The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, of Worcester | Notice of Formal Consultation

Worcester Cathedral is reviewing its Constitution and Statutes. Under the Cathedrals Measure 2021, all English Cathedrals are required to become charities registered with the Charity Commission and the public consultation is a part of this process.

Why is this happening?

In 2017, a Church of England working group reviewed and made recommendations on the governance and regulation of all cathedrals. These recommendations formed the basis of the new Cathedrals Measure 2021 which was passed by the General Synod in 2019 and received Royal Assent in 2020.

What will change, and how does this apply to the Cathedral?

All cathedrals in England are required to prepare a new set of Constitutions and Statutes and must also apply to the Charity Commission of England and Wales (‘the Charity Commission’) for registration as a charity, supported by the Church Commissioners. Once registered by the Charity Commission, the cathedral will be co-regulated by the Church Commissioners and the Charity Commission.

The new set of Constitutions and Statutes will establish four formal committees of Chapter, namely the Safeguarding Committee, the Finance Committee, the Congregational Committee and the Nominations Committee. The College of Canons will continue to be a body established by the Constitution, but the Cathedral Council will cease to exist. A new Council of Reference (an advisory body) will be established to enable engagement with persons in the local area who have an interest in the affairs of the Cathedral. The new Constitutions and Statutes will also reflect a clearer distinction between ‘governance’ and ‘management’ in the way that the Cathedral is run. Chapter will have more non-executive members than executive members and at least two-thirds of the non-executive members must be lay persons. The members of Chapter will become trustees under Charity Law.

Viewing the Constitution and Statutes

Please click here to view the proposed new Constitiution.

Please click here to view the proposed new Statutes.

Printed copies are available for viewing at the Cathedral’s Welcome Desk. The consultation is now open and will close at 5pm on Sunday 8 October 2023. If you have any comments, please email these to thedeansoffice@worcestercathedral.org.uk or complete the online form available at:

https://forms.office.com/e/yhgjDJ6qXx

Matthew Hall

Chief Operating Officer / Chapter Clerk

Date: 11 September 2023