Job Description

The Catholic Diocese of East Anglia is looking for an Administrator to support its Tribunal. The Tribunal is the Church's court of law, and people mainly come to it seeking help with issues around marriage and separation with a view to seeking an annulment of marriage. The Administrator is often the first point of contact for people in complicated life situations, as well as supporting the formal processes of the Tribunal. So we are looking for someone who has well-developed skills in listening to and supporting clients, as well being well-organised and able to ensure that the procedures of Church law are accurately followed and recorded. The role may particularly suit someone who has worked in family social services or the Courts or Probation Services, as well as someone with a background in Church tribunals.

Job Purpose

Among its roles, the Tribunal of the Diocese of East Anglia explores the nature of the 'Sacramental Bond' of any former marriage, examining the consent upon which a marriage was founded. Where a couple are now divorced, evidence supporting grounds for nullity under the Code of Canon Law is examined at a Tribunal Court Hearing. A Decree of Nullity will be issued if there is sufficient proof of an invalid marriage.

Working with the Judicial Vicar and the Adjunct Judicial Vicar, The Tribunal Administrator carries out the day-to-day administration of nullity investigations, organising the gathering of evidence, arranging Tribunal Hearings, following Canon Law procedures, and dealing with all enquiries and matters sensitively and compassionately, while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Collaborate with and assist the Judicial Vicar/Adjutants and other Tribunal officers, including arranging meetings, training days, and payments, and assisting with problems that may arise Listen to participants in cases and others who approach the Tribunal with pastoral sensitivity Become gradually familiar with the Catholic Church's legal Tribunal and other relevant procedures, and be receptive to formation in such procedures Advise applicants and clergy on appropriate Tribunal procedures Manage all correspondences with and from the Tribunal, including with other Tribunals, the Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland, international and diplomatic communications, and communication with Rome when necessary Receive petitions for Tribunal cases (mainly marriage nullity cases), implementing, following, and ensuring the completion of the procedural stages from first enquiry to implementation of judgements, liaising with Tribunal officers and participants in cases, and co-ordinating as necessary Transcribe Tribunal hearings and recorded interviews, and typeset documents Maintain both current physical and digital case files and the archive, and compile annual statistics

Person Specification

Qualifications and experience

Demonstrable experience with administrative work is necessary Demonstrable experience in a public-facing sensitive role is necessary Experience transcribing recorded material is desirable

Attributes

The successful candidate will be able to work in accordance with the ethos and values of the Catholic Church

Ability to maintain confidentiality Ability to act with calm pastoral sensitivity and respond well to unexpected issues Excellent interpersonal skills Professional manner and presentation, with a collegiate, respectful and supportive approach to work. Collaborative approach to all aspects of work Excellent attention to detail and a well-ordered approach to work, including strong administration, organisation, and planning skills

Two references should be supplied.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 13.50 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking
Work Location: In person