The Diocese of Winchester

Head of Communications and Engagement The Diocese of Winchester is seeking an exceptional communications leader to help shape how we tell the story of God's work across our Diocese. This is a strategic senior leadership role, responsible for leading our Communications & Engagement Team and developing a clear, engaging and effective communications strategy that supports our mission, vision and priorities. Serving a population of over 1.2 million people across more than 230 parishes, the Diocese of Winchester is a diverse and vibrant community. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence how we communicate with clergy, parishes, schools, partners, media and the wider public, ensuring that people feel informed, connected and inspired by our shared mission. About the Communications and Engagement Team The Communications & Engagement Team supports the Diocese in sharing its vision, celebrating local stories, engaging stakeholders and managing communications across a wide range of activities. The team works collaboratively with colleagues across mission and ministry, safeguarding, schools, vocations, creation care and governance, ensuring that communications effectively support diocesan priorities and objectives. What you'll do Lead the development and delivery of the Diocese's communications and engagement strategy Shape and communicate key diocesan messages alongside senior leaders Build strong relationships with clergy, parish officers, Winchester Cathedral and external stakeholders Oversee media relations, press releases and crisis communications activity Lead communications campaigns around major church seasons, diocesan initiatives and strategic priorities Ensure the Diocese embraces best practice in digital communications, social media and emerging technologies, including AI Manage the Communications & Engagement Team, supporting and developing staff to achieve their full potential Build collaborative relationships with Church of England communications colleagues regionally and nationally What we're looking for Significant experience of developing and delivering communications and engagement strategies within a complex organisation Strong leadership and people management experience Excellent stakeholder engagement, media and influencing skills Experience of leading change and managing organisational risk Outstanding written and verbal communication skills Experience of budget management and strategic planning A collaborative and resilient approach, with the confidence to challenge constructively and build strong relationships A practising Christian who is committed to the mission and ministry of the Church and able to support the vision of the Diocese of Winchester CVs are not accepted. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 31st July 2026. Initial interviews for the role will take place on the 26th August 2026. If you are successful in the first interview, you will be invited to a second interview on the 7th September 2026. Both interviews will be held at the Diocesan Offices, Old Alresford Place SO24 9DH

Chair of Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel The Diocese of Winchester is seeking an experienced safeguarding professional to serve as Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP). A vital role helping ensure the highest standards of safeguarding across our diverse communities. The Diocese serves a population of 1.27 million people across 230 parishes, blending rural and urban contexts. Safeguarding is at the heart of our mission, and this role offers a unique opportunity to influence practice and accountability at a strategic level. The role at a glance As Chair, you will provide leadership to the DSAP, offering independent oversight and constructive challenge on safeguarding practice within the Diocese. You will work closely with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO) to ensure robust systems, effective risk management and a strong culture of safeguarding. About the Diocesan Safeguarding Team The Diocesan Safeguarding Team supports parishes and senior clergy to safeguard children and adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect, and those in abusive relationships. We work in partnership with statutory agencies, promote safer recruitment, deliver high-quality training and support to volunteers and staff, and help create safe environments through clear policies and procedures aligned to legal requirements and Church of England guidance. What you ll do Lead and chair DSAP meetings, including agenda setting, oversight of minutes and monitoring actions Ensure the DSAP operates effectively in line with its terms of reference Offer professional challenge and advice to senior leadership and the Diocesan Bishop Support strong governance, including panel membership, recruitment and succession planning Represents the DSAP in national and regional safeguarding forums What we re looking for Senior-level expertise within statutory, voluntary or judicial sectors (e.g. local authority, police, national charities) Experience of case review, risk management and multi-agency partnership working A commitment to promoting safe environments and supporting those affected by abuse Proven ability to strategically plan, manage meetings effectively and influence people to build capacity and confidence in safeguarding practice The closing date for applications is 5pm on the 12th June 2026. Interviews will take place on the 29th June 2026