Read the update from Chapter’s meeting in April 2023.
Audit Report
Chapter invited Jane Marshall from our audit partners BHP to provide a report on the audit of Chapter’s 2022 accounts and annual report. Jane confirmed that BHP were happy with Chapter’s final accounts and that once a couple of outstanding areas had been finalised these accounts could be prepared for sign off. John Biggin gave special mention to the excellent work done by the Cathedral Finance Manager – Sarah Hardy in managing the cathedral finances and in particular in preparation of the annual accounts and provision of information to auditors.
Finance
The Finance Manager and Cathedral Treasurer gave an update on the Cathedral’s current financial position and outlined that work on a 3 year finance plan for the Cathedral was starting in earnest in May. The Treasurer also gave a summary to Chapter of a meeting that took place between the Finance Committee and the Church Commissioners where our current financial position was reviewed and our vision for the future was laid out.
The Enterprise accounts were also reviewed and a conversation about the possibility of extending the 1554 coffee shop into the cathedral or into the forecourt was discussed.
Cathedral’s Measure
The Chief Operating Officer gave a brief update as to the current status of work on the implementation of the Cathedrals Measure 2021 and terms of reference for various committee meetings were discussed and agreed for feedback to solicitors for inclusion in the cathedral’s new Constitution and Statutes.
Risk Register
The cathedral’s risk register is being updated and the Chief Operating Officer shared with Chapter that the review by the Senior Management Team had led to an understanding that there is more work needed on this before it can be shared for full review in Chapter. This review is scheduled for May Chapter.
Safeguarding
The Chapter Safeguarding Lead provided an update on recent activities related to safeguarding in the cathedral.
Cathedrals Measure
The Chief Operating Officer gave Chapter an update on progress against Cathedral Measure timelines and it was agreed that once drafts are returned from Lupton Fawcett these can also be shared with Church Burgesses for comment and scrutiny. There was also a discussion around the role of the Nominations Committee and how integral this will be to the governance of the cathedral moving forward.
Terrorism Insurance
Chapter agreed that, at this point, there is no need to add Terrorism Cover to our existing cathedral policy. There was a discussion around training for welcomers and other staff such as Vergers around managing disruption to services.
Bishop’s Statement
Dean Abi confirmed that the Bishop’s Statement is now on the website and that copies had been sent directly to Roy Wheeler and Revd Keith Farrow.
Fabric Advisory Committee
The Chief Operating Officer gave an update to Chapter about the current composition of the FAC and the fact that there are currently two vacancies (one of which is a Chapter appointment). The Chief Operating Officer informed Chapter that at the next FAC meeting in June, there is an agenda item in place where the membership and Chairmanship of the group is being discussed.
Association of English Cathedrals (AEC) Authorised Representative
Chapter agreed that Jason Carr will be the authorised representative of Sheffield Cathedral for the AEC.
APCM
It was confirmed that the date of the APCM would be 14th May due to other commitments in the diary for the remaining Sundays. Elections for Electoral Roll Officer, Deanery Synod and Church Wardens are due to take place. Please note the date of the APCM was changed to 23rd May after the Chapter meeting.
Organ
The topic of a new organ was raised and Dean Abi explained that the new Director of Music is coming with a view that our present organ is inadequate and will bring energy and connections to renewed fundraising to help purchase a new organ.
The next meeting scheduled for 22nd May 2023.