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.
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
Download our application form - either as a Word document or PDF file - and email your completed form to [email protected]
Volunteer Application Form (Word) Volunteer Application Online Form (PDF)