Post Introduction

The Cathedral and Church Buildings Department serves as the Church of England’s national hub for supporting the use, conservation, and development of its 42 cathedrals and 16,000 parish churches. It oversees 12,500 listed buildings—including nearly half of England’s Grade I listings—and manages key ecological churchyard spaces.

The department provides secretariat support to three statutory bodies: the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England (CFCE), the Church Buildings Council (CBC) and the Council’s Statutory Advisory Committee (SAC), advocates for church buildings with government and heritage organisations, and administers grant programmes for conservation work. It also leads efforts toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Strategically focused and service-driven, the department enhances national initiatives, promotes sustainability and accessibility, and raises awareness of heritage challenges. Its website offers vital resources for those involved in preserving church and cathedral buildings for future generations.

The purpose of this role is principally to support the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission in ensuring the smooth and timely discharge of the Commission’s statutory and wider functions under the Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011. 

• Support the delivery of national initiatives for conservation and Net Zero 2030.
  • Advise on sustainable development and ecological stewardship of churchyards.
  • Liaise with Government, Historic England, and heritage bodies to advocate for church buildings.
  • Manage and monitor grant programmes for historic churches and cathedrals.
  • Provide expert guidance to parishes and dioceses on building care and adaptation.
  • Contribute to campaigns raising awareness of threats to church heritage.

• The post-holder will also be required to travel regularly (by public transport or by car) to cathedral and Major Church buildings, and other venues, around the country, which may occasionally necessitate overnight stays – reasonable travel and accommodation expenses will be paid. The post holder must also be willing to work at height when making visits to church buildings.

Please note: This role is also suited for candidates who choose to work from home. If you opt to be a homeworker, you are responsible for your own travel expenses to your primary/base location, as the role requires you to attend infrequent face-to-face meetings 1-2 days per month.

You will need to be/have:

• Demonstrated understanding of the use of church buildings and understanding of their architectural and archaeological development. 
• Proven experience in board fields of conservation or heritage management, ideally in England, including planning legislation and the operation of the systems. 
• Practical insights into the adaptation of historic buildings for contemporary needs.
• Experience in engaging with and contributing to the work of committees.
• Sympathetic understanding of the purposes of the cathedral and Major Churches as centres of Christian worship and mission.
• Ability to summarise detailed discussions and complex ideas cogently, and to convey criticism tactfully and constructively. 
• An ability to prioritise and organise one’s workload, working to deadlines and agreed standards, even when under pressure, with attention to detail.  
• Able to communicate and work creatively with colleagues.
• The ability to deal tactfully, respectfully and productively with a wide range of contacts. 
• Flexibility and adaptability in the face of changing requirements. 
• Commitment to and awareness of the importance of diverse voices in discussing this work.  

• A salary of £29,134.20 (FTE £48,557) per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department’s needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK’s leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity