At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and guide a national charity, shaping strategy and overseeing finances.
- Company: The Association of Festival Churches, dedicated to preserving historic church buildings.
- Benefits: Make a real impact in your community while gaining valuable leadership experience.
- Other info: Voluntary role with flexible online meetings and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help churches thrive as vibrant community hubs.
- Qualifications: Leadership skills and a passion for community engagement are essential.
The Association of Festival Churches (AFC) is a national charity supporting historic church buildings that remain open, cared for and well used, though no longer sustaining regular weekly services. Founded in 2020, AFC promotes a model of doing less, but doing it better - enabling churches to focus on occasional worship celebrated as real events or festivals, alongside a wider programme of activity. Central to the festival church model is the involvement of people beyond the regular congregation. Through Friends or Action Groups, local communities are invited to play an active role in caring for the building, shaping its future, and planning festivals, services and events that attract wider audiences and renewed local support.
AFC now seeks to appoint two new Trustees:
- Chair of Trustees: To lead the Board, guide strategy, and act as an advocate for a growing national charity at the intersection of worship, heritage and community life.
- Treasurer: To oversee financial planning and reporting, ensuring robust governance and long term sustainability.
Trustees serve on a voluntary basis and meet six times a year online. These roles offer a rewarding opportunity to help churches flourish as places of faith, welcome and shared endeavour.
Closing date: Tuesday 26 May 2026 (noon)
For a recruitment pack or an informal conversation, please contact: AFC is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
Volunteer Trustee: Lead Chair or Strategic Treasurer in London employer: Church Times Jobs
The Association of Festival Churches (AFC) is an exceptional employer for those passionate about heritage, community engagement, and faith. As a national charity, AFC fosters a collaborative work culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages personal growth through meaningful volunteer roles. By joining AFC as a Trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of historic church buildings while connecting with local communities and making a lasting impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Trustee: Lead Chair or Strategic Treasurer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your community or those involved with AFC. Attend local events or online forums where you can chat about the role and share your passion for supporting historic church buildings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your commitment! When you get the chance, express why you're passionate about the festival church model. Share your ideas on how to engage the community and make a real impact – it’ll show you’re not just in it for the title.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for informal chats! If you get an opportunity to speak with current trustees or AFC members, have some thoughtful questions ready. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you understand their vision better.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Trustee: Lead Chair or Strategic Treasurer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of a Trustee and what the AFC is all about. Dive into their mission and values so you can tailor your application to show how you fit in with their vision.
Be Personal:Share your personal experiences and motivations for wanting to be a Trustee. We want to hear your story! Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that make you a great fit for either the Chair or Treasurer role.
Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of everything and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Church Times Jobs
✨Know Your AFC Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to really understand the Association of Festival Churches and its mission. Familiarise yourself with their model of doing less but better, and think about how your skills as a Trustee can contribute to this vision. This will show your genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Chair of Trustees or Treasurer, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project. Highlight how you can guide strategy and advocate for the charity's goals.
✨Engage with Community Involvement
Since the role involves engaging local communities, be ready to discuss how you can foster participation beyond the regular congregation. Think of innovative ideas for events or initiatives that could attract wider audiences and support for the churches.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the role and the organisation. Ask about their current challenges, future plans, or how they measure success. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
