Deputy Chair, Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance

The Diocese of Norwich are looking for a new Deputy Chair for our Diocesan Board of Finance – an exceptional individual to help us ensure we can sustainably grow the mission of the Church of England in Norfolk and Waveney.

This is a significant voluntary leadership role at a pivotal time in the life of the Diocese. Working closely with the Bishop of Norwich, the Chair, and senior staff, the Deputy Chair will play a key part in setting strategic direction, strengthening governance, and supporting the stewardship of the Diocese’s financial resources in service of our mission.

This appointment forms part of the Diocese’s succession planning. It is expected that, subject to the appropriate approvals, the Deputy Chair will be ready to transition into the role of Chair in 2027.

About the role:

The Deputy Chair is a trustee of the Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance and a member of Diocesan Synod. The role includes:

• Supporting the Chair and deputising as required,
• Helping to shape diocesan vision, strategy and policy,
• Providing financial leadership and oversight, alongside the Director of Finance,
• Contributing to good charity governance, risk management and safeguarding oversight,
• Acting as an ambassador for the Diocese and the NDBF across Norfolk and Waveney.

The Board oversees assets of around £160m and an annual budget of approximately £13–14m, supporting churches, clergy, chaplaincies and schools across one of the largest dioceses in England.

The time commitment is estimated at around one day per month, including attendance at up to six Board meetings per year and involvement in at least one sub-committee. This would rise to three-days per month if appointed as Chair.

This is a voluntary, unpaid role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for a committed Christian, resident in the Diocese of Norwich, who brings senior professional experience and a passion for supporting the mission of the Church.

You will:

• Be an active, practising Christian with a good understanding of parish life
• Have experience in a senior role, ideally with significant financial responsibility
• Be able to understand and interrogate financial information and charity accounts
• Bring collaborative leadership, sound judgement and effective chairing skills
• Have an interest in good governance, safeguarding and the long-term sustainability of the Church

You do not need to be a qualified accountant, but you must be comfortable working with complex financial and governance matters.

We particularly welcome applications from women, GMH candidates and people living with disabilities, who are currently under-represented on diocesan boards and committees.

(An Occupational Requirement exists for the post-holder to be a practising Christian in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.)

How to apply:

To apply, please send:

• Your CV
• A covering letter explaining how your skills and experience equip you for this role, and how you meet the Occupational Requirement
• The contact details of two referees

to governance@dioceseofnorwich.org

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Governance Officer at the same address.

Closing date: 9am on Tuesday 24^th February
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 3^rd March.

A basic DBS check and two references will be required before appointment.