Trustee in Birmingham

Birmingham Cathedral is seeking a new non-executive Chapter member (trustee) to help shape the future of one of the city's most significant spiritual, civic and heritage institutions. This is an opportunity to contribute strategic leadership, governance and oversight while helping ensure the cathedral remains a place of worship, welcome, community engagement and public service for future generations.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in finance, audit, property and heritage, fundraising, HR, organisational development or governance. Previous trustee experience is not required.

Birmingham Cathedral has been a centre of Christian worship and witness for more than 300 years and is the seat of the Bishop of Birmingham. Home to the internationally significant Burne-Jones windows, the cathedral combines daily worship, musical excellence, civic engagement and community outreach with a commitment to hospitality, inclusion and service.

About The Role

As a member of Chapter, you will help provide strategic leadership, governance and oversight for Birmingham Cathedral, working alongside the Dean. Chapter members are invaluable in shaping the direction of the cathedral and ensuring we continue to fulfil our mission and purpose. You will work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers and external partners to uphold the cathedral’s mission, vision, values and strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities of Chapter Members

• Perform the requirements of Charity Trustees for the purposes of the Charities Act 2011.
• Take full part in the discussions and decision making of the Chapter as it fulfils its statutory responsibilities to exercise general control and management of the administration of the cathedral.
• Order the worship of the cathedral and promote its mission.
• Formulate, after consulting the bishop, proposals relating to the general direction and mission of the cathedral.
• Ensure the approval of an annual budget.
• Ensure the preparation and approval of an annual report and accounts for audit and subsequent approval.
• Keep under review the Constitution and Statutes.
• Ensure the appropriate management of cathedral property and income, including necessary repairs and maintenance.

Key Individual Responsibilities of Chapter Members

• Attend Chapter meetings, held a minimum of six times a year for approximately three hours on a weekday afternoon, including one all-day away-day (all held in Birmingham City Centre).
• Offer an average time commitment of six hours per month, unevenly spread.
• Support and engage with the worshipping life and mission of the cathedral.
• Contribute to the ministry of hospitality offered at the cathedral, and other cathedral activities as may be appropriate.
• Attend civic and community events.
• Act as an ambassador for the cathedral.
• Support Chapter in advancing the cathedral's charitable objectives and strategic priorities.
• Appointments are normally for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment.

Who We Are Looking For

To support delivery of the cathedral’s strategic plan, we particularly welcome applications from individuals at this time with skills in:

• Strategic finance, financial management or stewardship.
• Audit, assurance or internal controls.
• Property and heritage asset management.
• Fundraising and income generation.
• HR, organisational development or governance.

Applicants are not expected to have experience across all of these areas. We welcome applications from individuals who bring expertise in one or more of these fields. Experience in arts and heritage, community engagement or social justice initiatives, digital communications, investment planning, partnership-building across sectors and urban mission and inclusion would also be welcome.

Person Specification

Essential

• Commitment to, and enthusiasm for, the Christian mission, values and ministry of Birmingham Cathedral.
• Eligibility to serve as a charity trustee.
• Commitment to safeguarding excellence, including completing safeguarding training and contributing to a safe, healthy and positive cathedral culture.
• Ability to think strategically and long-term, exercise sound judgement, and contribute to complex organisational governance.
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the responsibilities of a charity trustee, including accountability, confidentiality and collective decision-making.
• Commitment to the cathedral’s strategic priorities.
• Strong communication skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively, collaborate effectively and build trust across diverse groups.
• Willingness to undertake trustee development and continue learning in support of effective governance.
• Ability to commit the time and energy required for the role, including meetings, preparation and training.

Desirable but not required

• Local knowledge or community context.

Other Information

This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Training and support will be provided. Previous trustee experience is not required. We welcome first-time trustees and will provide induction, training and ongoing support. Birmingham Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of those under 18 and vulnerable adults. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

To express interest, please review the detailed recruitment pack attached to this advert or available on Birmingham Cathedral's website. Join us in helping shape the future of Birmingham Cathedral as a place of prayer, welcome, heritage, civic engagement and service to the city.

Our Recruiting Approach

We are committed to building a Chapter that reflects the diversity of Birmingham and particularly encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds, younger professionals, women, disabled people and others whose perspectives are currently underrepresented in charity governance. We kindly ask no contact from recruitment agencies please.