Web Analytics

Role Description

Chair of the Bath & Wells Diocesan Board of Finance

The Role

The role of Chair of the Bath & Wells Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) is a voluntary one, being an opportunity for a person to offer a significant Christian service to the life of the Diocese: its parishes, church schools and chaplaincies.  The DBF Chair has an important role in communication with the wider diocesan family and as an advocate for Diocesan Support Services which includes Support Services, Education and Ministry for Mission.

The DBF Chair plays a key role in the strategic leadership of the Diocese, especially through working with the Diocesan Bishop, Diocesan Secretary and other senior staff, the Diocesan Synod and the Bishop’s Council.  The Chair of the DBF is a bishop’s nominee of Bishop’s Council; the role is that of a non-executive working at a strategic level.

The relationship between the DBF Chair and the Diocesan Secretary is an important one.  It is expected that the DBF Chair will work collaboratively and in support of the Diocesan Secretary; holding the person to account with the Diocesan Bishop, but enabling them to lead the Diocesan Support Services in the development and implementation of the Board’s set strategic policy.

We are seeking a new DBF Chair during a time of continued change, particularly within the Church of England.  Dioceses are seeking to respond to changing needs and expectations with regard to the Church’s ministry and mission in their parishes and communities.  The next few years for the DBF are critical in considering how the Diocese of Bath and Wells can adapt to this changing landscape.  The new DBF Chair will therefore play a key role in shaping what happens in the future through working in partnership with the Diocesan Bishop and Diocesan Secretary and providing necessary support in managing that change.

 

Role Description

Post:  Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF)

Our vision: In response to God’s immense love for us, we seek to be God’s people living and telling the story of Jesus.

The aim of the Diocesan Board of Finance: Is to promote, assist and advance the work of the Church of England in the Diocese of Bath & Wells by acting as the financial executive of the Diocesan Synod.

Key purpose of the role: As DBF Chair and lead Finance Trustee to support, encourage and oversee the agreed vision and strategic priorities of the diocese, particularly in the area of finance, inspiring confidence in DBF financial management, and ensuring that mission priorities are funded whilst maintaining sound and sustainable DBF finances.

Accountable to: Diocesan Bishop

Key relationships:

  • Diocesan Bishop
  • Diocesan Secretary
  • Other members of the Bishop’s Staff
  • Members of Bishop’s Council, especially with Chairs and Vice Chairs of Committees
  • Members of the Finance Group
  • Chair of Audit and Risk Management Group
  • Other senior DBF officers e.g. Head of Finance and Operations, Assistant Diocesan Secretary

Responsibilities

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Chairing the DBF (Finance Group and those parts of the Bishop’s Council concerning the business of the DBF executive and finance) and ensuring the effective functioning of the Board and its sub-committees
  • As lead Finance Trustee, in conjunction with the Diocesan Secretary and Head of Finance and Operations, support, encourage and oversee the financial control of the DBF ensuring:
    • Appropriate reporting including accounting (statutory and management), financial and asset management, annual budgeting and forward planning
    • Compliance with both company and charity law and other relevant legislation or regulations
    • Appropriate resources (people, money, buildings) are secured and deployed effectively in order to effectively fulfil the Board’s objectives
    • Presenting the DBF Annual Report and Accounts for receiving at the AGM (July Diocesan Synod) and annual DBF Budget for approval at October Diocesan Synod
  • In consultation with the Diocesan Bishop and Diocesan Secretary ensuring that the DBF sets strategy and policy objectives and implements agreed change as necessary
  • In conjunction with the Diocesan Bishop, reviewing and appraising the performance of the Diocesan Secretary on an annual basis in his/her role of oversight for all DBF employees

Representation role

Internally:

  • To represent the DBF and when necessary be the ‘public face’ of the organisation
  • To be present where appropriate at relevant diocesan events
  • To visit parishes and deaneries from time-to-time in order to:
    • Foster the relationship between the DBF and its parishes and schools
    • Communicate DBF priorities and policies
    • Receive feedback and comment

Externally:

  • To meet from time-to-time with the DBF Chairs in the South West Region on an informal basis for the purpose of sharing and extending good practice across dioceses
  • To attend national events e.g. IDFF, with the Diocesan Secretary and Head of Finance and Operations