Racial Justice Officer

Are you passionate about our mission to grow a diverse Church that better reflects the communities and congregations we serve? Do you have experience of the spiritual and pastoral needs of UKME/GMH people with a background that includes project planning and strategic development?   

If so, then you could be the person we are looking for. The Diocese of Rochester has been successful in securing funding for the new role of Racial Justice Officer, as we commit to becoming younger and more diverse, as part of our Called Together vision. Candidates may be lay or ordained and should be able to theologically reflect on and navigate the complexities and barriers to ministry and employment for UKME/GMH people within our diocese.

This role will work strategically with senior leadership within the diocese to enable the Diocese of Rochester to exemplify best practice by promoting a better understanding of racism, bias, and cultural diversity as well as providing support and encouragement to UKME/GMH colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Diocese of Rochester in addressing the under-representation of UKME/GMH people in church congregations and on parish, deanery and diocesan committees by developing strategy, governance and processes which support this.  
• Develop an active network of UKME/GMH colleagues within Rochester Diocese and connect with external bodies, offering support and encouragement. Provide support, advocacy and informal chaplaincy for UKME/GMH colleagues. Ensuring that UKME/GMH people are positively encouraged in their personal and professional development.
• In collaboration with the Bishop’s Advisor on UK Minority Ethnic / Global Majority Heritage (UKME/GMH), develop and implement a written policy with the Bishops Leadership Team and demonstrating the diocesan commitment to Racial Justice.
• Act as an advocate for Racial Justice within diocesan structures and committees, alongside the Bishop’s Advisor on UKME/BMH.

Please see the job description for a full list of responsibilities

The Ideal Candidate

Able to think strategically to support contribute to the vision to become younger and more diverse with a project planning and development background who is experienced at building networks, developing resources and writing reports. Candidates should also be familiar with vocations and discipleship initiatives.

What we can offer:

• Flexible working, hybrid working and TOIL
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Contributory pension scheme
• Annual subscriptions and memberships
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and counselling service

Please note: applications are encouraged from lay and ordained candidates, however, this is a DBF grade salaried role without a housing allowance.

The Diocese is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

The wider a group’s diversity, the smarter, wiser, and more compassionate and creative its decision making becomes.

We are committed to achieving diversity throughout our Diocese by seeking UKME/GMH colleagues and those from a wide-range of backgrounds, to help us create a culture of inclusion and belonging.

If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact the HR department at recruitment@rochester.anglican.org