September 2023 — Sheffield Cathedral

The following aspects

A date was agreed for Stewardship Sunday, the need to update the current Chapter Action Journal was noted.

safeguarding

The Dean provided a verbal update to the Chapter, who were informed that there is a regular diary meeting for Dean Abi, the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, the Chapter Safeguarding Officer and the Director of Operations to review safeguarding concerns and processes. Current day-to-day issues are handled well. Chaplaincy reporting plus general reporting maintains consistency and coverage.

Finance

The Cathedral Treasurer gave a brief update on the current financial situation of the Cathedral and reviewed the July Operating Accounts for Chapter and Business Business. A discussion was held around the Events revenue on track for 2023 and the possible use of the current meeting rooms for office space given space constraints. It was agreed that the impact on income generation and community use of the rooms should be considered before any reuse. Chapters were informed that the Architect of the Cathedral had begun to help identify places where work could be done on possible changes to the office layout. The space outside Burgesses Corridor and St George’s Old Chapel should be considered for potential better use.

Chapter were informed that a new financial plan is being created with the music director.

Recruitment and Staffing Updates

The new director of the schools’ music and singing program and the cathedral’s new organist and director of keyboard studies were recently welcomed at a commissioning service. The chapter has been informed that the induction process is being revised following IT issues in these new starts. The new intern with experience in the ministry of the Cathedral moved into the basement of the Deanery, and the new Missionary Canon and family moved into their house. Chapters have been informed that the Digital Communications Assistant has resigned and that a more senior marketing role may be considered in the future.

The Chapter has received information about the restructuring affecting some employees currently.

Peer Review

The next Peer Review was previewed with the Chapter and it was noted that strategic planning is still needed and it is important to get a date for this to happen.

The Measure of Cathedrals

The Chapter was updated on the status of the application for the Cathedral and the current work being done with lawyers and church commissioners around our new Constitution and Bylaws.

Fabrics Advisory Committee (FAC)

The profile of a new FAC member was discussed and agreed to be presented for membership.

AOB

The chapter discussed the current position on clergy housing and the need to address its management. Chapters were also notified of the damage to four of the stained glass windows and it was noted that the FAC was advising on the work required to restore them.

The next meeting is scheduled for October 16, 2023.