The Diocese of Newcastle is seeking a Chair of The Newcastle Diocesan Education Board.
The role of Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) is a voluntary one, being an opportunity for a person to offer a significant Christian service to the life of the diocese: its Church of England schools and academies; parishes; and organisations. The DBE Chair has an important role in communicating with the wider diocesan family; acting as an advocate for our Church of England schools and academies and being a spokesperson for the DBE.
The DBE Chair plays a key role in the strategic leadership of the Diocese, especially through working with the Bishop and Diocesan Synod to ensure the work of the Board aligns with Diocesan strategic priorities. The Chair of the DBE is an ex officio member of Diocesan Synod. The role is that of a non-executive working at a strategic level. The relationship between the DBE Chair and the Diocesan Director of Education (DDE) is an important one. It is expected that the DBE Chair will work collaboratively and in support of the DDE; holding the Director to account but enabling them to lead the Education Team in the development and implementation of the Board’s agreed strategic policy and priorities.
The Newcastle Diocesan Education Board (NDEB) has formed a partnership with the Durham Diocesan Education Board (DDEB) and together we fund and manage a Joint Education Team. The partnership is governed through an incorporated body registered as a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). The LLP is wholly owned by the NDEB and the DDEB. The role therefore involves working in partnership with the DDEB and co-chairing of the LLP.
We are seeking a new DBE Chair during a time of continued change and financial pressure in the Education sector and the growing need for the Diocese to respond to changing needs with regards to the level and ways in which we support our Church schools and academies and children and young people in our communities.
Closing date for applications: Monday 29 September 2025
To apply please supply a covering letter detailing your expression of interest in the role, along with either a CV or details of your church record, and details of two referees, to the Bishop of Newcastle’s PA: d.botha@newcastle.anglican.org.