Find out more about us
Read about the different areas of our work and how it helps churches to stay open and in use while learning more about our team delivering this vital support.
We're recruiting two new Trustees
Salary: unpaid but reasonable expenses will be covered
Duration: Trustees are appointed for a term of five years extendable by mutual agreement for one further term of five years up to a maximum continuous period of ten years
Time commitment: approximately 10-12 days per annum
Location: Board meetings will take place at our offices in Westminster, London
Closing date: Tuesday 14 April 2026 at 12pm
Interview date: informal discussions with longlisted candidates will be held either by telephone or online ahead of shortlisted candidates being invited to an interview in the National Churches Trust’s Westminster office during May (dates TBC)
A note from the Chair of the National Churches Trust, Sir Philip Rutnam
Despite their profound significance, our churches face a very uncertain future. Churches and chapels are closing or being mothballed and the debate about their future is inadequate. In Wales, about a quarter of historic churches have closed in the last ten years, and many more are now in danger. In Scotland, the Church of Scotland is actively planning the closure of as many as 40% of its churches, while in England there are now 976 cathedrals, churches, chapels and meeting houses on Historic England’s 2025 Heritage At Risk Register.
The hour is urgent and the need is great. We believe that the future lies in a positive vision for the role these buildings play in our society, bringing both heritage and community to life through practical action.
I can commend to you our small but excellent staff team ably led by Claire Walker, my skilled and dedicated Trustee colleagues and the extraordinary support we enjoy from our partners and volunteers.
If you share the National Churches Trust’s vision and believe you have the necessary skills and qualities to be a Trustee on the Board, we very much look forward to receiving your application.
Download our Trustee application pack
What are we looking for?
We appreciate the rich diversity of our Trustees and staff and seek to create a culture where everyone develops and fulfils their potential. We recognise the immense value of different perspectives brought by those with varied backgrounds, characteristics and life experiences.
We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented sections of the community (specifically in our context, individuals of Global Majority Heritage) and from candidates based outside London and the South-East of England, specifically from Wales, Northern Ireland, or the North of England.
Following an audit of board skills we are looking to appoint two Trustees, ideally with experience in the following specialist areas:
- Accountancy and/or financial management in a complex environment
- Policy, advocacy and public affairs and an understanding of governmental practices
- Communications: first-hand experience of how the media operate and in-depth understanding of how to communicate effectively with different audiences
If you want to find out more, please download and read our Trustee application pack
About the National Churches Trust
We want to keep the UK’s wonderful collection of church buildings well maintained, valued and in use. Working on the ground in all four nations, we support churches of all denominations. Our vision is to see open churches thriving at the heart of their communities.
Find out where we're heading
'For Churches', our strategy, sets out the ways we support churches across the UK. We are currently working on our next five-year strategy, which will be published in 2027.
Read our latest Annual Review
Discover more about the National Churches Trust and the impact we make in keeping churches open and in good repair.
How to apply for the role
To apply, please send the following to Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust at claire.walker@nationalchurchestrust.org:
- A CV including a full employment history showing more significant Executive and Non Executive positions, as well as responsibilities held and relevant achievements
- A covering letter of not more than one and a half pages summarising your motivation and reasons for being interested in a Trustee position at the National Churches Trust
- Daytime, evening and/or mobile telephone numbers (to be used with discretion)
Closing date: 12pm on Tuesday 14 April 2026
Next steps:
Informal discussions with longlisted candidates will be held either by telephone or online ahead of shortlisted candidates being invited to an interview in the National Churches Trust’s Westminster office during May (dates TBC).
Download our Trustee Pack to help you with your application
If you have any questions about the role, please get in touch with Claire Walker at claire.walker@nationalchurchestrust.org
Thank you for your interest in the National Churches Trust and our mission in keeping churches open and in use.