Volunteers are essential to the life of the Cathedral, and core to our Benedictine welcome.
Our vision is to welcome everyone, to inspire and support them on their journey of faith and to create a Cathedral community that is a sanctuary for all. Faithful to Christ the Good Shepherd, we aspire to embody the following behaviours in our community culture: Compassion, Collaboration, Commitment and Curiosity.
Volunteering at the Cathedral can be extremely rewarding. If you would like to be part of our community and volunteer with us, please consider the volunteering roles below.
Join the team
Find out more about our volunteering roles, see what we are currently recruiting for and apply now.
Highlighted volunteer vacancies
Voluntary role
Non-Executive Member of Chapter and Lay Canon
We are seeking a volunteer to become a Non-Executive Member of Chapter and Lay Canon.
Chapter members play a vital and strategic role in maintaining the Christian vision and mission of the Cathedral, as well as its corporate governance.
We are particularly interested to hear from candidates who have a safeguarding background, with knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy and practice that encompasses both adults and children.
The closing date for applications is 21 June 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a selection event at Canterbury Cathedral.
Voluntary role
Safeguarding Committee Member
We are seeking volunteers to become members of our new Safeguarding Committee.
The purpose of the Safeguarding Committee is to support Chapter in fulfilling its safeguarding obligations by ensuring arrangements relating to all aspects of safeguarding in the Cathedral are fit for purpose and are communicated fully, both internally and externally.
We are interested to hear from candidates who have a safeguarding background, with strategic expertise in victim/survivor advocacy, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, or regulatory safeguarding.
The closing date for applications is 21 June 2026
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a selection event at Canterbury Cathedral.
Voluntary role
Audit and Risk Committee Member
We are seeking a volunteers to become members of our Audit and Risk Committee.
The Audit and Risk Committee provides independent oversight of the Cathedral’s systems of internal control, risk management, and financial reporting. They support the Chapter in discharging its responsibilities as a registered charity and steward of public trust, overseeing external and internal audit functions, and the mitigation of financial, reputational, operational and safeguarding risks.
How to apply:
Please apply in writing, enclosing an up-to-date CV and covering letter explaining your background, why you are interested in the role and what you feel you can contribute to the Cathedral.
You must also complete the Safer Recruitment Form (linked here).
Please send these to the Executive Support Team via email: [email protected]
The closing date for applications is 30 June 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a selection event at Canterbury Cathedral.
Our Volunteering roles
Gardeners
The Cathedral’s beautiful and diverse 23.5 acres of grounds are maintained and developed by our talented team of staff and volunteer gardeners.
Our Volunteer Gardeners support the day-to-day maintenance of both our public and private gardens, with a particular focus on wildlife and biodiversity.
Visits Volunteers & Volunteer Guides
Our Visits Volunteers and Volunteer Guides provide a warm Benedictine welcome to our visitors from all over the world, and share with them the history and worship of the Cathedral.
Event Hosts
As a Volunteer Event Host, you will have the exciting opportunity to gain experience and make a meaningful impact, whilst supporting the various commercial events held across the year at Canterbury Cathedral.
Stewards
Our team of Stewards support Cathedral worship by welcoming our congregations and ensuring that the five hundred plus services a year run smoothly.
Flower Arranger
Our Flower Guild arrange the magnificent floral displays that bring colour and joy into the Cathedral. The team also design floral displays for special occasions and festivals, such as Easter and Christmas.
The Servers’ Company of St Andrew
The Servers Company assist with Cathedral worship by supporting the Clergy during weekend and special services. Part of their role is to carry the cross and candles at the head of the procession and to ensure that services run smoothly.
Friends volunteers
Our Friends volunteers greet visitors at the Friends’ Desk in the Cathedral and help spread news of the work and community of The Friends - the Cathedral's fan club!
Bellringers
The Cathedral Company of Change Ringers keep alive the centuries-old tradition of bell ringing at Canterbury Cathedral.
'Holy' Stitchers
From maintaining the beautiful vestments worn by our Clergy at services to creating gowns for the Cathedral Choir, our 'Holy' Stitchers are vital in keeping Cathedral fabrics looking wonderful.
'Holy' Dusters
Our dedicated team of 'Holy' Dusters support the Virger department in keeping the Cathedral pristine for services and visitors.
Archives & Library
Our Archives and Library team rely on volunteers with experience of research and administration to help catalogue the Cathedral's historic treasures and share them with the public.
How to apply
Learn more about the volunteering opportunity from the role profile.
Then download and complete our Safer Recruitment Application Form and email it to [email protected] , with any other requested information/documentation.