An exciting opportunity has arisen for the appointment of a new Chair of the Trustees at John Wesley's New Room.  Having successfully completed dramatic improvements to our premises, we are now at a point where we wish to maximise these to their full potential and need the right leadership to enable us to flourish. We are a hidden treasure right in the centre of Bristol, with a national and international presence. We seek a dynamic and vision-filled person to play a pivotal role in leading us forward into an inspiring future, continuing the life-enhancing legacy of John and Charles Wesley and helping to increase our visibility and impact. 

Our Mission is to be a heritage site where people come in and go out renewed.
Our Vision is to use our historic collection and other resources to bring to life the story and legacy of the Wesleys, offering space for curiosity, reflection, and enjoyment to all.

There are three main Trustee meetings a year and monthly Operations Committee meetings to chair. There would be regular meetings with staff, particularly the Directors to provide line management and support, and also two staff-led general meetings a year with volunteers. These are held on site in Bristol or hybrid.

The appointment is initially for three years. References and a DBS check is required.

The appointment is voluntary, but reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed. As an inclusive organisation, we welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

For full details, see Role Description and Person Specification.
 

About us

John Wesley's New Room is a Methodist Heritage site in the centre of Bristol - the oldest Methodist building in the world.  Our award-winning museum consists of a peaceful Grade I listed 18th century chapel with beautifully preserved features, and Preachers’ Rooms exploring social and religious history, with stories of social justice and abolition, health and wellbeing, education, the global spread of Methodism and the relevance of John Wesley's work to today's social and political climate. 

The visitor centre has a vibrant café, library and archive, gift shop, as well as accessible meeting rooms available to hire. There is also Charles Wesley’s House, a short distance away, a beautiful Georgian house and garden, where the hymn writing talents of Charles and the musical achievements of his family are displayed.  Through our programme of events, tours, community, and educational activity, we welcome visitors locally and from across the world, offering an oasis place of refuge, learning, reflection, enjoyment, and hospitality.

John Wesley’s New Room is committed to full equality and inclusion.  We were the second church in Bristol to be registered for same sex marriages and it is a place where diversity is celebrated.  We do not have a congregation, but we have volunteer chaplains and hold a regular lunchtime communion service to which all are welcome. 

John Wesley’s New Room and Charles Wesley’s House are part of the Methodist Church in Britain.  Trustees are responsible to the Conference of the Methodist Church in Britain and all trustees maintain collective responsibility.  For further information about The Methodist Church please visit www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/the-methodist-church