Chair of the Finance Committee, Ely Diocesan Board of Finance

Chair of the Finance Committee, Ely Diocesan Board of Finance (EDBF) The Acting Bishop of Ely seeks to appoint a Chair of the Finance Committee. This important role provides financial leadership that supports the vision and mission of the Diocese, manages financial risks, and promotes financial sustainability. This is currently a voluntary and unpaid role and requires significant commitment, estimated at twelve to fifteen days p.a. Expenses will be reimbursed. This is an appointment of the Bishop of Ely. Introductory note The Diocese of Ely has traditionally combined the roles of Chair of the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance and Chair of the Finance Committee. This combined role was however largely focused on just the financial management of the Diocese, when in reality the EDBF does much more than manage diocesan finances. We therefore split the role into two and have recently appointed a Chair of the EDBF, Chris Stanford‑Beale. We now seek to appoint a Chair of the Finance Committee. Governance Context Diocesan Synod – The main representative body. Meets three times per year, approves the annual budget, and makes provision for the church’s life. Bishop’s Council – Standing committee of the Synod, advises the Bishop, meets roughly six times per year. Members are also directors of the EDBF. EDBF – Charitable company governed by company and charity law, employs central staff, responsible for strategy. Finance Committee – Sub‑committee of the Bishop’s Council. Advises on finance, oversees trust and property matters, drafts the budget, runs sub‑committees for Assets and Houses, and is chaired by the appointed Chair. Primary Purpose of the Post To provide financial leadership that supports the vision and mission of the Diocese, manages financial risks, and promotes financial sustainability. The Chair will promote understanding and transparency of diocesan finances. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Vision and leadership: inspire confidence in financial management, promote sustainable finance, lead financial matters in partnership with the Diocesan Secretary, clergy, and senior staff. Best governance practice: oversee the Finance Committee, ensure it operates within terms of reference, chair committee meetings, identify and manage conflicts of interest, ensure decisions are enacted. Governance commitments: attend Assets and Houses Committees, manage Ministry Share requests, chair the Deanery Liaison Group, serve as ex‑officio member of Bishop’s Council and Diocesan Synod, represent the Diocese at the Inter Diocesan Finance Forum. Finance expertise: report to Synod on financial matters, lead financial control, reporting, budgeting, and forward planning. Key working relationships: report to the Chair of Trustees of EDBF Limited. Key stakeholders: Bishop, Suffragan Bishop, archdeacons, Diocesan Secretary, Synod chairs of Houses of Clergy and Laity, EDBF Limited Chair, Bishop’s Council/EDBF Board, finance staff, deanery treasurers. Person Specification The postholder will be an active and practising member of the Church of England with an understanding of the Church’s mission in general and the Diocese of Ely in particular. Required Skills and Experience Financial planning for an organisation of equivalent size and experience; normally holds a finance qualification. Business and commercial experience. Experience and skill in chairing meetings. Understanding of governance, risk and compliance. Good communication skills. Leadership, inspiration, foster a collegiate manner of working. Broad understanding of implications for charity, trust and employment law. Commitment Estimated 12‑15 working days per year. Bishop’s Council meets 5 evenings a year, 1 all‑day meeting. Synod meets 3 times a year. Finance Committee meets every 2 months. Ex‑officio Member of Assets Sub‑Committee (4 day‑times per year) and Houses Committee (9 day‑times per year). Deanery Liaison Group meets 4 evenings per year. Regular interaction with the Diocesan Secretary and staff, occasional visits to Deaneries. Applications and Next Steps Deadline for Applications: 19 December 2025. Informal discussion: contact Chris Stanford‑Beale (Chris.StanfordBeale@elydiocese.org). Application: email Acting Bishop of Ely, Rev Dr Dagmar Winter (bishop.huntingdon@elydiocese.org). Provide up to 2 pages of A4 detailing suitability. First published on: 10 November 2025. Page last updated: Tuesday 11 November 2025 9:27 AM. #J-18808-Ljbffr