Ottery St Mary Parish Church - Under One Roof
Invitation for Expressions of Interest
Professional Assistance for Grant Application and Co-ordination of Bid Activities
The Under One Roof Team of Ottery St Mary Parish Church is seeking a c.£1 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) towards the cost of repairing the roof of its 14 th century building and sharing the heritage of the church with the community, visitors and other stakeholders. See Project Background below.
We have already submitted an Expression of Interest for NLHF Funding. This has been positively received, and we have been invited to submit a Development Phase Application, specifically focused on the end-May 2026 application deadline. We are seeking a suitable person/organisation to work with us on the preparation of the application, coordination of various elements of the bid, and collaboration with other participants.
The Role
* Reporting to the Under One Roof Steering Committee: You would initially assist the preparation of a Development Phase Application to the NLHF. This will include bid writing, bringing together all the parts of the bid and supporting documentation, outline planning and costing of interpretation and activities, and assistance with recruiting other contractors for the development period. We have made good progress with 9 sub-projects and engagement with outside bodies, and the role would draw together the output of those groups into the form and degree of detail needed for the development application.
* If the Development Phase Application is successful, the role may expand to cover preparation of the Delivery Phase Application, and more detailed planning and costing of the bid elements.
* Continued involvement into the delivery phase may also be required.
Role Interfaces
This project could require you to be involved with church leaders, each project group, volunteers, and other participants in the project, including the wider community, Heritage Society, visitors to the church and museum, the town council, local schools/youth organisations etc. Regular progress updates will be required to the Under One Roof Steering Committee & PCC.
We are looking for a person or organisation with:
* Extensive demonstrable experience with successful medium to large funding bids (£250,000 plus) to the National Lottery Heritage Fund – and, if possible, established contacts within relevant bodies. Preference will be shown to those with experience of church heritage projects.
* The capacity to commit part time to the project in April – June 2026 and over several years, see Target Timescales below.
* Excellent time management and communication skills across all age ranges and backgrounds, and across all media platforms.
* The ability to plan and deliver inclusive as well as environmentally focussed activities.
Key Performance Indicators
Good communication with Under One Roof Steering Committee.
On‑time successful community project delivery with positive feedback.
Successful Development and Delivery Phase Applications to NLHF.
Our first goal is to submit a Development Phase Application by 31st May 2026. If successful, there will be up to two years to detail the elements of the project, with cost estimates, culminating in the Delivery Phase Application, although our target for submission of that is 28th February 2027. Project delivery and the interpretation and activities should extend for 3 years from mid‑2027.
Funding
Initially the funding will be from sources other than the NHLF. A successful Development Phase Application will then unlock NHLF funding.
Project Background
The current parish church of Ottery St Mary dates from the mid‑14 th century and is one of England’s "top 15 churches". It was originally a collegiate church before dissolution of the college, and destruction of other buildings in the complex, under Henry VIII. It contains outstanding ceilings, bosses, a working astronomical clock and a comprehensive Victorian decorative tiling scheme. For more information, see https://www.uksouthwest.net/devon/ottery-st-mary-church/ and https://ottervalechurches.org/churches/ottery-st-mary-church/.
The project will be planned and realised in conjunction with the local community and many other interested parties, including the Ottery Heritage Society, town council, local schools, neuro‑diverse groups and archaeological and historical experts (including from Exeter Cathedral, Exeter University, Devon County Council and East Devon District Council). Elements of the project include repairs to the roof, opening up the church tower and roof, transformation of interpretation and heritage activities, using new audio‑visual facilities, re‑purposing an area for contemplation and worship, and a sensory garden in the churchyard, using the outline of historic previous buildings revealed by archaeological projects.
Expression of Interest
If you are interested in being part of our project please send us information about your organisation, and details of your experience of heritage projects, applications to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and work with volunteer groups. We would like to know which tasks you have undertaken on similar projects and how you think you could best contribute to the success of our project.
Please respond by 25th March 2026 by email toliz.tapper@live.co.uk (07394 431032).
Selection meetings will be held via Teams / Zoom in the following week.
We would be more than happy to arrange a site visit for you if you wish.
Forward Plan
We will review responses received and invite tenders from a short list of the most suitable applicants.
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