Newport Cathedral Emergency Campaign

Applications Closed 15th May 2007

St. Woolos Cathedral, Newport is one of Wales’s six cathedrals. It is a Grade 1 listed building. The western Galilee (Lady) Chapel is substantially the remains of the 9th century church, rebuilt after the 6th century wooden building was destroyed by fire. The nave is Norman, whilst its wagon roof, together with the north and south aisles, is 15th century. The tower is also 15th century. After a chequered history, the church was fully restored in 1853 and again in 1913. The east end, by Caroe, dates from the early 1960’s. In 1923 the diocese of Monmouth was created and the church became a pro-cathedral. In 1949 it was granted full cathedral status.

The quinquennial report of 1997, supported by a detailed report by the Bedford Timber Preservation Company, indicated that significant work was needed to the nave, aisles and Galilee Chapel roofs. This view was reinforced by the quinquennial report of 2004, followed by the report The Roofs of St. Woolos (2006).

During the same period a growing need was felt for a conservation management plan to guide and assist the Parochial Church Council (the PCC, with whom, uniquely, responsibility for the fabric rests) and the Dean and Chapter in compiling a programme of conservation and access. Such a programme would necessarily be supported by reports on access (including that for disabled access) to the building, and audience development.

The Rescue Appeal

The Rescue Appeal was launched in July 2006. St. Woolos Cathedral is in need of urgent work to its medieval roof timbers. Repairs are also needed to the outer walls, the clay roof tiles and the tower. An estimated £2.5 million needs to be raised to pay for the work. The large-scale project, extending over 5 phases and at least five years, requires major planning and financial management. Phase 1, the repairs and conversion to the south porch, were completed in October-December 2006 and funded by the Cathedral Appeal. Attention is now being given to phases two and three full details of which can be found on the Appeal website www.stwoolosrescue.org.uk . Approximately £1.2 million of work has to be done in these two phases.

Heritage Lottery Fund

The Cathedral is intending to submit an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for financial assistance totalling almost £1million. It has been decided that this will be via the two-stage application process. An HLF Project Planning Grant (PPG) has recently been awarded to the Cathedral to fund the costs of the preliminary reports that are necessary to support the major bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Project Officer

The Rescue Appeal Committee wishes to appoint a Project Officer to oversee the preparation of specialist reports required in association with the Heritage Lottery Fund Project Planning Grant recently awarded to the Cathedral.
The principal role is that of coordinator between the Cathedral’s paid and volunteer staff and external specialist advisors. The successful applicant will be expected to have relevant experience in the heritage sector and a proven record of success in undertaking work of this nature.

Specific tasks include:

• Checking the draft briefs for advisers on access, audience development and the conservation management plan to ensure that they meet the needs of the Cathedral and HLF;
• Overseeing the appointment process for the specialist advisors;
• Moderating and coordinating a dialogue between Cathedral staff and specialist advisors on the access plan, the audience development plan and the conservation management plan;
• Working with the PCC, the Dean and Chapter, the Cathedral architect and others on a detailed specification and costing of the capital works;
• Undertaking appropriate options appraisal and risk assessments;
• Developing with the Cathedral staff a timetable and a business plan for the project covering the building works and the first three years of the development works;
• Liaising as necessary with HLF staff in the Cardiff office to seek their advice and comments

Other tasks may become evident as the project planning period develops; the Project Officer will need to respond to these demands flexibly.

Person specification

• Experience in co-ordinating the work of a team of specialist advisers;
• Experience in business planning, options appraisal and risk assessment;
• Relevant experience within the heritage sector;
• Relevant experience in developing applications to HLF;
• Ability to deliver on time and within budget.

Reporting to:

The Dean of Monmouth, as Chair of both the Parochial Church Council and Cathedral Chapter, or his nominee.
Remuneration and conditions of the appointment.

The salary for the consultant-based appointment is within a strict budget approved by the Heritage Lottery Fund. A sum of £16,000 (plus VAT) has been allocated for 50 consultancy days. In addition the successful applicant will be reimbursed for rail travel at cost and use of his/her private car at the rate of £0.40p per mile. Any extraordinary expenses, such as overnight accommodation and subsistence, will only be reimbursed if approval is obtained in advance. With regard to Tax liabilities, the Consultant shall be an independent contractor.

The duration of the post is likely to be for a period of approximately 7 months. The HLF Project Planning Grant expiry date is the 31st December 2007.

Applications

Application for this post is by curriculum vitae and covering letter to:
Mr. John Sexton
The Appeal Coordinator,
c/o St. Woolos Cathedral,
Stow Hill,
Newport.
South Wales. NP20 4EA.