YORKMINSTER.ORG

P O S T O F C A N O N P R E C E N T O R

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YORK MINSTEREach member of staff and every volunteer is recruited to serve this aim. Chapter prizes courage (in 2016 we hosted the York Mystery Plays to support the continuance of this lay, amateur tradition of the telling of the story of Jesus); wisdom (we work hard at collaboration across the Minster teams, and work closely with the wider dioceses and our own lay advisers) and trust (we have invested significantly in the learning and development of staff and volunteers and this has led to significant culture change in recent years).

Much of the work of Chapter is delegated to experienced lay staff, led by the Chapter Steward, many of whom have joined us out of a sense of vocation. The Senior Leadership Team of Directors and clergy works closely and increasingly effectively together, the current clergy team providing expertise in liturgy, pastoral care, learning and mission.

Chapter employs over 250 members of staff and oversees the work of 450 volunteers supporting the Minster’s ministry and mission.

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W E L C O M E

F R O M T H E D E A NThank you for your interest in the post of Canon Precentor.

York Minster is a generous and spacious environment in which to serve. As a team, lay and ordained, we know that we are “God’s work in progress.” Be assured of our prayers for you as you discern whether the good Lord is calling you to share the journey with us – to change us and to be changed by us – in the days ahead.

We look forward to hearing from you.With best wishes and my prayers+ JonathanDean of York

The Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York is the seat of the Archbishop of York. As well as being Cathedral to the Diocese of York and the Metropolitical Church of the Northern Province, it stands at the heart of the City of York. For centuries it has been a focal point in the religious and political history of the North. Constantine was proclaimed Roman Emperor here; Edwin, first Bretwalda of the Anglo-Saxon heptarchy according to Bede, was baptised nearby in 627, with the first Anglo-Saxon church on the site being built immediately afterwards. The current Minster stands on Roman foundations, and sits within a 6 hectare precinct, the majority of which is a designated scheduled ancient monument. The walls of the Minster echo with the prayers of long-gone voices. Prayer remains our first priority and provides Chapter with the foundation on which to nurture and grow the community sustained here today. Over recent years Chapter has spent much time discerning the future of the Minster and on developing plans and structures that might, by the grace of God, be realised. Chapter is about to embark on a new five-year strategic plan which, building upon much that has gone before, will give expression to our core purpose: to invite everyone to discover God’s love through our welcome, worship, learning and work, and thereby bring transforming life in Jesus Christ to all.

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WORSHIP The Minster welcomes large numbers to worship throughout the week and in recent years, in common with other cathedrals, has seen an increase in worshipper numbers. Alongside the daily round of worship (with 28 statutory services each week), there are a large number of special services, through which we engage in intentional mission as we offer liturgical hospitality to many who have no church links, and no familiarity with Christian faith.

Much worship at York is on a large scale. All bishops in the Province of York are consecrated in the Minster, and there are other significant provincial and national occasions where the Minster fulfils a role as the spiritual heart of the North of England.

Choral Evensong (sung on 6 days) is well-attended: weekday congregations in winter rarely dip below 100, and on summer Saturdays and Sundays it is not unusual for there to be 400 worshippers. The month of December sees a range of third-party and Minster services, with congregations of up to 3,000, and around 10,000 attending worship at Christmas itself. The regular presence of the Archbishop of York means that many services attract intense interest from the media.

The normal weekly pattern of worship is as follows:

Sunday 8.00 Holy Communion (BCP) (said)10.00 Sung Eucharist (CW Order 1)11.30 Choral Matins (BCP)4.00 Choral Evensong (BCP)7.30 Threshold – alternative worship – monthly

Monday 7.30 Morning Prayer (CW)7.50 Holy Communion (CW Order 1)12.30 Holy Communion (CW Order 1)5.15 Evening Prayer (BCP) (said, with hymn and voluntaries)

Tuesday - Friday 7.30 Morning Prayer (CW)7.50 Holy Communion (CW Order 1)12.30 Holy Communion (CW Order 1) [BCP on Wednesday]5.15 Choral Evensong (BCP)

Saturday7.30 Morning Prayer (CW)7.50 Holy Communion (CW Order 1)12.00 Holy Communion (CW Order 1)5.15 Choral Evensong (BCP)

Chapter is committed to making creative use of the building, and to ensuring that word, silence, music and image contribute effectively to enable liturgy with transformative potential. Within that vision, Threshold, a monthly service of alternative worship holds a significant place. It seeks to explore a variety of liturgical forms and to provide a worshipping opportunity for seekers and those of mature faith. Part of a self-consciously ‘contemplative’ strand within the Minster’s life, it sits alongside occasional evenings of Silence in the Minster and Compline. Threshold is planned and offered by a mixed lay and clergy team, overseen by the Succentor.

The Music and Liturgy Department is overseen by the Canon Precentor, who is currently supported by

• the Succentor, the Revd Catriona Cumming• the Director of Music, Robert Sharpe, • the Music and Liturgy Manager, Tim Hone, • the Assistant Director of Music, Ben Morris,• and the Assisting Organist, Chris Strange.

The Minster Choir consists of 48 choristers (24 boys and 24 girls), of whom 8 are probationers – and 12 adult singers. Girl and boy choristers are of the same age and are allotted equal shares of singing; all leave the choir at the end of Year 8. All choristers receive a 60% fee remission at The Minster School, with additional bursaries being available on a means-tested basis. Of the 12 adult singers, currently 7 are Vicars Choral and 5 are choral scholars. There are two singing teachers and a Music Librarian.

In recent years the Minster Choir has, in addition to its primary task of singing for daily worship, performed successful concerts in the Minster and elsewhere (notably an annual Messiah, two popular Carol Concerts each December), undertaken tours, made annual CD recordings and broadcast regularly on Radio 3.

The Minster has no ‘voluntary choir’. However, the St William’s Singers, directed by Dr Richard Shephard, and largely made up of former choristers, sings at Midnight Mass, the Chrism Eucharist and the Easter Vigil. The Ebor Singers – an associate choir of the Minster – is directed by one of the Vicars Choral, Dr Paul Gameson, and contributes significantly to choral worship in Holy Week and at other times throughout the year.

There are good links with the University of York, and choral scholars are mainly, but not exclusively, drawn from that University. A number of other musical organisations work with the Minster in delivering a varied concert programme throughout the year.

Chapter places great importance on the choral outreach project delivered by the Music Department and the Minster School and is keen to build on its current commitment to music-making in the City of York through developing partnerships with key stakeholders to enable more children in the City to be enriched by music.

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THE MUSIC AND LITURGY DEPARTMENT

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Office Title: Canon Precentor

Accountability to: Archbishop of York via the MDR process; and Chapter of York Supervisory Responsibility: Succentor (Minor Canon)Director of MusicMusic and Liturgy ManagerHead of Bell TowerHead Flower Arranger

Financial/Budgetary Responsibility: Oversight of budgets held by the Director of Music and Head Verger

Role Purpose:York Minster invites everyone to discover God’s love through our welcome, worship, learning and work.

The Archbishop of York, advised by the Chapter of York, is seeking to appoint a Canon Precentor who will lead and oversee the liturgical and musical work of the Minster. This is a senior post and the appointee will be expected to have the skills necessary to bring a creative and imaginative response to liturgical opportunities appropriate to the scale, reach, and musical resources of the Minster.

Role DescriptionAs a Residentiary Canon and member of the Chapter the Precentor will carry out duties in support of the mission of York Minster as required by the Constitution and Statutes, together with the Dean and his/her fellow Canons.

Chapter is committed to delivering its mission as outlined in the Strategic Plan. Each year Chapter and the Senior Leadership team develop a set of priorities drawn from the strategic plan and all postholders, Clergy, Staff and Volunteers work within and to these strategic priorities in support of our missional purpose.

Shared Duties and Responsibilities:• Preaching and leading worship with clergy colleagues and congregation

• Weeks of residence, including responsibility for the oversight of the Minster’s daily activity including worship, security and safety

• Full participation (with Trustee responsibility) in the governance of the Minster as a member of Chapter and the College of Canons

• Departmental leadership and some line-management responsibility

ROLE DESCRIPTIONParticular Duties & Responsibilities:

The Precentor will:• Oversee the work of the Music and Liturgy Department, ensuring that all worship is delivered to the highest possible standard• Oversee the work of the Director of Music, the Music and Liturgy Manager and the (Minor Canon) Succentor• Work closely with the Succentor and Music and Liturgy manager to enable the production of all Orders of Service, drafting detailed ceremonial notes where appropriate• Work closely with the Archbishop’s Chaplains in all matters concerning Diocesan and Provincial services in the Minster• Meet with a wide variety of stakeholders to plan special services, and oversee their delivery• Draw up quarterly rotas for liturgical duties (including preaching)• Work with music and liturgy department colleagues in the production of the monthly published Scheme of Services• Sing the Daily Office (in conjunction with the Succentor and others)• Train and equip all who assist in worship• Liaise as necessary with other Minster departments to enable and promote effective cross-departmental working• Ensure that due process is observed in preparing the worship and music budgets and managing expenditure for the department for Music and Services• Hold, on behalf of Chapter, the Liturgical Plan, and work with Chapter colleagues, staff and the Fabric Advisory Committee on the delivery of the ordering and re-ordering of liturgical space.• Attend and contribute to meetings of the Senior Leadership Team• Attend meetings of the Fabric Advisory Committee• Participate in the monthly permissions (diary management) process• Work imaginatively with key stakeholders to develop choral and musical outreach within the City of York• Develop the liturgical use of the Minster – fostering creative ideas and partnerships and looking to enhance liturgical hospitality• Serve as a member of the Minster School Board as a representative of Chapter• Assume a governance role in one or other of the city’s schools or Multi-Academy Trusts in which the Chapter has an interest• Work with the members of the Diocesan training team to offer liturgical training and formation to licensed and ordained ministers, and to those in training

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Additional responsibilities:• Ensure that the highest standards of professional performance are maintained• Promote equal opportunities in the work of the department• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and statutory codes of practice, as advised• Participate in the normal diocesan arrangements for Ministerial Development Review• Ensure that professional skills are regularly updated through participation in training and development activities, including safer recruitment and safeguarding as well as Induction.• Any other duties as may reasonably be required

SafeguardingSafeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults is our absolute priority. All clergy and employees are required to follow the Chapter of York Safeguarding policy and procedure and as a Governor of the Minster School you will be required to abide by [remove read] the school’s Safeguarding policy and Keeping Children Safe in Education, September 2018.

Safeguarding updates will be issued in response to changes in statute, regulation and guidance but, as a minimum,annually. Safeguarding matters are a standing item at Chapter Meetings and of weekly School staff meetings.Regular training will be offered in Safeguarding and associated matters but it is the responsibility of each member of staff to keep themselves up to date and familiar with current best practice. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Enhanced DBS will be required for the successful candidate.

LegalThe office-holder will be licensed by the Archbishop of York to serve in a full-time stipendiary role as Residentiary Canon Precentor at York Minster. The usual terms and conditions of Common Tenure will apply.

Health & SafetyUnder the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, whilst at work, the office-holder must take reasonable care for his/her own health and safety and that of any other person who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions. In addition, he/she must co-operate with the organisation on health and safety and not interfere with, or misuse, anything provided for his/her health, safety or welfare.

Rest DayThe office-holder will have at least one 24-hour rest day in every 7-day period.

HousingThe office-holder will occupy housing provided by the Chapter of York, with the costs of Council Tax, Water, Gas, Electricity and Broadband being fully met. Two high-speed broadband connections are provided – for work and private use.

Chapter will reimburse agreed moving expenses.

StipendThe role attracts a Stipend for a Residentiary Canon in York of £28,410 (2019-2020).

PensionThe post holder will be a members of the Church of England Clergy Pension Scheme, with the Chapter of York contributing in line with the scheme, as administered by the Church of England Pensions Board.

Benefits and ExpensesOffice provision: Within Church House, and a study at home Mobile phone: YesWorking expenses: YesSecretary: Shared Administrative support in the ‘PA to the Canons’ roleOther benefits: The appointee will be expected to continue to develop his/her Ministerial skills and practice, to link with those in equivalent posts in other cathedrals and to take an annual retreat. The Chapter of York will reimburse expenses for these, and other agreed expenses of office, upon production of receipts.

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

The Mission Statement for York Minster is “inviting everyone to discover God’s love through our welcome, worship, learning and work.” (Strategic Plan 2015-2020). Chapter seeks to deliver this missional purpose through five areas: playing an active role across the diocese and Northern province, in support of the work of the Archbishop; inspiring people through the story of Jesus Christ onto their own transformational journey; engaging all of our communities in a participative way; putting learning and the transformation of ourselves and others at the heart of all we do; being responsible stewards: managing our business successfully to cover costs and generating the funding necessary to further ministry and mission and to sustain the Minster.

The values of courage, trust and wisdom have been identified as the framework within which we do our work, set our priorities and take decisions together. The Canon Precentor will need to be able to contribute and flourish within this setting.

The appointee must be in priest’s orders in the Church of England (or a Church in communion with the Church of England) and should have a minimum of 6 years’ experience since his/her ordination as a deacon.

Chapter seeks a person open to the Holy Spirit, rooted in faith who has:• the ability to flourish in the context of cathedral life and worship and grounded in the life and practice of faith as the Church of England has received it;

• the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with good interpersonal and communication skills, able to give and receive advice from others;

• the personal and professional authority to take a lead in the liturgical work of the Minster;

• a commitment to spiritual growth and to theological and ministerial development;

• proven experience in planning and organising acts of worship to a high standard;

• the ability to cope with the demands of a heavy workload within a busy cathedral and ministry in an exposed context;

• the ability to be flexible and is comfortable working in situations of ambiguity and complexity;

• the capability to perform well under pressure;

• a working knowledge of the full range of Church of England liturgy and openness to liturgical experiment;

• the vision and commitment to deliver work of high quality with an eye for detail;

• competence and sensitivity in planning worship and in preparing others to exercise their respective roles;

Essential / Desirable

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

Method of Assessment

Application / Interview

Application / Interview

Application

Application / Interview

Interview / psychometric test

Interview

Application / Interview

Application / Interview

Interview

Interview

Interview / psychometric test

Application / Interview

Test at interview

Application / Interview

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• a clear understanding of and commitment to the place of music in worship;

• a good working knowledge of cathedral music and an appreciation and understanding of the work of musicians in a cathedral setting;

• a degree in theology and / or music;

• a higher theological or musical qualification;

• the ability to be comfortable with and open to explore the breadth of liturgical musical expression;

• the ability to sing in worship to an acceptable standard;

• IT skills (Microsoft Office and, if possible, Sibelius) budgetary and administrative competence.

Essential / Desirable

E

E

E

D

E

E

E

Method of Assessment

Application / Interview

Application / Interview

Application

Application

Application / Interview

Test at interview

Application