The Royal School of Church Music enables the flourishing of church music. We are an educational charity committed to promoting the study, practice and improvement of music in Christian worship. We are entering an exciting period in the RSCM’s future with the recent appointment of a new Chair of Council and with our Centenary approaching in 2027.

We are an open, life-long learning organisation, offering face-to-face and distance education and training through our programmes, published resources, courses and activities. These all have a common purpose: to make a positive impact on worship and music in worship.

The RSCM supports a world-wide membership of churches, schools and individuals, and is sustained by thousands of donors and volunteers worldwide. In a diverse international context, the RSCM’s work is broad, and we aim to make all our work ecumenical in purpose, nature and content. Our offices are in Salisbury and we employ 12 FTE staff, led by our Director Hugh Morris.

The Role of Council Member/Trustee includes:

• Providing constructive challenge to the Director and Senior Team in relation to strategies, policies, performance and board recommendations to ensure high standards of corporate governance and financial sustainability.
• Working with fellow Council Members to agree the RSCM’s Mission Statement, Values and Strategic Plan and to undertake regular reviews of the strategic planning of the RSCM
• Attending regular Council meetings, and other Committees as appropriate and Away Days and read and consider prior to Council Meetings the Board reports and all background papers.
• Representing the RSCM at external events as and when asked to (within reason).

The Ideal Candidate

The RSCM welcomes applications from the widest range of backgrounds and is determined to reflect the diverse communities we serve. This encompasses all the regions of the United Kingdom. Prior experience of serving on a board is not essential, but experience as a volunteer will be beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strategic thinking, able to analyse complex information, demonstrate clear analytical intellect and rational decision making.
• Able to contribute to the process of organisational change.
• Aligned with and supportive of the values, ethos and mission of RSCM.
• Actively demonstrate the professional conduct expected of the Board and a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion;
• Passionate about service improvements; strongly champions the future direction of RSCM.
• Listens to others; enabling and supportive of staff to motivate them to deliver the best.
• Demonstrates credibility and integrity.
• Operates with high challenge and high support, recognising the importance of both in a non-executive capacity, through a coaching approach. 

We are seeking to appoint several trustees, with specific expertise in:

• Charitable fundraising, ideally encompassing major donors, anniversaries and legacies.
• Knowledge and experience of IT systems and implementation
• Experience of the Church of England’s Diocesan Education structures
• Ordained clergy

In accordance with the provisions of the Equality Act, the RSCM would particularly welcome applications from candidates who are in the formative stages of their church music careers and minority ethnic backgrounds to further improve the diversity of the Council.

Next Stages and How to Apply

For more information, please download a candidate brief from the listed website.

Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, Enhanced DBS clearance (or equivalent) and RSCM Enhanced Confidential Self-Declaration.

The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) takes seriously its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of all who engage in any RSCM activity, in particular children, young people and adults at risk of harm.