Dear Applicant,
Secretary to the Church of England Ethical Investment Advisory Group
Sometimes a job opportunity comes along that is genuinely unique. This is one of them.
The Ethical Investment Advisory Group provides advice on ethical investment matters to the three Church of England National Investing Bodies or ‘NIBs’ (i.e. the Church Commissioners, Pensions Board, and the church funds managed by CCLA Investment Management) which collectively steward assets c£17bn. The EIAG is the authoritative voice for distinctly Anglican ethical investment policy advice. Its work covers a broad range of ethical investment issues, most recently ground-breaking advice on ‘big tech’.
The Secretary sits at the centre of this, supporting the EIAG’s Chair and members, and co-ordinating between the EIAG, the NIBs, and other stakeholders including Lambeth Palace and the Archbishops’ Council. It is a rare opportunity to shape policy and influence thinking. It’s not always easy: ethical issues rarely are and you are working with passionate people. But the EIAG’s work provides the NIBs’ moral licence to operate and has led to global firsts including on climate change engagement and human rights.
The Secretary works closely with the NIBs’ responsible investment teams; a network of colleagues passionate about showing that great investment performance can be delivered upholding ethical principles.
This is a distinct role, separate from the NIBs, but closely related to them. John is the Secretary’s line manager, giving direct access to a NIB CEO and helping the Secretary navigate the complexities of the Church of England. Barbara is our Chair of the EIAG, and the person with whom the Secretary works most closely in managing the work programme and getting the best out of our members.
To be successful in this role you need to have fantastic organisational skills to ensure the EIAG runs successfully, coupled with the ability to develop policies and advice drawing on the expertise of EIAG members and the NIBs. This means you need to be collaborative, a clear communicator and, at times, a diplomat. A background in theology is an advantage, but we’re not expecting you to be an expert in any particular field. We will want you to share with us your interest in investment, ethics, and environmental, social and governance issues in business.
There is the potential to craft this role around the postholder. This means we are very open to flexible working arrangements, be that part-time working, a job-share, hybrid and home working. Funded by the NIBs, the Secretary has a budget and some latitude to commission work and bring in support as required to make the role effective.
Thank you for your interest. Please do take the opportunity to find out more about the role, and please ask if you have questions.
John Ball |
Barbara Ridpath |