Senior Executive Assistant to the Bishop of Bath & Wells

Lambeth Palace Library; Wells; Hybrid; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious institution seeks a Senior Executive Assistant to support the Bishop of Bath & Wells. This role includes managing the Bishop’s schedule, handling confidential information, overseeing office operations, and coordinating meetings. Ideal candidates will have strong time management skills and the ability to work with discretion. The position offers a salary of £35,934 per annum with generous benefits such as annual leave and pension contributions. Occasional hybrid working options may be available.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Family Friendly Programme initiatives

Health cash plan access

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in managing confidential information.
• Ability to anticipate needs and act accordingly.
• Experience in budget management and line management.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Bishop’s appointments and correspondence.
• Oversee HR processes and office management.
• Assist with hospitality events as required.

Skills

Discretion

Agility

Time management

Communication

Job description

WE ARE LOOKING TO RECRUIT A SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP OF BATH & WELLS

What you'll be doing

The Bishop of Bath and Wells is seeking a Senior Executive Assistant to provide high-level administrative support ensuring the Bishop’s time and properties are managed effectively. The role involves handling confidential information, managing calendars, coordinating meetings and travel, preparing reports, and acting as a liaison between the Bishop and internal/external contacts. You will also be responsible for budget management and the line management of the Bishop’s Office support team. The position requires discretion, agility and the ability to anticipate needs before they arise.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Diary and meeting planning and management
• Manage correspondence including
• Oversight and Support of HR processes
• Office Management
• Finance
• Assist with hospitality events at the Palace, as required, including outside normal office hours. Time off in lieu will be given.

Key role requirements

• 35 hours per week, exclusive of an hour unpaid lunch break, to be taken at a time agreed with the Bishop, but some flexibility will be required from time to time.
• Based onsite at The Bishop’s Office, The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, BA5 2PD.
• Occasional hybrid working to be considered.

About You

The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. We welcome applications from interested and suitably experienced people, and particularly from UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME), Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and other under-represented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to recruiting disabled people and offer interviews to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria.

The closing date for applications is 11:59pm on Friday 8th January 2026.

Interviews will take place on Friday 16th January 2025 at The Bishop’s Office, The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, BA5 2PD.

What we offer

Your Salary

• A salary of £35,934 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

Your Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro‑rated if working part‑time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests and look at these on a case‑by‑case basis to support work‑life balance.
• Family Friendly Programme initiatives including Maternity, Adoption, Paternity and Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash, one of the UK’s leading health cash plan providers, offering reimbursement for dental, optical, specialist consultations and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & stress‑related helplines.
• Access to Occupational Health and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus‑one guest.
• Eligibility for an eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club and engage in staff networks, groups and societies.

About National Church Institutions

The National Church Institutions comprise a wide variety of teams, professions and functions that support the mission and ministries of the Church of England. Our Belonging and Inclusion Strategy aims for everyone to feel valued and included. We believe our commitment to belonging and inclusion fuels progress and drives us forward.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for the role.