POST: Dean of Women’s Ministry

The Aim of the Diocese is to inspire and encourage confidence in Christian communities throughout the diocese and region, to assist us to express a joyful hope in the Christian gospel for the sake of the world in which we serve.

The Mission Strategy of the Diocese is Changing Lives, Changing Churches for Changing Communities. The vision is supported by four core aspirations.

CallingThis diocese seeks to affirm the call of all the baptised and to nurture and encourage the giftedness of each.

TransformationThis diocese seeks to proclaim the Christian gospel afresh in each generation in ways that will transform the lives of individuals and communities.

RenewalThis diocese seeks to re-energise its clergy and lay people with the gospel story through inspired worship and teaching and personal development.

ReshapingThis diocese seeks to enable the whole Body of Christ to be the church in its locality by supporting and offering appropriate resources to parishes, local ministry groups, church schools and other expressions of Christian community.

KEY PURPOSE OF POST: (the main elements)
  • To be an advocate for the ministry of all women in the diocese, enabling women to reach their full potential in ministry
  • To promotethe inclusion of ordained women at every level in Church life and incorporate the Transformations Agenda of the national Church into the diocese
  • To be a full member of the Bishop’s Senior Staff Team
  • To lead, co- ordinate and work with the Area Advisers for Women’s Ministry to support the flourishing of women clergy throughout the diocese

LOCATION: home-based
REPORTING TO: The Bishop of Bath and Wells
ACCOUNTABLE TO:The Bishop of Bath and Wells
HOURS OF WORK: 0.2 FTE
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
  • Bishop of Bath and Wells, Bishop of Taunton, the Archdeacons and other members of the Bishop’s Senior Staff
  • Team of Area Advisers for Women’s Ministry
  • The Diocesan HR Adviser

SCOPE OF POST: (Detailed outworking of Key Purpose of Post)
  1. To work with senior staff and Area Advisers in supporting ordained women in the diocese in their ministry.
  1. To be an advocate for women in ministry and the issues that affect the development and practice of their ministry at diocesan, regional and national level
  1. To be a member of the Bishop’s Senior Staff. This will include:
i)attending Bishop’s Staff meetings including residential meetings
ii)enabling colleagues in the Senior Staff to be aware of matters of general concernto women clergy
iii)ensuring that women’s insights are brought to bear in theological reflection anddecision-making in the diocese
iv)participating in ministry development review, where appropriate.
  1. To be proactive in encouraging ordained women to play a full part in the life of the diocese and to encourage balanced representation within diocesan structures.
  1. To work with the School of Formation to develop opportunities and training that enable women to reach their full potential in ministry and leadership.
  1. To work with the Vocations Team, especially in encouraging women under 30 to explore a vocation to the ordained ministry
  1. To contribute as a member of the National Association of Deans and Advisers in Women’s Ministry (NADAWM) at a national and regional level.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
  • A prayerful priest seeking to further the mission of the whole Church
  • Highly motivated to be instrumental in bringing about change for women, lay and ordained, at every level of the Church of England’s life
  • Able to promote and embody the five guiding principles embedded in the Women in the Episcopate legislation of November 2014 to ensure the flourishing of all in the Church of England
  • A willingness to develop an understanding of the wider issues facing the diocese and make a full contribution to the Bishop’s Senior Staff
  • Well organised with good verbal and written communication skills
  • Able to appropriately delegate to the Area Advisers and encourage good team working

February 2015