At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the strategic direction of a leading conference centre in the hospitality sector.
- Company: Join Church House Westminster, a prestigious venue with a rich history.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience and contribute to impactful decisions in a charitable organisation.
- Other info: Attend quarterly meetings and engage in occasional strategic support.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the hospitality industry while supporting a renowned venue's growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality and strategic insight; board experience is a plus but not required.
The Board of Directors, comprising executive and non-executive directors, is seeking to appoint an additional non-executive director with significant experience in the hospitality sector, ideally within a high-end venue, events space, or conference centre. At this time, we are particularly looking for someone who can bring strategic insight into the hospitality and events market, including guest experience, venue positioning, and sector trends, while also contributing to discussions around marketing, branding, and audience engagement to help grow Church House Westminster’s profile and reach.
Church House Westminster is the trading name of Church House Conference Centre Ltd and is renowned as one of London’s leading conference and event venues. A member of the prestigious Westminster Venue Collection, Church House Westminster attracts a wide variety of clients from both the corporate and public sectors. The venue can cater for meetings and events from 2 - 600 delegates. It also comprises a café. Church House Westminster occupies the spaces used twice yearly by the General Synod of the Church of England. The building has an illustrious history, including the Second World War, when Parliament used it as an emergency location for the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Following the war, the preparatory meetings for establishing the United Nations and the first meeting of the UN Security Council were held at Church House. More recently, Church House has continued to play a role in moments of national significance. The building welcomed the world’s Heads of State and members of royalty during both the State Funeral of Elizabeth II and the Coronation of Charles III. In addition, Church House has hosted major public tribunals and inquiries of national importance, continuing its long tradition of supporting the life of the nation.
The Conference Centre was established in 1990 and is the wholly owned trading subsidiary of The Corporation of The Church House, a registered Royal Charter charity. All profits from Church House Westminster are covenanted back to the parent charity. Previous board experience is not necessary; however, executive director or similar high-level leadership would be welcome.
Role of the Non-Executive Director
As a Non-Executive Director of Church House Westminster, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the Conference Centre, ensuring it remains a leading venue in the events and hospitality sector. You will provide valuable independent oversight, helping to steer the business towards sustainable growth while maintaining its core values and charitable purpose. Specifically, your responsibilities will include:
- Contributing strategic insight and oversight to the development and implementation of the 5-year Business Plan, with a focus on marketing and audience engagement.
- Advising on marketing and brand positioning strategies to enhance Church House Westminster’s reputation and competitive advantage in the market.
- Monitoring the company’s financial and operational performance to ensure robust financial controls and risk management processes are in place.
- Acting as a critical friend to the executive team, providing independent support and challenge to help shape key business decisions.
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory and governance requirements, safeguarding the organisation’s long-term sustainability.
- Championing innovation and business development initiatives, particularly in digital marketing and audience expansion.
- Attending and actively participating in quarterly Board meetings, as well as occasional ad hoc engagements when required.
Commitment: 4 Board meetings per annum (Jan, May, July, Nov), plus occasional strategic support.
Recruitment timetable:
- Closing date for application: 20th April
- Preliminary Interviews: 30th April
- Final Interviews: TBC
- First Board meeting for successful candidate: 19 November 2026
How To Apply
To apply for this role, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV, a Supporting Statement/cover letter stating suitability with special reference to hospitality and the details of two references. Please submit your application to Lorraine.windell@churchofengland.org, ensuring you provide your contact details and inform us of any dates when you are unavailable or where you may experience difficulties with the indicative timetable.
Non Executive Director - Hospitality Focus in City of London employer: Church House Westminster
Church House Westminster is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to one of London's premier conference and event venues. With a commitment to charitable values, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that fosters strategic insight and innovation, while also providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. The venue's rich history and its role in significant national events make it a rewarding place to work, where your contributions can have a lasting impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Non Executive Director - Hospitality Focus in City of London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality sector! Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with someone from the board or the hospitality scene, make sure to highlight your experience and insights. Share your thoughts on current trends and how they could impact Church House Westminster. This will show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who can genuinely contribute.
✨Prepare for the Board Meetings
If you land an interview, brush up on the specifics of Church House Westminster and its role in the community. Familiarise yourself with their past events and strategic goals. Being well-informed will help you engage in meaningful discussions and demonstrate your commitment to their mission.
✨Apply Through Our Website
While you can send your application via email, we encourage you to check out our website for any additional resources or tips that might help you stand out. Plus, applying through our site can sometimes give you a better chance of being noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Non Executive Director - Hospitality Focus in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in the hospitality sector. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements and relevant skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Non-Executive Director role. Be specific about your strategic insights and how they can benefit Church House Westminster.
Showcase Your Strategic Insight:In your Supporting Statement, focus on your understanding of the hospitality and events market. We’re looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas, so share your thoughts on guest experience and venue positioning!
Follow Application Instructions:Don’t forget to include your contact details and mention any dates you might be unavailable. We appreciate clear communication, so make sure your application is neat and follows the guidelines provided!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church House Westminster
✨Know Your Hospitality Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in the hospitality sector, especially around guest experience and venue positioning. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also have a genuine passion for the industry.
✨Show Strategic Insight
Prepare to share your thoughts on how Church House Westminster can enhance its marketing and branding strategies. Think about innovative ideas that could help grow their profile and reach, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Be a Critical Friend
As a Non-Executive Director, you’ll need to provide independent oversight. Think about how you can support the executive team while also challenging them when necessary. Prepare examples from your past where you’ve successfully balanced support and constructive criticism.
✨Engage with the Venue's History
Familiarise yourself with the rich history of Church House Westminster. Understanding its significance and how it has evolved over time will help you connect with the board and demonstrate your commitment to preserving its legacy while driving future growth.
