Remote Heritage Conservation Lead for Historic Churches

South West Community Chaplaincy; Manchester, Greater London; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Flexi-leave / TOIL

Wellbeing adviser service

Pension scheme (double employer up to

Job summary

The Methodist Church is seeking an experienced Conservation Officer to protect and enhance historic church buildings and oversee Ecclesiastical Exemption matters. You will work with trustees, heritage bodies and teams across the Connexional Team to ensure buildings support worship, mission and community engagement while preserving architectural significance.

This remote role involves UK travel, including offices in Manchester and London, and offers a chance to shape policy and best practice for

Qualifications

• Knowledgeable conservation professional with ability to advise on listed buildings and Ecclesiastical Exemption.
• Experience developing conservation policies and guidance.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the administration of the Ecclesiastical Exemption arrangements and provide specialist conservation advice on listed buildings and heritage assets.
• Support and advise the Listed Buildings Advisory Committee, coordinating applications and decision-making processes.
• 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 to support stewardship of heritage assets.
• Promote compliance with heritage legislation and assist investigations of unauthorised works where required.
• Build relationships with key external stakeholders, including national heritage and statutory bodies.
• Support sustainable adaptation of historic buildings in line with church commitments to mission, inclusion, accessibility and Net Zero Carbon objectives.

Skills

Conservation

Heritage policy

Stakeholder management

Legal/compliance

Job description

The Methodist Church is seeking an experienced Conservation Officer to protect and enhance historic church buildings and oversee Ecclesiastical Exemption matters. You will work with trustees, heritage bodies and teams across the Connexional Team to ensure buildings support worship, mission and community engagement while preserving architectural significance.

This remote role involves UK travel, including offices in Manchester and London, and offers a chance to shape policy and best practice for