Rector (0.6fte) of Orchard Welle Benefice, Cambridgeshire

Rector of Orchard Welle Benefice, Cambridgeshire (0.6 fte)

This is a half stipend post (meaning Sundays plus three days, 0.6 FTE), held on common tenure terms, working within your benefice of Orchard Welle (comprising five former parishes: Upwell, Outwell, Elm, Emneth and Friday Bridge). We will work with you to ensure that the role stays within those time boundaries, so you can have space to flourish within and outside work.

The main aim of the role is to help bring to birth the church of the future from the prayers and buildings of the past. You will collaborate with ordained and lay colleagues and members of local communities to dream and then build a vibrant expression of church in each place, holding in mind the Church of England vision of 10,000 new worshipping communities and a church that is younger and more diverse.

Requirements

• Prayerful and articulate - there is significant desire to communicate the Gospel
• Focused and resilient - there is a significant but sustainable workload
• Faithful and gracious - you will be leading change that matters
• Wise and resourceful - there will be opportunities and challenges

You will be realistic about what can be achieved and resolute in working in the direction that our situation and the Spirit of God demand. You will work with clergy, churchwardens and PCCs, alongside the experienced Rural Dean and Lay Chair.

In summary, the right person for this role will be a Christ centred disciple, ever mindful of her/his daily dependence on the inner energising power of God's Holy Spirit, with effective personal organising and time management skills, thereby able wisely to fulfil this demanding but potentially richly rewarding role as the Priest in Charge of a new five parish benefice.

Who we are looking for

• A strong, forward thinking leader, with a positive 'can do' attitude
• Keen to be part of and develop God's work within local communities
• Approachable and a good listener

What you will do

• Bring inspiration to and work creatively with laity and local non stipendiary clergy within the benefice
• Offer flexible churchmanship to accommodate a diversity of worship styles and traditions

What we need

• A sympathetic, prayerful approach
• A sense of humour

We offer you an excellent home to live in, a half stipend, annual CMD grant, retreat time, clear HR and supportive leadership. You will be able to draw on additional training and support from our Mission and Ministry Department and our Church Buildings Team, as well as Archdeacon and Diocesan Secretary.

Further Information and Applications

• To learn more, contact Ven Richard Harlow, or
• Download the benefice profile and application form below (not provided in this description)
• To apply and for further information, visit the Diocese website at
• Closing date: 29 July 2026
• Interviews: 3 September 2026

Safer Recruitment in the Diocese of Ely

The Diocese of Ely is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to undertake safeguarding checks and training relevant to their role and to adhere to the Church of England's safeguarding policies and procedures. Therefore, this position is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).

A Diverse and Inclusive Workforce

The Diocese of Ely is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.