Consultant

Independent Consultant – Review of Learning for Ministry in the Methodist Church
The Methodist Church is seeking an independent consultant to undertake a review of Learning for Ministry in the Methodist Church. Some work in this area was undertaken seven years ago. An experienced consultant is now required to review the current work at the institutions, consult with stakeholders and make an interim report to the Methodist Conference in June 2025 with recommendations.
Working to the Terms of Reference agreed by the Ministries Committee the consultant will be required.
To note the criteria and expected competencies for reception into Full Connexion and ordination after a period of training and probation, which have been agreed by the Conference.
To review and assess the efficacy of the Connexion’s work at Cliff College and the Queen’s Foundation in the light of financial constraints, changes in the HE and ecumenical TEI sectors since the 2017 HE Act, and the priorities for training set by the Conference, especially in the 2021 reports Ministry in the Methodist Church and Changing Patterns of Ministry, and the circumstances in which ministry will be exercised in the mid-21st century.
To review any agreements that the Council has made with other institutions, both in the delivery of learning for ministry and in the generation of revenue.
To note the role of the newly introduced Connexional Learning Forum.
To review the collaboration between the institutions and the Connexional Team (principally but not solely the Learning Network) in the delivery of training for lay and ordained ministry.
To make initial recommendations to the Ministries Committee (by 31 January 2025) for report to the Connexional Council and the 2025 Conference.
To consult with a range of stakeholders (names and contact details to be provided).
The successful candidate will have an in-depth knowledge and experience of the Higher Education Learning Sector. They will have substantial experience and proven ability in project management. They must be able to operate independently and collaboratively over a remote network and to get to grips with the complexity of the project requirements in a short space of time. The consultant must be able to maintain discretion, tact and objectivity in order to address the various challenges posed. They will be expected to liaise regularly with the Head of Ministries and Learning as the project progresses.
Applicants need not be members of the Methodist Church but must be sympathetic to and have an understanding of the mission and aims of the Methodist Church. Applicants must also show a clear commitment to the principles of Equal Opportunities. An understanding of safeguarding issues in the context of Church life is also essential.
The role is likely to require a time commitment of two and a half days per week, initially for a period of twelve months. A competitive daily rate will be offered. The role will be home-based but may also require some travel to the Church’s office in London and the institutions to attend face-to-face meetings, for which reasonable travel expenses will be covered.
Applicants should submit a current CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role by an email before 5pm on Monday 16 September 2024. If you would like to speak to someone about this role then please contact
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Interviews will be held on Friday 27 September in person at 25 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9SF.