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Board Chair

South East

Canterbury Cathedral

Organisation Type

Charity/NfP

Industry / Sector

Heritage / Culture

About The Organisation

About Canterbury Cathedral

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.

Chapter is the body corporate of Canterbury Cathedral. Its members have the general control and management of the administration of the Cathedral. 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.

The purpose of the Safeguarding Committee is to support Chapter in fulfilling its safeguarding obligations by ensuring arrangements relating to all aspects of safeguarding in the Cathedral are fit for purpose and are communicated fully, both internally and externally. ​​​​​

Position Description

About the Non-Executive Member of Chapter role:

In this recruitment campaign we are seeking to appoint one member of Chapter and Lay Canon. We are particularly interested to hear from candidates who have a safeguarding background, with knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy and practice that encompasses both adults and children.

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. An “actual communicant member” of the Church of England is legally defined as a baptized person who is confirmed (or ready to be confirmed) and has received Holy Communion at least three times in the preceding twelve months.

About the Safeguarding Committee roles:

We are interested to hear from candidates who have a safeguarding background, with strategic expertise in victim/survivor advocacy, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, or regulatory safeguarding (e.g., social care, policing, or education) and are able to meet the following person specification.

Committee Members are not required to be an actual communicant.

Selection Criteria

Non-Executive Member of Chapter role:

  • Current knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy and practice that encompasses both adults and children.
  • Experience of sitting on safeguarding panels.
  • Understanding of how to provide effective oversight and scrutiny of safeguarding.
  • Be able to provide constructive scrutiny and challenge of process and procedure.
  • An ability to work effectively and collaboratively as a member of a team and to shape, drive, scrutinise and monitor decisions.
  • Experience of participating fully in discussions and meetings.
  • Core values of diversity and inclusion and safeguarding of vulnerable people.
  • An ability to identify and manage conflicts of interest.

Safeguarding Committee roles:

  • 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

Please visit the website for more information and to apply.