This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close at 2026-11-18T23:59
The Vacancy
The Methodist Church’s listed buildings make a significant contribution to the heritage and life of our urban and rural landscapes. We recognise that, to be sustainable and to continue to serve their local communities, listed churches may need to change and adapt to meet changing worship and missional needs.
The Methodist Church is seeking an experienced conservation professional to play a significant role in protecting, enhancing and supporting the sustainable use of some of the UK's most significant and valued historic church buildings.
As Conservation Officer, you will be the Church's specialist adviser on matters relating to heritage, conservation and the Ecclesiastical Exemption process. You will work closely with managing trustees, heritage bodies, committees and colleagues across the Connexional Team to ensure that historic buildings continue to support worship, mission and community engagement while preserving their architectural and historic significance.
This is a unique opportunity to combine professional conservation expertise with meaningful work that supports the mission and witness of the Methodist Church.
The role is home-based with travel across the UK as required, including the Church’s offices in Manchester and London.
Methodist Ministers
Please note that applications from Methodist Ministers ( Presbyters and Deacons) cannot be considered for this role.
About You
We are looking for a knowledgeable and proactive conservation professional who can combine technical expertise with strong relationship-building and influencing skills. You will:
- Lead the administration of the Methodist Church’s Ecclesiastical Exemption arrangements and provide specialist conservation advice on listed buildings and heritage assets.
- Support and advise the Listed Buildings Advisory Committee, including coordinating applications and decision-making processes.
- Assess and advise on repair, alteration, conservation and development proposals affecting historic church buildings.
- Work with trustees, professional advisers and heritage bodies to secure positive conservation outcomes.
- Develop conservation policies, guidance and best practice to support the effective stewardship of heritage assets.
- Promote compliance with heritage legislation and support the investigation of unauthorised works where required.
- Build effective relationships with key external stakeholders, including national heritage and statutory bodies.
- Support the sustainable adaptation of historic buildings in line with the Methodist Church’s commitments to mission, inclusion, accessibility and Net Zero Carbon objectives.
If you meet most of the requirements, we encourage you to apply; transferable skills and experience will also be taken into consideration.
Our Culture, Values And Benefits
Thank you for considering joining our inclusive and welcoming team that strives for excellence and values employee wellbeing, a work-life balance augmented by:
- Generous annual leave (plus an extra 3 days over Christmas/New Year)
- Flexi-leave and or TOIL (where applicable)
- Access to an on-site Wellbeing Adviser service.
- A generous occupational pension scheme, where the Methodist Church will pay double the employee contribution up to a maximum of 16% employer contribution.
The Methodist Church is an inclusive and supportive employer. We are actively committed to encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups.
For questions or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please email hr@methodistchurch.org.uk .
Key Dates
Closing Date for Applications:
18 November 2026
Interviews (on-site in London): 1 December 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if sufficient applications are received.
The Methodist Church
For further information about The Methodist Church please visit our website https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/the-methodist-church/ .
Our Calling
The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission.
The Church exists to:
- Increase the awareness of God’s presence and celebrate God’s love (Worship).
- Help people to grow and learn as Christians, through mutual support and care (Learning and Caring).
- Be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice (Service).
- Make more followers of Jesus Christ (Evangelism).
Our Benefits
- Pension scheme
- Living Wage
- Season ticket loan
- Removal leave
- Annual quiet day
- Eye test vouchers
- Enhanced sick pay
- Flexible working
- 25 days' annual leave
- Maternity/paternity pay
- Christmas office closure
- Training and Development
- Health and Wellbeing
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Connexional Conservation Officer in Manchester employer: THE METHODIST CHURCH
The Methodist Church in Great Britain is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the spiritual and professional growth of its staff. As the Director of Ministry Formation, Research and Scholarship, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative approaches to ministerial training while collaborating with esteemed theological institutions in London. With a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and a commitment to health and wellbeing, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and impactful employment within a faith-based community.
