Canterbury Cathedral - Non Executive Member of Chapter

Inclusive Boards are delighted to be working with Canterbury Cathedral in their search for a new Non Executive Member of Chapter and Lay Canon.

Founded by St Augustine in 597 AD, Canterbury Cathedral is a unique place of worship, a major pilgrimage destination, a masterpiece of art and architecture, and one of the UK’s most-visited historic sites. Often referred to as ‘England in stone’, the Cathedral has been at the centre of momentous events and upheavals. It is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and resting place of royalty and saints.Canterbury Cathedral became a full charity in February 2024 (under the Cathedrals Measure 2021) and as well as being regulated by the Church Commissioners, will also be regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. As part of this new governance structure, the Archbishop of Canterbury together with the Cathedral Chapter are looking for a person of experience and expertise who can make a significant contribution to the governance of the Cathedral.

About the Opportunity

Being a member of Chapter is equivalent to being a charity trustee and puts you at the heart of our team of nearly 600 volunteers, staff, and clergy as well as our worshipping congregations: local, regional, and international. As a member of Chapter you will have the opportunity to contribute to the long-term vision, strategy, and sustainability not only of one of the truly great buildings of our nation, but also to a centre of Christian spirituality, worship, and heritage spanning over a thousand years.

​We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with marketing and communications acumen and experience, particularly in the area of visitor development and promotion.

All Chapter members must either be an actual communicant (within the meaning given in Rule 83(2) of the Church of England’s Church Representation Rules) or a communicant member of a Church which is not in communion with the Church of England but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

Request a Candidate Pack

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Person Specification

We are particularly interested to hear from candidates who have a communications background, with experience of promotion through different methods of marketing, and communication through the press and social media.

We are also seeking candidates who:

  • Are committed to the Cathedral’s Christian vision, mission and ministry.
  • Are able to reflect the ethos set out in the Nolan Principles within our charitable context.
  • Show demonstrable strategic leadership and management skills and able to provide effective strategic guidance.
  • Have strong intellectual and analytical skills with a broad based and long term view of strategic and organisational goals.
  • Possess the highest levels of trust and integrity.
  • Have the ability to gain the trust, respect and support of fellow members of Chapter and the wider Cathedral community.
  • Are able to show empathy in dealing with others and to engage. diplomatically and with authority in dialogue and debate on critical issues.
  • Are able to voice concerns. appropriately in a frank but professional manner and to deal with conflict constructively.
  • Have knowledge of principles and processes in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
  • Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of relating well to diverse stakeholder groups.

How to Apply

Deadline for applications: 30/03/2025

The recruitment process is being undertaken by Inclusive Boards on behalf of Canterbury Cathedral. If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following by 23:59 on 30/03/2025.

  • A detailed CV, setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements.
  • A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role for which you’re applying and how you meet the person specification. Please note that the cover letter is an important part of your application and will be assessed.
  • Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

If you have further questions after reading this pack, please email canterbury@inclusiveboards.co.uk or call 0207 267 8369.

Please visit this link to apply online or send your CV and cover letter to canterbury@inclusiveboards.co.uk.