Church Heritage Advisor; Volunteer Historic Buildings

The Guildford Diocesan Board of Finance (GDBF) is seeking new volunteer members to join its Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) — a statutory body that plays a vital role in supporting the care, conservation and development of church buildings and churchyards across the Diocese.

As a DAC Member, you will use your professional expertise and understanding of church life to advise parishes and the Chancellor on proposals affecting historic and contemporary church buildings. You will help ensure that change is thoughtful, lawful and mission-focused, balancing heritage conservation with the evolving needs of worship and ministry.

• Professional advice on alterations, repairs and development of church buildings and churchyards
• Informed participation in the faculty process, including review of plans and supporting documents
• Constructive engagement with parishes through meetings, papers and occasional site visits
• Sound judgement that integrates conservation standards, liturgical need and practical considerations

• Expertise in one or more relevant areas such as textiles, arboriculture, construction, liturgy, architecture, archaeology, structural engineering, conservation, planning.
• Ability to analyse technical and contextual information and contribute to balanced decision‑making
• Commitment to preparing for and attending up to six meetings per year (mix of online and in‑person)
• Willingness to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary committee
• Understanding of, or sympathy with, the mission and ministry of the Church of England

This is an unpaid volunteer position, though reasonable expenses (including travel) will be reimbursed.
Appointments are normally for a three‑year term.

If you are passionate about church buildings, heritage and mission, and would like to use your skills to support parishes across the Diocese, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please submit a CV together with a supporting statement, outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification.

Chris Elders, DAC & Pastoral Secretary
chris

This role does not require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The Diocese takes its responsibility for safeguarding children and adults seriously, and recruitment processes reflect this commitment.

We believe diversity is a strength. We actively welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities, particularly those who are younger, female, from UK Minority Ethnic / Global Majority heritage, or disabled, so that our committees better reflect the communities we serve.