The DAWM reports directly to the Bishop of Dover and works with Diocesan officers. This is a voluntary position, with an expenses budget to cover the cost of attending the annual National Advisers for Women’s Ministry conference.
Key purpose
- The promotion of gender equality and the inclusion of ordained women at every level of ministry and life in God’s Church.
- To be an advocate for the ministry of clergy women in the diocese, enabling them to reach their full potential and flourish in ministry.
Role description
- To maintain the network of women clergy, to signpost resources and to organise gatherings that promote spiritual and leadership wellbeing.
- To work with senior staff in supporting ordained women in the diocese in their ministry; identifying where the contributions of women are constrained by the existing culture, habits and structures of the Church and working to effect change in those areas.
- To support, along with senior staff, the outworking of the Church of England’s Five Guiding Principles for mutual flourishing across the diocese and challenging discriminatory behaviour towards ordained women.
- To be an advocate and pastoral support for women in ministry and the issues that affect the development and practice of their ministry at diocesan, regional and national level.
- To maintain awareness amongst the senior staff of matters of general concern to women clergy and ensuring that women’s insights are brought to bear in theological reflection and decision-making in the diocese.
- To be proactive in encouraging ordained women to play a full part in the life of the diocese and to encourage balanced representation within diocesan structures.
- To work with the Diocesan Mission and Ministry Team to develop opportunities and training that enable women to reach their full potential in ministry and leadership.
- To work with the Vocations Team, especially in encouraging women under 30 and BAME women to explore a vocation to the ordained ministry.
- To contribute as a member of the National Association of Deans and Advisers in Women’s Ministry (NADAWM) at a national and regional level. https://www.nadawm.org/
- To encourage and promote mentors for women clergy to support their ministry development and growth into senior roles.
This role is for licensed female clergy and is an honorary position.