Non-Executive Member of Chapter and Lay Canonopen

Deadline for applications: 21st June 2026

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Canterbury Cathedral to appoint a Non-Executive Member of Chapter and Lay Canon.

We are also supporting Canterbury Cathedral to appoint new Committee Members to the Safeguarding Committee. To learn more about this opportunity, please visit our Opportunities page. 

About Canterbury Cathedral

Founded by St Augustine in 597 AD, Canterbury Cathedral is a unique place of worship, a major pilgrimage destination, a masterpiece of art and architecture, and one of the UK’s most-visited historic sites. Often referred to as ‘England in stone’, the Cathedral has been at the centre of momentous events and upheavals. It is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and resting place of royalty and saints.

Chapter is the body corporate of Canterbury Cathedral. Its members have the general control and management of the administration of the Cathedral. Canterbury Cathedral became a full charity in February 2024 (under the Cathedrals Measure 2021) and as well as being regulated by the Church Commissioners, will also be regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

About the Role of Member of Chapter and Lay Canon

Chapter members play a vital and strategic role in maintaining the Christian vision and mission of the Cathedral, as well as its corporate governance.​​​​​​

All Chapter members must either be an actual communicant (within the meaning given in Rule 83(2) of the Church of England’s Church Representation Rules) or a communicant member of a Church which is not in communion with the Church of England but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. An “actual communicant member” of the Church of England is legally defined as a baptized person who is confirmed (or ready to be confirmed) and has received Holy Communion at least three times in the preceding twelve months. 

We are also supporting Canterbury Cathedral to appoint Safeguarding Committee Members. Committee Members are not required to be an actual communicant. To learn more about this opportunity, please visit our Opportunities page. 

Person Specification

In this recruitment campaign we are seeking to appoint one member of Chapter and Lay Canon. We are particularly interested to hear from candidates who have a safeguarding background, with knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy and practice that encompasses both adults and children.

We are also seeking candidates who:

• Are committed to the Cathedral’s Christian vision, mission and ministry. 
• Are able to reflect the ethos set out in the Nolan Principles within our charitable context.
• Show demonstrable strategic leadership and management skills and able to provide effective strategic guidance.
• Have strong intellectual and analytical skills with a broad based and long term view of strategic and organisational goals.
• Possess the highest levels of trust and integrity. 
• Have the ability to gain the trust, respect and support of fellow members of Chapter and the wider Cathedral community.
• Are able to show empathy in dealing with others and to engage diplomatically and with authority in dialogue and debate on critical issues.
• Are able to voice concerns appropriately in a frank but professional manner and to deal with conflict constructively.
• Have knowledge of principles and processes in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of relating well to diverse stakeholder groups.

​​​​​​Canterbury Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

For more information please download the Candidate Information Pack via the links on this page.

How to Apply

The recruitment process is being undertaken by Inclusive Boards on behalf of Canterbury Cathedral. If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following by 11.59pm on 21/06/2026:

• A detailed CV, setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements 
• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role for which you’re applying and how you meet the person specification. Please note that the cover letter is an important part of your application and will be assessed.
• ​​​​​​​A completed Safer Recruitment Application Form available here. (Also available upon request from Inclusive Boards). Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

​​​​​​​Please also complete our diversity monitoring form found here. The information you provide will stay confidential, will be reviewed and processed separately from the application you make, and is not assessed as part of your application.

To find out more, request support when applying, or have an informal confidential discussion before applying, please get in touch with one of our consultants by emailing canterbury@inclusiveboards.co.uk or calling 0207 267 8369.