Post Introduction

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York in consultation with the Secretary of State for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport wish to appoint a new Chair of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England to succeed Dame Fiona Reynolds DBE, who will be standing down at the end of April 2027.

This voluntary role (non-remunerated, but expenses paid) is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in guiding the conservation, development and sustainability of the cathedrals of the Church of England. The Cathedrals Fabric Commission is an independent statutory body with a range of decision-making and advisory responsibilities relating to proposed changes to cathedral buildings, their contents, archaeology and settings.

The Commission meets seven times a year, typically in London. Some additional travelling for site visits and occasional events is also required. The Commission has 24 members and three participant observers.The role requires highly developed communication skills; experience of chairing at a senior level; and excellent analytical skills, combining the ability to look at detail but also to take a wider strategic view. 

The Chair need not be expert in architectural history or practical conservation but should have a deep understanding of the development and use of cathedral buildings. The Chair must be a lay person; it is not a requirement that they be a Christian, but they must have a sympathetic understanding of the mission of the Church of England.

Visit our Microsite to find out more about the role: https://jobs.churchofengland.org/cfce

For more information about the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England, please visit our website.

The closing date for applications is Monday 28 October. Longlisting interviews will take place between 2-6 November, and panel interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held on 25 November.