.
-Good office administrative skills
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
-Willing to work on own initiative and willing to consult with the church wardens and incumbent as is necessary for the completion of duties.
Desirable characteristics
-Familiarity with the Church of England and local church processes and structures
-An understanding of the nature of church mission as a service to the community, and in particular its involvement with the young and the vulnerable.
-A faith background of one’s own.
-Previous experience of administrative and or first point of contact work.
Is this you?
If this job description resonates with you, we would love to hear from you on the contact listed where you can request an application form.
This role is ideal for those looking to fit work around school times, who have recently retired from full time employment, looking to supplement a household income, and many others.
We offer a friendly and fun community across our three differently charactered churches and a gentle-hearted but purpose-filled place to work.
If you would like to visit and see the place of work before or during application please do contact us on the listed email address.
Closing Date: 27th February 2026
Interviews From: 9th March 2026
Job start expected May 2026
We seek a dedicated and focused person to run the administrative life of our community of three local churches and to be our first point of contact for enquiries from the local community seeking access to our services.
The work involved is varied with scope to shape it to your own needs, subject to some legal processes.
Aims of the post
-To provide a quality, sensitive service to the benefice as the first point of contact with the church, to the public and organisations.
-To assist in the handling of benefice administrative work, associated with church services and the occasional offices (baptism, weddings and funerals).
-To assist communication with office holders and people of the church to enable the above.
Safeguarding and Safer Working
The parishes of St Martin, Cheriton, St Nicholas, Newington, and All Souls, Cheriton are committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops' guidance and policies for Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment. Therefore, this post is subject to:
-The understanding and acceptance of the Safeguarding Guidelines of the Diocese of Canterbury.
-The understanding and acceptance of the Benefice Lone Worker’s policy (copy available on request).
-Completion of the Basic Awareness level of safeguarding training provided by the Church of England.
-Completion of a 6 month Settling in Period with regular supervision support, reducing to twice yearly on completion of 6 months.
-The provision of 2 references.
Working Hours & Provisions
-14 hours weekly, on a pattern suitable to the successful candidate, with flexibility.
-Salary £780 per calendar month
-4 weeks holiday leave, according to the hours worked.
-No pension is offered with this post
Main Responsibilities
-Occasional Offices (Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals), and Graveyard Enquiries
Handle initial enquiries from the public and all administrative work involved. Giving information, liaising with public and messaging ministers, organist and welcomers and others with information. Preparation of registers, certificates and statistical returns for the diocese. Maintaining information on a benefice database.
-First Point of Contact
To be an understanding and courteous point of contact for all telephone, e-mail and direct contact from the public, being mindful of the churches’ commitment to inclusivity and equality.
-Monthly fees
Handling monies for the payment of individuals servicing the Occasional Offices and diocesan and PCC fees.
-Weekly Notice Sheet
Produce the weekly service sheet with bible reading, notices, and service schedule from a master template. Update the Benefice website with the same. Run off copies for each church.
-Diary & Church Calendar
Maintain the online church calendar for all events and services. Liaise with the vicar and others to confirm dates.
-Office Routines
Maintain computer and paper-based filing systems, with regard to the requirements of confidentiality and retention of information under the Data Protection Act and GDPR.
-Office Care
Maintain stocks of office stationary and sundry supplies, ordering as required. Ensure the office equipment is serviced and repaired through contact with our service providers.
-Orders of Service
Occasional production of service booklets as agreed by the vicar.
Person Specification
Essential characteristics
-Tact, sensitivity, discretion and flexibility as the public face of the churches here.
-Honesty and Integrity of character
-Understanding of our values of equality and the inclusive environment we aim to to foster for all peoples of all backgrounds.
-Good secretarial skills including computer related skills for word-processing, email, and database use.
-Good office administrative skills
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
-Willing to work on own initiative and willing to consult with the church wardens and incumbent as is necessary for the completion of duties.
Desirable characteristics
-Familiarity with the Church of England and local church processes and structures
-An understanding of the nature of church mission as a service to the community, and in particular its involvement with the young and the vulnerable.
-A faith background of one’s own.
-Previous experience of administrative and or first point of contact work.
Is this you?
If this job description resonates with you, we would love to hear from you on the contact listed where you can request an application form.
This role is ideal for those looking to fit work around school times, who have recently retired from full time employment, looking to supplement a household income, and many others.
We offer a friendly and fun community across our three differently charactered churches and a gentle-hearted but purpose-filled place to work.
If you would like to visit and see the place of work before or during application please do contact us on the listed email address.
Closing Date: 27th February 2026
Interviews From: 9th March 2026
Job start expected May 2026