Read the update from Chapter’s meeting in February 2023.
N.B. This Chapter meeting was rescheduled from 27th February to 6th March
Finance
The Treasurer talked Chapter through the Cathedrals year end financial position for 2022 and gave a summary of the financial position for the very early stages of 2023.
Property Review
The Chief Operating Officer summarised the professional advice received about Chapter’s ongoing management of residentiary canon housing and the current housing market around relevant areas of Sheffield. It was confirmed that the agreed plan will be to keep the current property that is in place for a soon to be appointed Canon Missioner and then to look at a further property for a future new residentiary canon with a view to possibly renting this out in the short term. Questions were also asked about the ongoing maintenance in Chapter properties and feedback was given as to progress with ongoing works.
Safeguarding
The Chapter Safeguarding Lead gave an update as to the activity of the Cathedral Safeguarding Committee and it was agreed that safeguarding notices around the building needed an update (including the inclusion of photographs of key people). The previous safeguarding audit and action plan were discussed and it was agreed that a review of progress is needed in this area. It was also agreed that the Cathedral Safeguarding Advisors should be invited to report directly to Chapter at least every 6 months.
Chief Operating Officer’s Report
The Chief Operating Officer provided an update on a number of areas of cathedral life. One area of concern raised was an increase in the number of incidents related to challenging or anti-social behaviour around the cathedral precinct and in the building itself. It was agreed that future plans around improving the environment around the cathedral should take account of steps that can be taken to reduce opportunities for anti-social behaviour. The Chief Operating Officer is to work with the Cathedral Surveyor, the local authority and other stakeholders moving forward. A concern was also raised about managing risk on a Sunday with a different team of volunteers in place and it was agreed that the Chief Operating Officer and the Vergers would work with 1554 staff and volunteers to devise protocols for ensuring we keep people safe.
Archer Project Lease
The Chief Operating Officer provided an update that the only thing now holding up signing of the lease is an up to date site plan which has been requested from the Cathedral Architect.
Cathedrals Measure 2021
The Chief Operating Officer shared a verbal update on the current progress on drafting of new Constitution and Statutes following previous discussions. It was also highlighted that there are still key decisions to be made around the final versions of these documents. An update about the work being done on the Due Diligence for the Cathedrals Measure was also given.
AOB
It was noted that the Cathedral Risk Register needs review by Chapter on an ongoing basis.
A discussion took place as to the work being done to raise the profile of Sheffield Cathedral on a national scale and this led to a summary of plans at present around the launch of the Sheffield Schools Singing Programme later this year and that this will lead to a large scale campaign to raise awareness.
Dean Abi gave a summary of the engagement with Sheffield Christian Climate Action who staged a protest at Sheffield Cathedral the preceding Sunday. It was agreed that the open, engaging and welcoming approach led to the protest being well managed.
Dean Abi gave an update on the recruitment of a new Director of Music and Schools Singing Programme which has interviews taking place imminently.
Concerns were also raised about the current office space and highlighting the concern that neither the Chief Operating Officer, nor the Finance Manager, have their own confidential space currently. It was agreed that expert advice should be sought to look at how space could be best utilised and options for additional office space if needed.
The next meeting scheduled for 27th March 2023.