Chapter are excited to share regular updates, roughly every six months, detailing discussions and decisions from their monthly Chapter meetings.
April 2021
In the Spring Chapter were fully immersed in the careful management of the Covid-19 pandemic yet rejoicing in the celebration of Holy Week and Easter. Chrism Eucharist with Bishop Sophie of Doncaster preaching was a joy. Cathedral clergy, staff and volunteers worked together from 9 April to welcome those who wished to come to the Cathedral in memory of His Royal Highness the Duke Of Edinburgh. Chapter considered their monthly Management Accounts, Balance Sheet, and cash flow, as well as the Safeguarding Report. We bid farewell to Revd Catherine Staziker as she secured a Parochial post and said goodbye to our Canon’s Verger leaving for his new post in Newcastle Cathedral recognising all they had brought to the Cathedral. Chapter were updated on building works, staff training, and risk assessments as well as recruitments underway. Chapter welcomed the re-opening of the Shop from April and Coffee Shop from May 17th.
May 2021
Chapter approved the minutes and matters arising from the previous meeting. They reflected on the Memorial Service for HRH Prince Philip held at the Cathedral in April. They welcomed our new Honorary Canons to the Cathedral following their licensing in two, socially distanced services by the Bishop of Sheffield.
Reflecting on matters of the Cathedral building and fabric, Chapter further considered the North Boundary Wall and opportunities to seek grant funding to potentially restore to match the original fencing. Clergy housing had been sold subject to contract as offers were accepted on properties and the search for new housing got underway. Chapter discussed the new Cathedrals Measure and noted that part of the Measure will affect the governance. Constitutions and statutes will need to be revised as a part of that.
Concerning matters of leadership, Chapter were updated on the appointment and discernment process for the new Dean of Sheffield and the appointment of the new Interim Assistant Director of Music. The Interim Assistant Director of Music will initially work 3 days per week. Plans to recruit new Choral Scholars for the new University Term were discussed. Matters regarding the bishops Determination were addressed with agreement to include this as a standing item for future meetings.
June 2021
Chapter Away Day Cutlers Hall 10.30 – 4pm, it was agreed that our professional clerk would attend to administer and record outcomes. All senior management and Chapter reviewed the draft action plan for the Bishop’s Determination which formed the agenda for the away day. Actions were agreed to complete the delivery of the Determination actions in a timely manner. Diocesan ordinations were held successfully in person and this was live streamed on 26 and 27 June at the Cathedral.
July 2021
Government relaxation of Covid restrictions from 19 July meant increasing visitor numbers, although Chapter have retained many of the precautions in place. At the meeting we celebrated the official admission of our two Church Wardens into office from 1 July 2021 and welcomed our new interim Chief Operating Officer supporting Chapter over the summer initially. Visitors were able to enjoy an exhibition of Sheffield’s industrial heritage ‘The Foundry’. Chapter passed a resolution to join the Parish Giving Scheme as part of wider stewardship and giving ambitions. The Cathedral relies on giving and donations to run. The treasurer walked Chapter through the management accounts, balance sheet and cash flow statements. The July focus included a thorough review of actions from the June Away Day. Chapter also discussed matters such as safeguarding, and preparations for the arrival of the new Dean in November, including housing. Fabric Advisory Commission had reviewed proposals for works on the North Boundary Wall and these were shared with Chapter in advance of an Historic England Grant application decision for their Major Works Round 2. Chapter thanked all our volunteers for over 470 active hours of service in June. Chapter also discussed seeking additional members of Chapter with finance and commercial experience.
August 2021
A major focus of our August meeting was a review and updating the Strategic Risk Register and monitoring progress against various action plans, including the Bishop’s Determination. As visitor numbers grew with the Bear Trail for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital, plans were also agreed for our annual Heritage Open Day on 18 September. We also discussed the eco pilgrimage of young people arriving in the Cathedral 5 September on their journey to Glasgow ahead of COP26. Our treasurer carefully walked us through the details of our management accounts, cash flow statements and balance sheet, including exciting new plans for our Enterprise activity in our 1554 Coffee Shop and Shop. Chapter considered the Safeguarding Report from our Cathedral Safeguarding Adviser and were updated on the next steps for the Past Cases Review 2 (PCR2) and our SCIE safeguarding independent audit action plan. Chapter received various departmental reports including the Music Department, marking our new term as some of our Choral Scholars who have left University moved on and new scholars completed their auditions. Chapter also noted the recent publication of the Association of English Cathedral’s launch of the Economic and Social Impact of England’s cathedrals. Chapter was informed that the Chief Operations Officer, after a period of leave had made the decision to leave this post. Chapter recorded their very grateful thanks for all her work over the past 9 years.
September 2021
Colleagues reviewed draft minutes, actions and matters arising from the previous meeting. Our treasurer took Chapter members carefully through the financial budgets, monthly management accounts, cash flow and balance sheet for the Cathedral Chapter and our Enterprise 1554 Café and Shop and considered risks. Chapter welcomed various reports from our clergy – including plans for new confirmation classes and many services for: South Yorkshire Police, HM Lord Lieutenant, the memorial choral evensong for the late Bishop of Sheffield, David Lunn.
Executive leadership developments since August were also provided by the interim Chief Operating Officer (COO). Chapter consider recruitment plans for a permanent COO. Chapter have recently agreed to sell and buy a new Deanery to accommodate our new Dean Designate on arrival in November and hope to complete and exchange shortly. Chapter were delighted to formally welcomed our Revd Canon Abi Thompson in person for part of the meeting Chapter to discuss some management and communications plans and priorities in readiness for her November 6th Installation. Plans for this event were also discussed.
Chapter were also updated on safeguarding as work on Past Cases Review 2 with the Diocese and National Safeguarding Team continues to progress to conclusion. Departmental reports in September were received covering volunteering hours, 1554 Enterprise developments (including exciting recruitment for a new retail supervisor), and business development work. Highlights included preparing for The Beginning, our light show event, and our Christmas Tree Festival. Chapter look forward to welcoming our Interim Assistant Director of Music to a future Chapter meeting to discuss the music termly calendar welcoming the return of the Wednesday lunchtime recitals and concerts from 10 November.