The Archdiocesan Parish Centre Management Company (APCMC) is inviting expressions of interest from people who would like to help shape the future of parish centres across the Archdiocese of Liverpool by becoming lay members of its board.

Historically, APCMC board membership was exclusively for members of the clergy. However, for the first time since APCMC was established in 1997, the board is seeking to appoint two lay members, bringing new perspectives, professional expertise and wider representation to support its work.

APCMC is a VAT-registered subsidiary of the Archdiocese of Liverpool and is responsible for managing 34 parish centres across the archdiocese. Located at the heart of local communities, parish centres provide licensed trade and function room hire while also serving as venues for a wide range of social action initiatives, including food banks, sports groups and activities for people of all ages.

Like many organisations in the hospitality sector, APCMC faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent cost-of-living crisis. Following a period of review and change, the company is committed to ensuring parish centres continue to thrive as welcoming community hubs and to exploring new opportunities to support local people through social action and community development projects.

Fr Graeme Dunne, Chair of the APCMC Board, said: “In my many years of priesthood, our parish centres have been an important part of the social life of the parish as well as centres for the good of the wider community.”

The board is keen to hear from adults aged 18 and over from a variety of backgrounds, particularly those with experience or knowledge of the hospitality, entertainment or social action sectors.

Lay board members will play an important role in decisions relating to parish centre reviews, capital projects and building works, while also helping to strengthen the organisation's social action footprint.

Board meetings take place quarterly at the St Margaret Clitherow Centre in Liverpool and typically last around two hours. Members may also be asked to provide occasional input between meetings via email.

To help prospective candidates learn more about APCMC and its work, two open evenings will be held at parish centres across the archdiocese.

Anyone interested in applying is invited to read the information pack here and email Jade Williams at j.williams@rcaol.org.uk, outlining their experience and reasons for wishing to be considered. The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 3 July.

Interviews will take place shortly afterwards and will consist of an informal question-and-answer session with members of the board.