Connexional Conservation Officer

The Methodist Church in Britain; Greater London; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Flexi-leave/TOIL

Wellbeing service

Pension 16% employer

Job summary

The Methodist Church in Britain is seeking a conservation officer to advise on heritage conservation and the Ecclesiastical Exemption process. The role covers administering Ecclesiastical Exemption arrangements and supporting the Listed Buildings Advisory Committee, with travel across the UK to ensure listed churches remain in use for worship and mission.

Experience as a conservation professional is required, with strong technical and stakeholder-relations skills.

Qualifications

• Experienced conservation professional.
• Technical conservation expertise.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills.
• Knowledgeable and proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead the administration of the Ecclesiastical Exemption arrangements for the Church.
• Provide specialist conservation advice on listed buildings and heritage assets.
• Support and advise the Listed Buildings Advisory Committee, coordinating applications and decisions.
• Assess and advise on repair, alteration, conservation and development proposals affecting historic church buildings.
• Collaborate with trustees, professional advisers and heritage bodies to secure conservation outcomes.
• Develop conservation policies, guidance and best practice for heritage stewardship.
• Promote compliance with heritage legislation and investigate unauthorised works.
• Build relationships with external stakeholders including national heritage bodies.
• Support sustainable adaptation of historic buildings in line with mission, inclusion, accessibility and Net Zero commitments.

Skills

Technical conservation

Relationship-building

Proactive approach

Job description

The Methodist Church in Britain's Connexional Team is recruiting a conservation officer to act as the Church's specialist adviser on heritage, conservation and the Ecclesiastical Exemption process. The post covers administering the Ecclesiastical Exemption arrangements, supporting the Listed Buildings Advisory Committee, and advising on repair and alteration proposals for historic church buildings. The post is home-based with travel across the UK, and its focus is keeping listed churches in use for worship and mission. Methodist Ministers (presbyters and deacons) cannot apply.

What the job involves

• Lead the administration of the Ecclesiastical Exemption arrangements
• Provide specialist conservation advice on listed buildings and heritage assets
• Support and advise the Listed Buildings Advisory Committee, including coordinating applications and decision-making
• Assess and advise on repair, alteration, conservation and development proposals affecting historic church buildings
• Work with trustees, professional advisers and heritage bodies to secure positive conservation outcomes
• Develop conservation policies, guidance and best practice for the stewardship of heritage assets
• Promote compliance with heritage legislation and support the investigation of unauthorised works
• Build relationships with external stakeholders, including national heritage and statutory bodies
• Support the sustainable adaptation of historic buildings in line with commitments on mission, inclusion, accessibility and Net Zero Carbon

What’s required

Experience

• Experienced conservation professional

Skills & knowledge

• Technical conservation expertise
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills
• Knowledgeable and proactive approach

Checks & eligibility

• Not a Methodist Minister (presbyter or deacon)

What’s offered

• Generous annual leave plus an extra 3 days over Christmas and New Year
• Flexi-leave and/or TOIL where applicable
• Access to an on-site Wellbeing Adviser service
• Occupational pension where the Church pays double the employee contribution, up to a maximum 16% employer contribution