Abbey of St Edmund Reborn: We Need Your Expertise – New Project Board Members

As we move into delivery, we’re looking to strengthen our Project Board with people who can bring strategic thinking, professional expertise, and constructive challenge to help shape this shared vision for Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk.

We’re seeking two or three new Project Board members to join us for the delivery phase. We’re particularly interested in people with experience or strong networks in three key areas:

• Natural heritage and local biodiversity – experience or knowledge in biodiversity conservation, environmental management, ecological restoration, chalk streams, landscape management, climate change and sustainability, or community engagement with the natural environment.

• Community engagement, education and learning – experience in further and higher education, schools and lifelong learning, community development, skills development, volunteering, inclusive and accessible learning, or working with young people and under-represented communities.

• Visitor economy, tourism, communications and marketing – expertise in tourism and destination development, visitor attractions, cultural tourism, hospitality, marketing and communications, audience development, digital engagement, or place-making.

What matters most is that you can think strategically, bring constructive challenge, and help us build something that lasts. We’re looking for people who can contribute not just technical expertise, but genuine strategic insight.

Project Board members meet monthly in person at St Edmundsbury Cathedral to provide strategic oversight throughout the delivery programme. These roles will offer professional advice, contribute expertise, help identify opportunities and partnerships that could strengthen the project, consider the needs and interests of local communities and stakeholders, and support us in achieving our heritage, environmental, educational and community outcomes. You’ll also contribute to discussions around risk, sustainability, legacy and long-term impact – and where appropriate, help champion the project within your networks.

This is a voluntary position. Day-to-day project management is the responsibility of our Project Manager and professional team, so you won’t be managing delivery – you’ll be providing the strategic thinking that helps us succeed.

If you, or someone you know may be interested, please download the recruitment sheet here.

You can submit your letter of interest via email to: James Mellish, Project Manager. james@jmenvironmental.co.uk
Application deadline, 5.00 pm on Friday 13 November 2026