Events Coordinator

To plan and coordinate a wide range of events on behalf of the Bishop of Carlisle, ensuring that all events are well-organised and effectively managed from inception through to completion. The Events Coordinator will be the central point of contact for all event-related activity at Bishop's House, working closely with the Bishop's Chaplain, the Bishop's household and the wider Bishop's House team.

Internal relationships: Bishop's House team; Bishop's Chaplain; Head of HR & Governance; Finance Department; Communications; Property; Diocesan Secretariat; PTO Officer; Warden of Readers; Archdeacons; Clergy
External relationships: Rydal Hall; Catering suppliers; Lord Chamberlain's Office; St James' Palace; Archbishop's Offices; Venues and hospitality providers across the Diocese

The postholder will be based at Bishop's House, Ambleside Road, Keswick, CA12 4DD. The role is primarily based at Bishop's House with some requirement to attend Rydal Hall and other Diocesan venues.

Interviews will be held in person on Monday 18 May 2026.

Circumstances

• Some flexibility is required to support events which may occasionally fall outside standard hours; time off in lieu will be granted.
• The successful postholder is required to work Friday mornings as part of their working week.

Event Planning & Forward Planning

• Maintain a forward-planning events calendar for Bishop's House, ensuring that all upcoming events are identified well in advance and preparation commences at the appropriate time.
• Proactively manage event timelines, monitoring tasks, milestones and deadlines to ensure smooth delivery.
• Produce and maintain event planning checklists and briefing notes for each event, ensuring all parties are well informed of their responsibilities.
• Conduct post-event reviews to identify learning and improve future event delivery.

Invitations & Booking Administration

• Manage the full invitation process for Bishop's House events, including drafting and sending invitations, co-ordinating RSVPs and maintaining accurate guest lists using the Try booking system.
• Administer event registrations, follow-up communications and any waiting list management through Try booking system.
• Ensure all event data is accurately recorded and maintained to support reporting and evaluation.

Catering & Hospitality

• Arrange and co-ordinate all catering requirements for events, including briefing caterers, confirming dietary requirements and ensuring presentation standards meet the expectations of Bishop's House.
• Source and manage catering suppliers, obtaining quotes and ensuring value for money in line with the Bishop's financial policies.
• Ensure that appropriate hospitality is in place for all events, including day to day hospitality, maintaining the welcoming and professional ethos of Bishop's House.

Venue Management & Logistics

• Liaise with venue to co-ordinate bookings, room layouts, facilities requirements and logistical arrangements for events held there.
• Ensure that all equipment, materials, resources and room layouts required for each event are prepared and in place ahead of time.
• Conduct pre-event checks at venues to ensure everything is in order, addressing any issues promptly.
• Manage the set-up and break-down of events at Bishop's House and at other Diocesan venues as required.

Flagship & Specialist Events

• Royal Maundy: Provide co-ordination and administrative support for all arrangements relating to Royal Maundy nominations and associated ceremonies, liaising with the Lord Chamberlain's Office and other relevant parties as required.
• Garden Party: Manage the nominations process for the King's Garden parties at Buckingham Palace, co-ordinating all associated travel arrangements and communications with nominees on behalf of the Bishop.
• Clergy Spouse Events: Liaise with the Bishop's Household to co-ordinate events for clergy spouses, including managing invitations, catering, programmes and any pastoral considerations.
• Support the organisation of residentials, teaching days and other gatherings as directed by the Bishop's Chaplain.

Communication & Stakeholder Liaison

• Serve as the primary point of contact for event-related queries from internal and external stakeholders, responding in a timely, professional and hospitable manner.
• Liaise with Diocesan departments (Communications, Finance, Property, Secretariat) and external suppliers to ensure joined-up event delivery.
• Provide timely updates and briefing notes to the Bishop's Chaplain on event planning progress.
• Responsible for sending out communications from the Bishop using relevant systems.

Financial Administration

• Manage event budgets in conjunction with the Bishop's Chaplain, tracking expenditure and ensuring events are delivered within agreed financial parameters.
• Process invoices relating to events in accordance with Diocesan financial procedures.

General

• Uphold and promote the Diocese of Carlisle's commitment to safeguarding in all event planning and delivery.
• To undertake Health and Safety duties
• To assist the Bishop's EAs with office administration
• Undertake other duties as reasonably required by the Bishop's Chaplain and Bishop's EAs.

Closing date for applications is 9 am on 11 May 2026