Ministry Experience Scheme Coordinator (Mat Cover)

The Diocese of Sheffield is called to grow a diverse network of Christ-like, lively and sustainable Christian communities in every place which are effective in making disciples and in seeking to transform our society and God’s world.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) Coordinator to support the delivery and coordination of work with 18 – 30 year olds exploring their vocation to ordination or to other ministries, across the Diocese of Sheffield.

The role will involve building positive relationships with churches, communities and partner organisations, coordinating activities and initiatives, and supporting the development of projects that respond to local needs.

The successful candidate will be a confident communicator with strong organisational and relationship-building skills. They will be able to work collaboratively with a wide range of people, manage competing priorities and contribute creative ideas to support the aims and values of the Diocese.

SDBF Salary Band 6.1 – Pro rata £8,428.57 (29,500 FTE)
Part-Time 10 hours per week
Working Pattern – Flexible
Work from home
Non-contributory Church of England Pension Scheme
Generous Annual Leave Entitlement
We are looking for someone to join our team on an 8-month fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover.

Further information and an application form can be found on our website www.sheffield.anglican.org

Please send your completed application form to recruitment@sheffield.anglican.org

Closing Date: Wednesday, 23^rd September 2026 midday

Shortlisting Date: Thursday, 24^th September 2026 at 9 am

Interview Date: Wednesday, 30^th September 2026 – Church House

For more information on the role, please email dan.christian@sheffield.anglican.org

This post carries an Occupational Requirement under the provisions of the Equality Act for the postholder to have a committed Christian faith.

Please Note; Sheffield Diocesan Board of Finance (SDBF) does not hold a Home Office sponsor license and are therefore unable to sponsor Skilled Worker or other work visas. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application and for the duration of their employment.

JOB TITLE: MES COORDINATOR (MAT COVER)

EMPLOYER: SHEFFIELD DIOCESAN BOARD OF FINANCE

RESPONSIBLE TO: DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONS

RESPONSIBLE FOR: N/A

Job Purpose

The Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) enables and supports young adults, from 18-30 years old, to spend a year in a church placement and engage in a theology training course to explore vocation to ordination or to other ministries. The MES Coordinator will coordinate the programme: recruiting candidates, setting up placements and managing the MES house.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

RECRUITMENT OF MES CANDIDATES

To be in charge of recruitment to the MES scheme, seeking to recruit 6-8 candidates each year to the scheme. Working with other diocesan and national church colleagues, including the diocesan Communications team, to promote the scheme effectively across a variety of contexts and media platforms.
To lead the processes for interviewing and selecting potential participants and to work with candidates to find the right placement and theology course for them.
To identify and set up external mentors for each candidate.
To ensure all recruitment adheres to the diocese’s safer recruitment and safeguarding policies.

ONGOING COORDINATION OF THE SCHEME

To work with churches and charities around the Diocese of Sheffield to create a placement portfolio of possible ministerial placements.
To work with different theological educational institutions to create a teaching portfolio of possible courses candidates can undertake whilst on the scheme.
To work with the Director of Vocations and Warden of the MES House to ensure the ongoing pastoral care of the candidates on the scheme.
To provide additional support as necessary for the running of the scheme.
To arrange, in partnership with the Director of Vocations, for the participants to engage in vocational reflection and discernment.
To ensure participants are clear about their next steps at the end of the scheme, and gathering feedback and publicity on exit.
MANAGEMENT OF THE MES HOUSE AND FINANCES OF THE SCHEME

To manage the practical running of the MES house, making sure that energy bills, council tax and other amenities are managed appropriately.

To manage the day to day of the scheme budget, including authorising payment of expenses to participants and placement contexts.

This role description provides a guide to the duties and responsibilities of the post and is not an exhaustive list. The post holder may be asked to undertake any other relevant duties appropriate to the post. The role description will be amended over time, in full consultation with the post holder, to meet the needs of the Diocese.

Person Specification: MES Coordinator (MAT COVER)

CRITERIA	ESSENTIAL	DESIRABLE
Qualifications	Educated to A level standard of equivalent
Experience	Experience of using technology to support the planning and running of events and courses Able to maintain accurate records and files Experience of working as part of a team	Theologically articulate with a background in, and a passion for, mission and ministry Entrepreneurial flair, with the ability to shape a strategic vision and craft it with clear planning; able to demonstrate a background in developing projects
Skills & Knowledge	Experience of working in a project management environment Ability to work confidently on own initiative Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including attention to detail Good communication skills and an ability to maintain absolute confidentiality Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise effectively and to multitask Excellent technological knowledge, and competent in the use of standard IT products, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Powerpoint	Understanding of social media and how to advertise the scheme through a range of media
Personal	The postholder must be able to reflect, lead and participate in the core Christian ethos and context of the church. Ability to articulate faith, and involved in the worshipping life of your church Enthusiastic and highly motivated Able to work well under pressure A good team player Willingness to work flexibly, including some/occasional evening or weekend work	An ordained or licensed minister of the Church of England Willingness to learn new skills

This post carries an Occupational Requirement under the provisions of the Equality Act for the postholder to have a committed Christian faith.

Please Note: Sheffield Diocesan Board of Finance (SDBF) does not hold a Home Office sponsor licence and is therefore unable to sponsor Skilled Worker or other work visas. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application and for the duration of their employment.

Last updated August 2026