Post Introduction

Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England - Vacancy

The Commission is seeking an engineer to join for the remainder of this quinquennium (until the end of April 2027). The Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011 specifies that this shall be ‘a chartered engineer … with experience of the care of historic buildings.’ The appointment is made by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, after consultation with the President of the Institution of Structural Engineers and the President of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

We would particularly welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. By diversity, we mean we want more skilled, experienced people who are also women; people of global majority heritage; LGBTQIA+; younger; with disabilities; and from all faith and social backgrounds. We believe that removing barriers to diversity and inclusion is a fundamental part of our becoming a “simpler, humbler, bolder” Anglican Church, as part of our Vision and Strategy for the next decade. Diversity is also rooted in our fourth Mark of Mission: “To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation.” In our committees we hope to achieve more robust and informed decision making, drawing upon more diverse voices drawn from all the people and communities the Church serves.  

The Commission has two main duties: to help ensure that the Church of England’s cathedrals are cared for and conserved to the highest possible standards, so that public confidence is maintained in the Church’s responsible stewardship of these buildings, which have a pre-eminent place in the nation’s heritage and identity; and to balance the requirements of conservation with the need for cathedrals to continue and to develop their proper role as the seat of the diocesan bishop and as a centre of Christian worship and mission. 

In its advisory role the Commission is keen to promote sensitive and imaginative engineering solutions in historic buildings, informed by knowledge both of traditional approaches and the latest techniques.

Candidates for this position will be shortlisted and given an informal interview by a panel reflecting the diversity of the Church of England. The eventual appointee will be eligible for reappointment for up to two further five-year terms on the Commission.

If you would be interested in being considered for this position, please send an expression of interest, together with a current C.V., by July 18^th, 2025. 

A role description is attached. Should you have any questions about the role please contact Tom Ashley, Head of Cathedral and Major Church Buildings, at thomas.ashley@churchofengland.org.