Exeter Cathedral is seeking practicing Christians with strategic leadership experience for the role of Non-Executive Member of Chapter to share in the governance and oversight of the Cathedral’s mission. Reporting to the Dean, the successful candidates will provide external perspectives on governance while supporting the Cathedral’s financial viability and strategic direction. One appointee will specifically provide strategic oversight of Safeguarding, while the other will ideally bring commercial or entrepreneurial expertise to identify new income streams.
Exeter Cathedral’s new Constitution and Statutes, adopted in 2023, require the appointment of at least five Non-Executive Members to serve on Chapter alongside the Dean and the Residentiary Canons.
Appointments of Non-Executive Members, who are installed as Chapter Canons, are made by Chapter in consultation with the Bishop of Exeter and on the recommendation of the Cathedral’s Nominations Committee. Appointments are made for a renewable period of up to three years.
As a result of rotation in Chapter membership, one immediate vacancy for a new Non-Executive Member has recently arisen and another will become open in November.
* Immediate Vacancy: Focuses on strategic oversight of Safeguarding alongside general responsibilities. While the Cathedral has a dedicated Safeguarding Officer and specialist support, it is essential that oversight is exercised at the Chapter level.
* November Vacancy: The Cathedral particularly welcomes applications from individuals with Commercial and Entrepreneurial experience. This role will help optimize the Cathedral’s potential as a world-class visitor destination and events venue, which currently attracts over 100,000 visitors annually and hosts over 120 public events, including a Christmas Market visited by over 500,000 people.
Governance and Responsibilities
The Chapter has the general control and management of the administration of the Cathedral. Members serve as Charity Trustees for the purposes of the Charities Act 2011 and are accountable for the Cathedral’s work within the context of Christian worship and mission. Chapter is chaired by the Dean.
Specific Chapter Responsibilities
* To order the worship and promote the mission of the Cathedral.
* To formulate proposals, after consulting the Bishop, regarding the strategic direction and mission of the Cathedral.
* To prepare an annual budget.
* To prepare an annual report and accounts for audit and approval.
* To keep the constitution and statutes under review.
* To manage Cathedral property and income, ensuring necessary repairs and maintenance for the Cathedral, its contents, and other buildings/monuments.
Principal Responsibilities for Non-Executive Members
* Share responsibility for the governance, oversight, and leadership of the Cathedral.
* Provide external perspectives and constructive challenge to full-time Chapter members to ensure proper governance.
* Participate fully in Chapter meetings and other Chapter work, including sitting on or chairing sub-committees.
* Join in key aspects of the ceremonial and worshipping life of the Cathedral.
* Note: Non-Executives do not usually have management responsibilities for staff but may support staff in achieving specific objectives.
Person Specification
* Commitment to the mission and work of the Cathedral.
* Must be a baptised and confirmed member of the Anglican Church, or of a Church in communion with the Church of England, or of a church that subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
* Experience of governance in a complex organisation.
* Ability to attend meetings during business hours and participate in Cathedral services.
* Strong teamwork and communication skills across all levels.
* Relevant experience (as outlined in the vacancy descriptions) to support the Cathedral’s work.
* Willingness to undergo DBS Enhanced Disclosure and attend Safeguarding training.
* Ideally, experience as a Charity Trustee.
Time Commitment
* Approximately six Chapter meetings per year (usually on the third Thursday of the month).
* Members are encouraged to attend Morning Prayer (8:15 am) and Eucharist (8:35 am) preceding meetings.
* At least one Chapter Awayday annually.
* Additional sub-committee meetings based on the member's specific area of expertise.
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