Children and Youth Apprentice (multiple vacancies)

Introduction

The Church of England in London is growing, vibrant and at the heart of communities throughout the capital. At the London Diocesan Fund (LDF) we seek to do everything we can to support this mission and growth, using our resources to help our parishes and chaplains to serve over 4 million people.

The Diocese of London (LDF) is seeking to recruit 10 Children and Youth Apprentices to play a key role within the Children and Youth team, who will all start in their roles in September 2024.

The London location of each post is dependent on the Parish placement. 

Overview 

The Children and Youth Apprentice exists to support parishes in their work with children and youth from 0-18 years of age. The postholder will foster positive relationships with children and youth attendees, support existing church activities, and develop new programmes to deepen their involvement and faith.

Through this role, the postholder receives training and experience working with youth/children, including high quality training from Ridley London, the London Training Centre of Ridley Hall and Cambridge. Following the contract, the postholder will receive a Certificate in Higher Education (Level 4) in Foundations in Theology, Ministry and Mission, with a focus on youth and children’s work.  

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with children and youth attendees of the parish.
• Support existing activities, such as Sunday school, messy church, youth group etc, as required.
• Plan and deliver new programmes of activity to increase the involvement of children and young people in the life of the church and deepen their faith, as required.
• Maintain existing links with local schools/community groups and/or develop an outreach plan to local schools. 
• Lead a discipleship course for young people, as required.
• Undertake the administration surrounding the children and youth work initiatives. 
• Take part in weekly team and prayer meetings in the parish and attend supervision meetings with the Parish supervisor on a regular basis. 
• Participate in group meetings with other apprentices. 
• Participate in all relevant training with Ridley London and the Diocese.
• Undertake any other duties that are commensurate with the role. 

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on the main responsibilities.

Person Specification

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Diocese of London 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.

Benefits of working for the LDF

The LDF offers a supportive working environment, opportunity for career development and the following financial benefits:

• Competitive remuneration package
• 27 annual leave days to rise to 30 after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays
• 15% employer pension contribution and salary sacrifice available
• Death in service benefit x3 of basic gross salary
• Enhanced maternity leave of six months full pay, after 12 months’ of employment
• Season ticket loans of public transport
• Access to Benenden Health Insurance
• EAP counselling through Health Assured
• Up to £100 for eye test and contribution to spectacles                         
• Two additional paid days for community volunteering

Please apply by 26 April 2024.

We aim to interview during May and June 2024. 

Successful candidates will start in their role in September 2024.