Buildings Support

Zero Hours Contract for 2-4 weeks
Role Summary
We are seeking temporary support to help a church undertake a review of its contents, prior to disposal to identify items of value which can be sold to enable mission elsewhere in the Larger Single Parish. The candidate will need to liaise with Team Rector and local church wardens/members to enable access and understand history and location of contents on site. This role will enable the local church to catalogue items of value, undertake research on potential sale value of items and support sale of items to maximise funds to funnel back into mission.

Context
The Diocese of Liverpool has embarked on a six-year Strategic Transformation Programme, in partnership with the Church Commissioners, to deliver a clear, shared vision for mission, growth and a sustainable future. As part of this process the Right Buildings process is helping the local churches identify areas of both investment and potential divestment. In the event that a church is closed and sold on the open market, the churches contents needs to be reviewed and redistributed within the Larger Single Parish or sold to enable funds to be focused on mission elsewhere in the Larger Single Parish.

Job Purpose
The main purpose of the role:

• Undertake a comprehensive review on church contents and cataloguing of saleable items ahead of a potential sale.
• Undertake research into potential value of items and liaise potential buyers of specialist items e.g. musical instruments, furniture etc.
• Support local church in listing and selling items

Key Responsibilities And Tasks

• Contents Review and Cataloguing
• Undertake a full inventory of the church's contents, including furniture, fixtures, fittings, and movable items
• Record descriptions, photographs, and provenance details where known
• Identify items of potential historic, artistic, or financial significance
• Research and Valuation
• Research potential market or heritage value of identified items, using appropriate sources such as online databases, auction houses, or diocesan guidance
• Liaise with professional valuers or relevant diocesan officers as required
• Liaison and Communication
• Work closely with the Team Rector, church wardens, and local parish representatives to arrange access to the building and gather contextual knowledge about contents
• Communicate findings to the Larger Single Parish leadership and diocesan officers as appropriate
• Facilitation of Sale and Redistribution
• Support arrangements for the ethical and compliant sale or redistribution of items within the diocese, in line with Church of England and diocesan policy.
• Ensure that appropriate records of any sales and transfers are maintained for audit and transparency.
• Reporting and Administration
• Document findings, valuations, and recommendations for next steps.
• Maintain secure records and inventories

Person Specification – Essential Requirements
Experience and Qualifications:
Essential

• Strong organisational and administrative skills with attention to detail.
• Good research and analytical skills, including use of online resources to identify value or provenance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with clergy, church officers, and volunteers.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet agreed deadlines.
• Understanding of church context and sensitivity/emotive nature around church buildings and contents
• Good IT, skills - competent in Excel and use of sales platforms e.g. Ebay or similar

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communicator, able to build relationships with diverse range of stakeholders
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Resilient and tenacious, able to manage own workstreams
• Dynamic and proactive, with a strong sense of initiative and ownership

Other Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel across the Diocese as required.
• Commitment to the values and mission of the Diocese of Liverpool.
• Ability to work flexibly

Desirable Requirements

• Experience of working within a charitable, faith-based, or heritage organisation.
• Knowledge of Church of England structures or processes
• Familiarity with asset disposal, auction procedures, or fundraising through sale of assets.

The post holder must be in sympathy with the aims and ethos of the Church of England. The post holder must also fully support the Values of the Diocese of Liverpool.