- Maintain a forward-planning events calendar for Bishop's House, ensuring that all upcoming events are identified well in advance and preparation commences at the appropriate time.
- Proactively manage event timelines, monitoring tasks, milestones and deadlines to ensure smooth delivery.
- Produce and maintain event planning checklists and briefing notes for each event, ensuring all parties are well informed of their responsibilities.
- Conduct post-event reviews to identify learning and improve future event delivery.
- Manage the full invitation process for Bishop's House events, including drafting and sending invitations, co-ordinating RSVPs and maintaining accurate guest lists using the Try booking system.
- Administer event registrations, follow-up communications and any waiting list management through Try booking system.
- Ensure all event data is accurately recorded and maintained to support reporting and evaluation.
- Arrange and co-ordinate all catering requirements for events, including briefing caterers, confirming dietary requirements and ensuring presentation standards meet the expectations of Bishop's House.
- Source and manage catering suppliers, obtaining quotes and ensuring value for money in line with the Bishop’s financial policies.
- Ensure that appropriate hospitality is in place for all events, including day to day hospitality, maintaining the welcoming and professional ethos of Bishop's House.
- Liaise with venueto co-ordinate bookings, room layouts, facilities requirements and logistical arrangements for events held there.
- Ensure that all equipment, materials, resources and room layouts required for each event are prepared and in place ahead of time.
- Conduct pre-event checks at venues to ensure everything is in order, addressing any issues promptly.
- Manage the set-up and break-down of events at Bishop's House and at other Diocesan venues as required.
- Royal Maundy: Provide co-ordination and administrative support for all arrangements relating to Royal Maundy nominations and associated ceremonies, liaising with the Lord Chamberlain's Office and other relevant parties as required.
- Garden Party: Manage the nominations process for the King's Garden parties at Buckingham Palace, co-ordinating all associated travel arrangements and communications with nominees on behalf of the Bishop.
- Clergy Spouse Events: Liaise with the Bishop’s Household to co-ordinate events for clergy spouses, including managing invitations, catering, programmes and any pastoral considerations.
- Support the organisation of residentials, teaching days and other gatherings as directed by the Bishop's Chaplain.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for event-related queries from internal and external stakeholders, responding in a timely, professional and hospitable manner.
- Liaise with Diocesan departments (Communications, Finance, Property, Secretariat) and external suppliers to ensure joined-up event delivery.
- Provide timely updates and briefing notes to the Bishop's Chaplain on event planning progress.
- Responsible for sending out communications from the Bishop using relevant systems.
- Manage event budgets in conjunction with the Bishop's Chaplain, tracking expenditure and ensuring events are delivered within agreed financial parameters.
- Process invoices relating to events in accordance with Diocesan financial procedures.
- Uphold and promote the Diocese of Carlisle's commitment to safeguarding in all event planning and delivery.
- To undertake Health and Safety duties
- To assist the Bishop’s EAs with office administration
- Undertake other duties as reasonably required by the Bishop's Chaplain and Bishop’s EAs.
- Some flexibility is required to support events which may occasionally fall outside standard hours; time off in lieu will be granted.
- The successful postholder is required to work Friday mornings as part of their working week,
- Good standard of educational achievement
- Demonstrable experience in event coordination, planning or events administration
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- High standard of written and spoken English
- Experience of managing bookings, RSVPs or registration systems
- Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously, with strong attention to detail
- Experience of managing catering and hospitality arrangements
- Experience of liaising with external venues and suppliers
- Ability to manage event budgets and process financial administration
- Experience of forward planning and producing planning documentation
- Warm, hospitable and welcoming manner — the face of Bishop's House to guests and stakeholders
- Highly organised with excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise effectively
- Proactive and anticipatory; able to foresee what is needed before being asked
- Calm and effective under pressure; able to adapt quickly when plans change
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of seniority
- Able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
- Self-motivated and able to work independently within a small team
- Flexible approach to working hours to support occasional events outside normal hours
- Sympathy for the ethos and values of the Christian faith
- Committed to the Diocese's aims and its safeguarding responsibilities
- Experience using the Try booking system or similar event management software
- Experience of working in a Church of England, faith-based or public sector organisation
- Familiarity with the Church of England, its structures and the role of a Bishop
- Experience of coordinating high-profile, formal or civic events
- Experience working in a small team or personal office environment
- Strive for Excellence
- Show Compassion
- Respect others
- Collaborate
- Act with Integrity
Events Co-ordinator - Keswick
Job Description
To plan and coordinate a wide range of events on behalf of the Bishop of Carlisle, ensuring that all events are well-organised and effectively managed from inception through to completion. The Events Coordinator will be the central point of contact for all event-related activity at Bishop's House, working closely with the Bishop's Chaplain, the Bishop’s household and the wider Bishop's House team.
Internal relationships: Bishop's House team; Bishop's Chaplain; Head of HR & Governance; Finance Department; Communications; Property; Diocesan Secretariat; PTO Officer; Warden of Readers; Archdeacons; Clergy
External relationships: Rydal Hall; Catering suppliers; Lord Chamberlain's Office; St James' Palace; Archbishop's Offices; Venues and hospitality providers across the Diocese
The postholder will be based at Bishop's House, Ambleside Road, Keswick, CA12 4DD. The role is primarily based at Bishop's House with some requirement to attend Rydal Hall and other Diocesan venues.
Responsibilities
Event Planning & Forward Planning
Invitations & Booking Administration
Catering & Hospitality
Venue Management & Logistics
Flagship & Specialist Events
Communication & Stakeholder Liaison
Financial Administration
General
Circumstances
Interviews will be held on Monday 18 May 2026
About You
Essential Criteria
Technical Skills & Qualifications
Knowledge & Experience
Behavioural Competencies
Desirable Criteria
Technical Skills & Qualifications
Knowledge & Experience
Behavioural Competencies
About Us
About the NCIs
The National Church Institutions comprises a wide variety of teams, professions and functions that support the mission and ministries of the Church of England in its vision to be a church, centred on Jesus Christ, for the whole nation - a church that is simpler, humbler, bolder.
We Include. You Belong.
Our Belonging and Inclusion Strategy aims for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong, and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. Together, our people contribute in different ways towards our common purpose, whichever NCI they work in and whatever their background.
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