Chair of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England
The Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England (‘the Commission’ or CFCE) is a statutory
body set up under the Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011 to operate and oversee the Church
of England’s system of controls over works to cathedrals. The role of the Chair is becoming
vacant due to the upcoming departure of the current incumbent, the Rt Hon Frank Field
MP, after ten years of service.
The role
This role is an exciting opportunity to become one of the key figures in managing, and
influencing the management, of some of England’s finest historic buildings. We are seeking
an experienced person with a passion for heritage and churches, and experience of leading
an expert committee. The Chair will be a figurehead for cathedrals, representing them on
the national stage to Government, the heritage sector, grant-giving bodies, and within the
Church.
The Chair is appointed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, after consultation with
the Secretary of State. Appointment is for a five-year term and a maximum of two terms
may be served.
As well as operating the system of listed building planning controls, determining
applications for major project works and advising on future works, the Commission also
has a role in providing guidance, policy, and updating legislation to ensure the system is as
effective as possible.
Future challenges are likely to be:

Provision of effective and efficient service to one of the fastest growing areas of the
Church of England, with worshipping congregations up 37% in ten years and 11
million visitors each year;

Reform of current legislation, including possible moves to a new online application
system and simplification of processes;

Reaction to the increasing number of major projects being undertaken by
cathedrals, and the impact this has on the Commission’s processes;
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
Provision of adequate funding for works to cathedral buildings, following on from
the successful £20m First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund;

Changes in membership of the Commission in summer 2016, requiring consultation
with stakeholders to appoint new expert members and forge a highly effective
committee.
The role of the Chair is supported and informed by several key people:

The Rt Revd John Inge, Bishop of Worcester, lead bishop for Cathedrals and Church
Buildings;

William Fittall, Secretary General of the Archbishops’ Council;

A Vice-Chair of the Commission. In accordance with the Care of Cathedrals Measure
the current Vice Chair will leave the Commission in 2016. Her replacement will be
appointed in consultation with the new Chair.
In addition, the Chair and Commission is serviced by the Cathedrals Team within the
Cathedral and Church Buildings Division. The Director of the Division is also the Secretary
of the Commission.
Key skills for the role

A good understanding of the architectural and historic development of cathedrals,
and of the history and ethos of the Church of England;

A good level of understanding of, and sympathy with, the contribution of cathedrals
to modern society;

Awareness and understanding of the issues involved in balancing worship and
mission with care and conservation;

Awareness of the financial context within which cathedrals, and the Church of
England, operates. This should include knowledge of grant processes;

A good level of understanding of secular planning and conservation legislation and
policy. Knowledge of the ecclesiastical systems would be an advantage.

Experience of dealing with government, public bodies and committees at a senior
level;

Experience of chairing committees involving expert members.
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Personal skills

Ability to command respect at all levels with the Church, Government departments,
English Heritage, the amenity societies and other key stakeholders;

Excellent analytical skills, the ability to assimilate large amounts of information in
various forms (text, plans, drawings etc.);

Excellent chairmanship skills; the ability to weigh up conflicting arguments and
pressures, and steer the group towards clear decision-making;

A shrewd ability to test assumptions and not take assertions at face value;

Willingness to take responsibility for all decisions, including unpopular ones, when
circumstances have justified them;

The ability both look at detail but also to take a wider strategic view;

Highly developed written communication skills;

Energy and commitment, and the desire to continue to build the Commission into a
respected and forward-thinking body.
Under the terms of the Measure, the Chair must be a lay person but does not have to be a
practising member of the Church of England. However a deep and sincere appreciation of
the context within which cathedrals operate is necessary to the role.
Commitment
This role is a non-salaried, voluntary post. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
The role requires attending 6-8 Commission meetings a year, usually in London, plus premeeting briefings. It also requires some availability for site visits, which can take place
nationwide and are usually arranged with one to three month’s notice. The Chair is not
expected to attend every visit – dependent on individual skills and expertise, each visit is
individually planned by officers. Additional attendance at meetings with key stakeholders
will be necessary, and will be arranged by officers with suitable notice.
An average level of commitment is likely to be in the order of 20 days per year.
The Commission Secretariat provides all papers (electronic and printed as required),
administers all meetings and arranges all visits. However all members of the Commission
are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from meetings and visits.
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The Chair will not have line management responsibility but will have a close working
relationship with the following officers:

Director of the Division and Secretary of the Commission

Senior Cathedrals Officer and Deputy Secretary of the Commission

Cathedrals Officer

Senior Conservation Officer

Grants Officer
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