Canon Precentor

Birmingham Cathedral is set in heart of the city, and its day to day life reflects the joys and challenges of busy urban life. The cathedral has a strong choral tradition, and is committed to worship which is inclusive, imaginative and transformative; living worship which gives glory to God and meets the needs of our worshippers, the diocese and the city. The cathedral strives to make optimum use of its resources and space, by being creative and adaptable. The Canon Precentor will work and lead collaboratively as part of mutually supportive teams including clerical colleagues, staff, and volunteers to bring people together, to build on our strong liturgical and choral tradition but also to be creative and imaginative in broadening the worship of the cathedral to reflect more fully the rich diversity of this multicultural city region.
Main Duties
Chapter The Canon Precentor plays a full role as a member of Chapter and to serve on specific committees as required. Specific duties include:

• The Canon Precentor is expected to be committed to the daily offices in the cathedral and especially those designated as ‘Foundation Prayer’ and to share fully in public worship.
• To attend and fully participate in monthly Chapter meetings and the weekly Dean’s Executive and Senior Management Team meetings.
• To meet with the Dean on a 1:1 basis each week.
• To attend the Cathedral Safeguarding Committee and the Cathedral Community Committee and the Fabric Advisory Committee.
• To be an advocate for the Chapter Strategic Plan and be committed to its development and delivery.
• To be a loyal and supportive colleague respecting confidentiality.

Pray The Canon Precentor will be responsible for all aspects of the worshipping and liturgical life of the cathedral to enable worship, which is inclusive, transformative and of an excellent standard. Specific duties include:

• To collaborate with others in planning, preparing and overseeing the cathedral’s services including daily, weekly and special services.
• To ensure that all necessary administration including orders of service, rotas and readings are delivered with a high standard of accuracy and in good time.
• To maintain a bank of liturgical material for use in cathedral worship and for the planning of special services.
• To share with colleagues in the pastoral work of the cathedral including occasional offices.
• To 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.
• To work with the Head of Music in overseeing and developing the liturgical music of the cathedral.
• To 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.
• To liaise with the Bishop’s Chaplain over all services at which the Bishop is present.

Serve The Canon Precentor will support the engagement of the cathedral with its parish, the diocese and the city. Specific duties include:

• To support the work of the cathedral in engaging with the wider diocese, other churches and faith groups to connect communities and build relationships.
• To develop new liturgies to enable the worship of the cathedral to reflect more fully the highly diverse nature of this multicultural city region.
• To 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.

Grow The Canon Precentor plays a full part in the mission of the cathedral and the diocese. Specific duties include:

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

T erms and Conditions of Service The Canonry is a Common Tenure post open to those ordained at least six years in the Church of England and a Statement of Particulars will be issued to the person appointed setting out the terms of the appointment.
Stipend - The person appointed will be paid according to the Church Commissioners Recommended rates for a Residentiary Canon.
Housing- 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 - Office space is provided within the cathedral in an open-plan office.
Holidays - 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. The leave year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31 each year, and leave may not be carried over. All leave will be agreed by the Dean in consultation with the requirements of the cathedral diary.
Rest Day - 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.
Expenses - 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.
DBS - 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.
How to apply An Application Form and Diversity Monitoring Form can be requested by contacting: Mrs April Steadman PA to the Dean Email:
Closing Date Monday 1 July 2024 Shortlisting w/c 1 July 2024 First Interview Date Friday 12 July 2024 Expected Start Date November 2024 (by negotiation)
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as those from global majority groups and those with a disability are currently under-represented in our staff team, we would particularly welcome applications from those groups.
Please apply via the Paper Form at the Cathedral above.

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