York Archaeological Trust for Research and Excavation Limited, an educational and research charity, is currently looking for a new trustee specialising in finance to join its board during an exciting period of development.
Having celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2022, we are committed to building on the vision that began with the Coppergate excavation in York and the opening of the internationally renowned JORVIK Viking Centre, and to harnessing archaeology for educational and public benefit. Engaging with more than 1.2 million people annually, and with centres of archaeology and conservation in York and Nottingham we work throughout the UK and internationally providing leading-edge field investigation, analysis and connecting communities with their past.
We are keen to hear from those who can offer expertise and experience in strategic financial management. With succession planning in mind for the role of Chair of our Finance and Audit Committee, we are seeking a candidate with considerable professional financial expertise, ideally underpinned with a formal first-tier accounting qualification, proven commercial acumen and strong leadership skills to scrutinise, challenge and oversee the entirety of the Trust’s finances. Whilst a formal accountancy qualification is desirable, we will also consider candidates who have had substantial experience of corporate or charity governance, financial analysis and scrutiny at a strategic level.
Business experience of the charity sector from either an employed or voluntary capacity would also be an advantage.
Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, renewable to a maximum of nine years. The role includes a commitment to attend four board meetings per year and the Annual General Meeting. Trustees are also expected to contribute some additional time to sub-committees and/or Steering Groups in line with their interests and expertise. Trustees are not remunerated, but we can cover reasonable travel and accommodation expenses.
The closing date for applications is Friday 28th August 2026, and we expect interviews for short-listed candidates to be held in the second half of September 2026.
To apply, please send a letter to us explaining the reasons for your interest and outlining what you could contribute to this role, together with your CV.
To apply, please complete a covering letter explaining the reasons for your interest and outlining what you could contribute to this role, together with your CV.
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Thank you!
nclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Canterbury Cathedral to appoint a Non-Executive Member of Chapter and Lay Canon with expertise in Safeguarding.
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.
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.
Please visit Inclusive Boards' website for more information and to apply.
