Roles

Purpose 

The Safeguarding officer is responsible for promoting and ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults within the church community. This role involves being the primary point of contact for any safeguarding concerns or incidents.

Key responsibilities

Point of contact

   - Act as the first point of contact for anyone in the church who has concerns about the safety or well-being of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult.

   - Provide a listening ear and offer appropriate advice and support to individuals reporting concerns.

Incident management

   - Respond promptly to any safeguarding concerns or incidents, ensuring that they are handled confidentially, sensitively, and in line with church policy.

   - Record and document all safeguarding concerns and actions taken in a secure manner.

   - Liaise with our senior Safeguarding officer to resolve the issues. 

Skills and attributes

- Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and practices.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and with discretion.

- Empathy, compassion, and a commitment to the well-being of vulnerable individuals.

- Good organizational skills and attention to detail.

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

- Knowledge of local safeguarding legislation and procedures (desirable).

Commitment

This role requires a regular attendance of church services, and to be available to respond to safeguarding concerns as they arise.

Purpose

The Church photographer is responsible for capturing high-quality images that reflect the life, events, and spirit of our community. These images will be used primarily on St Ephraim's parish website, social media platforms, and other promotional materials to showcase church activities and engage with both the congregation and the wider community.

Key responsibilities

   - Attend church services, events, and activities to take photographs that capture key moments, the atmosphere, and the essence of the our community.

   - Ensure that photographs are of high quality and suitable for use on digital platforms, including the website and social media.

   - Share photographs with the Website editor and Social media leader.

   - Ensure that appropriate consent is obtained from individuals (or parents/guardians for minors) before taking or using their photographs, in compliance with the church’s safeguarding and data protection policies.

   - Respect privacy and ensure that sensitive situations or individuals are not photographed without explicit permission.

Skills and attributes

- Proficiency in photography, with a good understanding of lighting, composition, and post-processing techniques.

- Strong eye for detail and creativity in capturing compelling images.

- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to cover events and deliver edited photos promptly.

- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate well and build rapport with church members.

- Understanding of and sensitivity to the church’s values, mission, and culture.

Commitment

This role requires availability to attend key church events and activities, as well as time for editing and coordinating with the church's communications team.

Purpose

The Events coordinator is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing church events that foster community, support the church's mission, and engage both congregation members and the wider community. This role involves managing all aspects of event logistics, coordinating volunteers, and ensuring that each event runs smoothly and successfully.

Key Responsibilities

   - Plan and organize regular bring and share parish lunches, picnics, and other get together activities. 

   - Oversee all logistical aspects of events, including venue setup.

   - Work within the allocated budget.

   - Work with the church's communications team to promote events through the website, social media, newsletters, etc. 

Skills and attributes

- Strong organizational and project management skills

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate volunteers and coordinate with various stakeholders.

- Budget management experience and the ability to work within financial constraints.

Commitment

This role requires flexibility to attend and coordinate various church events, such as hall booking for bring and share lunches, coordinating hall set-up, etc.

Purpose  

The Pilgrimage organiser is responsible for planning, and coordinating our parish pilgrimages. 

Key responsibilities

   - Research and identify potential pilgrimage destinations if needed (we have a few usual places of pilgrimage). 

   - Organise the timing with the priest and logistics. Event can be advertised through the website (website officer will help). 

   - Serve as the primary point of contact for all pilgrimage participants, providing clear communication and guidance throughout the planning process and during the trip.

   - Lead pre-pilgrimage meetings to inform participants about the itinerary, travel arrangements, etc.

Skills and Attributes

- Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail in planning and executing travel arrangements.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to guide and support a diverse group of participants.

- Experience in budget management and the ability to manage financial resources effectively.

Purpose

The Sunday school leader is responsible for leading and managing St Ephraim's Sunday School program for children and young people. This role involves creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment where children can grow in their faith, learn biblical teachings, and develop a strong foundation in Orthodox Christian values. We have material developed over the years from previous activities that can be put in use again. Equally this is an opportunity to develop new activities and curriculum. 

Key responsibilities

   - Plan weekly lessons that include a variety of teaching methods, such as storytelling, crafts, music, and interactive activities, to engage children in learning about the Bible and Orthodox Christian life.

   - Incorporate special themes and events, such as feast celebrations, plays, etc into the curriculum. 

   - Ensure that the Sunday School environment is safe, welcoming, and inclusive, following all church safeguarding policies and procedures.

   - Communicate regularly with parents to keep them informed about the Sunday School program, upcoming lessons, and any special events.

   - Encourage parental involvement in the Sunday School program, such as through volunteer opportunities or participation in family-oriented activities.

   - Create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere where children feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their faith.

   - Maintain accurate attendance records and manage the Sunday School budget, ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently.

   - Report regularly to church leadership on the progress and needs of the Sunday School program, including any challenges or successes.

Skills and Attributes

- Strong understanding of Christian teachings and the ability to convey them in an engaging and age-appropriate manner.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with children and build positive relationships with parents and volunteers.s.

- Creativity and adaptability in lesson planning and teaching methods.

- A compassionate and nurturing approach, with a genuine love for working with children and helping them grow in their faith.

- Organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities.

Commitment

This role requires a regular commitment to prepare and lead Sunday School sessions, as well as additional time for planning, training, and special events. We are looking for at least two Sunday School leaders, so you will be working together and hopefully share the load. 

Purpose

The Fundraising Officer is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to raise funds for our future church building. This role involves organizing fundraising events, managing donor relationships, proactively looking out for opportunities to promote our church building fund. 

Key responsibilities

   - Develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes various initiatives such as events, campaigns, grants, and appeals to meet grow our future building fund. 

   - Set clear fundraising goals and objectives, in collaboration with our parish trustees, and create plans to achieve them.

   - Organize and oversee fundraising events, such as charity dinners, auctions, concerts, and community fairs, ensuring they are well-planned, well-promoted, and financially successful.

   - Coordinate with volunteers, staff, and external vendors to ensure all aspects of the events are executed smoothly and within budget.

   - Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, ensuring they are thanked and recognized for their contributions.

   - Develop and implement a donor stewardship plan that includes regular communication, updates on how their donations are being used, and opportunities for further engagement.

   - Identify and cultivate potential new donors, including individuals, businesses, and community organizations.

   - Plan and manage specific fundraising campaigns, such as capital campaigns, annual appeals, or online giving drives, ensuring that they are effectively promoted and achieve their financial targets.

   - Use a variety of fundraising methods, including direct mail, online platforms, and social media, to reach a broad audience and maximize donations.

   - Research and identify grant opportunities that align with our parish mission and needs.

   - Write and submit grant applications, ensuring they are well-crafted, persuasive, and meet all requirements.

Financial oversight and reporting

   - Manage the fundraising budget, ensuring that expenses are controlled and that fundraising activities are cost-effective.

   - Keep accurate records of all fundraising income and expenditures, and provide regular reports to church leadership on the financial status and progress of fundraising efforts.

Skills and attributes

- Strong understanding of fundraising principles and techniques, with experience in organizing successful fundraising initiatives.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage effectively with donors, volunteers, and the church community.

- Creativity and innovation in developing new fundraising ideas and strategies.