Trustees

Use your expert knowledge in architectural history and heritage or digital marketing/communications skills to serve a nationally respected charity growing in its grant-making, impact and influence.

The National Churches Trust exists to support churches, chapels and meeting houses so that they remain at the heart of the communities for which they were built and can continue to play an integral part in all our lives.

The future of our churches, chapels and meeting houses is the single biggest challenge facing the heritage of the United Kingdom. It is also a challenge that goes to the heart of questions about the future of our communities, above all those that are more isolated and vulnerable. Our churches include nearly half of our most important historic buildings, listed Grade 1 or equivalent. They also contain by far the nation’s largest collection of art, sculpture and stained glass.

Increasingly too, from food banks to credit unions, the UK’s church buildings provide a growing list of essential services for people in urgent need. They are the ‘National Help Service’ providing the safety net that stops our most vulnerable people falling through the cracks and being the social glue that keeps our communities together.

However, despite their importance, our churches are at risk as never before.

More churches are closing, and many others face a very uncertain future. Historic England’s 2023 At Risk Register includes over 900 churches. In Wales, about a quarter of historic churches have closed in the last ten years, with many more now in danger. Meanwhile, in Scotland, as many as 40% of the Church of Scotland’s churches face closure.

We are seeking three trustees that will further align the board’s expertise with our vision and strategic plans to galvanise long-term support to help as many churches as possible, by bringing skills in one or more of the following areas:

• Architectural history, heritage and Conservation: in-depth knowledge and experience of, as well as strong networks in, the heritage and conservation sectors.

• Digital and technology: experience of leadership where digital technologies or digital marketing are central to an organisation’s strategy.

• Communications: first-hand experience of how the media operate and in-depth understanding of how to communicate effectively with different audiences.

We recognise the immense value of different perspectives brought by those with varied backgrounds, characteristics and life experiences. We particularly welcome applications from under represented sections of the community (specifically in our context, individuals of Global Majority Heritage) and from candidates based outside London and the South-East of England, specifically from Scotland but also Wales and Northern Ireland.

If you have a passion for The National Churches Trust’s mission, please find out more about this opportunity.

Closing date for expressions of interest is Wednesday 15th January 2025 at 12 noon GMT.