District Property Secretary

This is one of two District Property Secretary roles in North West England Methodist District, who will be the first point of contact on all matters relating to property. Using their knowledge of land and buildings, and their use and maintenance, in addition to knowledge of governance in the Methodist church context, the postholders will ensure a coherent and holistic approach to property across the District.

Key Responsibilities

Provide advice to churches and circuits on property-related matters

Work with colleagues, including ministers and lay members of the circuits and churches within the District, to maximise utilisation of property and land across the District for mission and income generation, in line with Connexional property strategy

- Support with selling properties

- Collaborate with colleagues on seeking alternative opportunities for mission or income generation

- Provide guidance on potential grant opportunities

Provide support with the instruction of professional advisors and contractors and liaise with surveyors as necessary

Provide advice and support to ensure projects are delivered effectively and in compliance with relevant standards and legislation

Support the management of the consents process

- Advise the consent giving body of the District regarding property projects and the feasibility of District grants

- Provide support on the use of the online consents system

- Oversee the submission of annual returns

Provide oversight of quinquennial inspections

- Ensure inspections are undertaken in a timely manner

- Ensure action points are followed up

- Collate copies of returns

To assist in the development and continual review of the District Development Plan for property

Ensure work is in line with the requirements of relevant bodies and legislation

- The Methodist Standing Orders and Connexional Team (including as a member of the Connexional Property Group)

- Maintain the District relationship with TMCP and action any correspondence as required

Report at District Policy Committee/Synod as required

NWED covers the geographical areas of Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and parts of Cheshire and Derbyshire.

Salary: £38,000 - £42,000

Hours: 35hrs per week, including some evening and weekend working

Location: Home-based, with some travelling required

Responsible to: District Secretary: Administration Compliance

Terms and Conditions

33 days (231hrs) annual leave entitlement per year, including public holidays.

There is a contributory pension scheme to which eligible lay employees will be auto-enrolled. Lay employees who do not meet the auto-enrolment criteria are eligible to join the scheme subject to certain provisions.

Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) disclosure.

Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references.

Appointment will be subject to the satisfactory completion of up to three-month probationary period.

Opportunities for study and for training.

The North West England District is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment, inclusion and equality, and promoting the welfare of the communities served. As such, the successful candidate will be subject to safer recruitment pre-employment checks and be required to complete relevant training in the course of their probationary period.