Chapter Update: November 2021
Chapter met together in November, chaired for the first time by our newly installed Dean, The Very Reverend Abi Thompson. Warmly welcoming to all, Abi opened the meeting in prayer.
Chapter welcomed a very helpful presentation of our communications strategy and plans led by our Communications Adviser and our Canon Missioner. Chapter had a full discussion on priorities for the short and medium term including reflecting on website and social media engagement. This included a wide range of opportunities in the weeks and months ahead for the Dean, the Light Show through Advent and to Christmas.
The other main focus of our November meeting was to consider the 2022 Cathedral budget. Chapter received a detailed presentation of the financial position and outline plans and assumptions from the Treasurer. Chapter agreed the budget with some minor adjustments.
Colleagues also discussed final preparations for the launch of the Christmas Tree Festival and the 30 November - 5 December light show. This included marketing and promotion, and staffing cover.
Dean Abi shared her initial reflections on her first few weeks in post, commenting on her very positive experiences of our work, ministry and mission in this place.
Chapter considered the latest Risk Register updates and a recent report they had commissioned following an independent review of the high level Risk Register ahead of forthcoming Chapter training in December on Enterprise Risk Management. They welcomed the positive feedback from independent reviewer. Chapter also received and noted the monthly COO and volunteer management reports.
Chapter considered the forward look schedule of Chapter meetings and agreed to meet monthly into 2022, and for all dates to be published on the website.
Chapter Update: December 2021
Chapter started their meeting with a Risk Management training session externally facilitated for Chapter and staff via Zoom addressing Covid restrictions. The training built on the November 2021 Independent Review report.
The December Chapter opened in prayer and in anticipation with the Collect of the day:
God our redeemer,
who prepared the Blessed Virgin Mary
to be the mother of your Son:
grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour,
so we may be ready to greet him
when he comes again as our judge;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Chapter received and approved the minutes and updated actions of their November meeting. Chapter welcomed Canon Geoffrey Harbord as our new Interim Canon Precentor following his Installation on 12 December.
The Chair welcomed two visitors to the meeting to support our focused discussion on safeguarding, our Cathedral Safeguarding Advisor (CSA) and our Independent Reviewer. Our CSA presented her December report and the Annual Report of Safeguarding activity. Updates included the Cathedral contributions to the Diocesan Past Cases Review work and the Survivor Strategy. Our independent reviewer walked colleagues through a detailed presentation of desk based and independent review work and research findings. These were fully considered; progress and next steps were discussed.
Chapter gave a vote of thanks to our Safeguarding Adviser as this was her final meeting with us after many years of service to the Cathedral. The Diocese will be providing Chapter with Safeguarding support from January 2022 under a new SLA with recruitment in hand.
Chapter also considered the detailed Interim COO report, noting progress on property and HR and other matters, including recruitment for a new member of staff in 1554 Gift Shop to be advertised in January. Chapter gave a vote of thanks for our interim COO as she moves onto a new full time role in 2022, grateful for all that has been achieved from July to December.
A short paper to note from the Business Development Manager was also received with thanks. The paper highlighted early reflections on the light show and good headline visitor numbers of 8500 which enabled the show to break even despite significant Covid uncertainty and inclement weather. Chapter reflected further on AOB including the Covid situation, the impact on plans and our people, including more frequent lateral flow testing arrangements at the Cathedral.
Dean Abi closed the meeting prayer, wishing one and all a blessed and peaceful Christmas.