Canon Precentor

The Canon Precentor is a key leadership position within the cathedral, responsible for the liturgical and pastoral life of the community. This role requires a strong sense of collaboration, creativity, and adaptability.

• Participate fully as a member of Chapter, serving on specific committees as required.
• Attend and fully participate in monthly Chapter meetings and weekly Dean's Executive and Senior Management Team meetings.
• Meet with the Dean on a 1:1 basis each week.
• Attend the Cathedral Safeguarding Committee and the Cathedral Community Committee and the Fabric Advisory Committee.
• Advocate for the Chapter Strategic Plan and be committed to its development and delivery.
• Be a loyal and supportive colleague, respecting confidentiality.

• Collaborate with others in planning, preparing, and overseeing the cathedral's services, including daily, weekly, and special services.
• Ensure all necessary administration, including orders of service, rotas, and readings, are delivered with a high standard of accuracy and in good time.
• Maintain a bank of liturgical material for use in cathedral worship and for the planning of special services.
• Share with colleagues in the pastoral work of the cathedral, including occasional offices.
• Oversee the training and support of members of the cathedral community in worship and pastoral ministries, such as reading, leading intercessions, healing, and pastoral care team, enabling the gifts of the cathedral's diverse congregation to flourish.
• Work with the Head of Music in overseeing and developing the liturgical music of the cathedral.
• Offer pastoral, spiritual, and educational support to the choristers, their families, and adult music staff, including baptism and confirmation preparation, respecting the multifaith nature of the choir and chorister families.
• Liaise with the Bishop's Chaplain over all services at which the Bishop is present.

• Support the engagement of the cathedral with its parish, the diocese, and the city.
• Develop new liturgies to enable the worship of the cathedral to reflect more fully the highly diverse nature of this multicultural city region.
• Work with the Dean and the Canon Missioner in establishing and maintaining good relationships with city institutions and to work with them to encourage and plan special services and commemorations to be held in the cathedral.

• Preach and teach within the cathedral and around the diocese as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Canon Missioner in the planning, preparation, and delivery of services designed to enhance the outreach of the cathedral.
• Share in offering pastoral, spiritual, and educational support to members of the congregation.

The Canonry is a Common Tenure post open to those ordained at least six years in the Church of England. A Statement of Particulars will be issued to the person appointed setting out the terms of the appointment.

The person appointed will be paid according to the Church Commissioners' Recommended rates for a Residentiary Canon.

Chapter offers housing in a property in Nursery Drive, Handsworth, a modern five-bedroomed house with a garage. Chapter is also open to exploring alternative options with the successful candidate as necessary.

Office space is provided within the cathedral in an open-plan office.

There are six weeks holiday per annum, plus Bank Holidays (other than Good Friday and Christmas Day for which a day in lieu may be taken). Clergy are encouraged to take time off after Easter and Christmas; this holiday forms part of the 36 days allocation.

Clergy are entitled to an uninterrupted rest period of 24 hours in each period of seven days. The person appointed will be required to take as his/her regular rest day a day other than that normally taken by colleagues.

Agreed working expenses are reimbursed in full (authorised by the Dean or the Chief Executive) on a monthly basis. There is an agreed scale for transport and receipts are required.

Birmingham Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Enhanced DBS clearance is required for this post. The offer of the post is made subject to satisfactory DBS clearance.