Role descriptions help bring clarity to volunteers and to those who lead them. 

Why Role Descriptions Matter:

They help to manage expectations, to clarify limits, to give direction on accountability and training, and to paint a picture of how a particular role fits into the bigger purpose and vision of the church community. You'll see what this looks like in action in the example Role Description hyperlinked below. 

They are a valuable part of safer recruitment, and are a vital tool for your organisation to know what levels of safeguarding checks are needed. Role descriptions help to keep people safe.

The process of writing a role description often helps me to think more closely about what is at heart of the role and how that roles fit into what we are already doing. So the examples here are offered as springboards to help you think through the roles needed in your church and to consider what they actually need to look like in practice. (I aim to add more Role Descriptions over time, so it's worth popping back here to look)

Here's a blank one you might want to use, but there are some below that are edited to fit various roles.

Remember you must be aware of the most up-to-do requirements for safer recruitment in your organisation and national government, and therefore have completed the appropriate Safer Recruitment training

List of Role Description Example (just click on the link, download and adapt)

General Blank Role Description - available here

Church Warden - example Role Description - available here

PCC Secretary - example Role Description - available here

Small Group Leader - example Role Description - available here

Pastoral Team Member - example Role Description (Coming soon)

Area Leader for Ministry and Mission - example Role Description (Coming soon)

Finance Team (various roles) - example Role Description (Coming soon)