Appointment of Chapter Steward - Candidate Information August 2021 - Norwich Cathedral
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Appointment of Chapter Steward
Candidate Information
August 2021
August 2021
Dear Applicant
Vacancy for Chapter Steward
Thank you for your interest in the post of Chapter Steward at Norwich Cathedral. This is a full time post
available from 1 January 2022.
This is a key post; the Chapter Steward is the senior lay employee serving the Dean and Chapter. We seek
an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual, with demonstrable experience to share our key Benedictine
principles of Worship, Learning and Hospitality to support us and be an ambassador for Norwich Cathedral,
subscribing to our core aims and values.
As part of the application pack I am pleased to enclose the following:
• General Information about Norwich Cathedral and the post
• Staffing Structure
• Job Description
• Terms and Conditions
• Person Specification
• Annual Report and Financial Statements to 31 March 2020 (2021 accounts are about to be signed by
the Dean and Chapter)
• Application Form
Candidates should please return a completed application form to Susan Bulpitt, Office Manager and PA to
Chapter Steward (recruitment@cathedral.org.uk) no later than noon on Wednesday 15 September 2021.
Interviews will be held over two days on Monday 4 October and Tuesday 5 October 2021.
If you would like to speak with me in advance of making your application, please be in contact with the
Chapter’s Steward’s PA, Susan Bulpitt, 01603 218304 who will arrange a telephone call. I look forward to
receiving your completed application in due course.
Yours sincerely
The Very Revd Jane Hedges
Dean of Norwich
2Background information to Norwich Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Norwich has stood for over 900 years as a beacon
of faith and hope for the people of Norfolk. It has had different functions in different ages, and yet its purpose
remains unchanged: witnessing to the constancy of God’s love for each of us in Christ, and offering a
perspective on the world that each generation inhabits.
Construction of the Cathedral began in 1096 and a monastic community was established based on the
rigorous Rule of St Benedict. The monks and lay brothers lived and worked in buildings clustered around the
cloisters, and worshipped day and night in the Cathedral Church. They were to offer unrestricted hospitality
to pilgrims and those who came for help and advice. They were to be men of learning, offering their
knowledge and their skills in the service of the wider community.
Those same Benedictine principles apply today and shape the vision for the future. Worship continues every
day, both in large services and also in the prayers of individual visitors. Our award-winning Refectory
Restaurant has been built on the site of the original monastic dining hall and our Hostry Visitor and Education
Centre on the site of the original Hostry guest hall. Both were designed by Sir Michael Hopkins and opened
by HM The Queen in 2010.
In April 2015, the Dean and Chapter launched its Strategic Plan. This is reviewed at least annually and sets
down the Dean and Chapter’s aims and aspirations. The Dean’s introduction gives a clear focus for our work:-
“As we look to the years ahead, our focus will continue to be upon the worship of God and the service
of His people – the people of the Diocese, the city and the wider community in East Anglia. In this five
year strategic vision we pledge ourselves to making the very best use of our wonderful buildings to
achieve the following:
· To enhance the experience of visitors and pilgrims.
· To provide imaginative space for music, theatre and the celebration of the arts,
business and science.
· To draw people to a place where they can exchange ideas in an atmosphere of
openness and mutual respect.
· To enable adults and children who come through our doors to discover the richness of
the Gospel and its relevance to their daily lives.
· To engage with the Diocesan vision for growth in discipleship, spirituality and the number
of people regularly worshipping in our Churches.
· To live by our core values.”
The Cathedral continues to do what it has always done. It provides the opportunity for personal reflection
and prayer; it connects us with the wider Church on earth and in heaven; it provides a focus for the Diocese
of Norwich; it offers opportunities for celebration, learning and discovery. The Benedictine principles inform
our Mission Statement:
Norwich Cathedral is a Christian presence at the heart of Norfolk
A place where all are welcome
A place to share learning
A place to grow in holiness
3Cathedral Governance
The Cathedral currently functions under the Cathedrals Measure of 1999 and this is translated into the
Cathedral’s own Constitution and Statutes (last revised 2014).
Chapter forms the governing body of the Cathedral. It sets policy, direction and key objectives, approves
strategy and the annual budget, monitors performance and oversees the affairs and administration of the
Cathedral. Chapter is chaired by the Dean, as Head of Foundation. The four Residentiary Canons
(Precentor, Mission & Pastoral Care, Treasurer and Librarian) are all members of Chapter, together with an
Honorary Canon nominated by the Bishop and three Lay Canons appointed by the Bishop after consultation
with the Dean and Chairman of the Cathedral Council.
Chapter is assisted in its governance by a number of committees which report to Chapter in an advisory
capacity and make recommendations. Chapter’s committee structure currently comprises:
Chapter and Architect (Monthly)
Property (Monthly)
Finance (Monthly)
Safeguarding (Quarterly)
Health and Safety (Quarterly)
Social and Environmental Responsibility
Broderers Advisory Committee
Exhibitions Panel
Library Advisory Committee
Norwich Cathedral Enterprises Limited is the trading subsidiary company, responsible for the Refectory
Coffee Shop and the Cathedral Shop.
The Cathedral Council acts as a “critical friend” to the Cathedral Chapter. Council considers proposals
submitted by the Chapter in connection with the general direction and mission of the Cathedral. It receives
and considers the annual budget, annual report and audited accounts. It supports the work of the Cathedral;
spiritual, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
The College of Canons as an honorary body receives and considers the annual report and audited accounts
and takes an interest in the life of the Cathedral particularly in the wider context of the Diocese of Norwich.
Separately registered with the Charity Commissioners, but closely working with the Dean and Chapter include
Norwich Cathedral Trust, The Norwich Cathedral Choir Endowment Fund and The Friends of Norwich
Cathedral.
Under the Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011, the Fabric Advisory Committee deal with fabric matters at a
local level with oversight from the Cathedral Fabric Commission for England.
Cathedrals Measure of 2021
The new Cathedrals Measure of 2021 passed through General Synod and Parliament and is now law.
Cathedrals have three years to revise their Constitution and Statutes and register with the Charity
Commissioners. Norwich Cathedral has been selected as one of the first seven Cathedrals to go through
this process. This will affect some of our governance structures and provide a new framework within which
the Chapter Steward will have to work. The Cathedrals Measure of 2021 may be viewed at:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukcm/2021/2/contents/enacted
The new Measure provides for each Cathedral to appoint a Chief Operating Officer and a Chief Financial
Officer. It is the Dean and Chapter’s intention to combine these two roles (as has been the case currently)
and this post will continue to be known as the Chapter Steward; serving the Dean and Chapter as its senior
lay employee. The role is more akin to being a Senior Civil Servant or Bursar of a large organisation; the role
is more Cabinet Secretary than Chief Executive!
4It should be noted that in respect of being the Chief Financial Officer, the Chapter Steward will be supported
by a fully qualified accountant who serves as the Cathedral’s Finance Manager.
The Post of Chapter Steward
The post of Chapter Steward falls vacant as Neil Parsons moves to a new post of Clerk to the Ouseley Church
Music Trust after serving the Cathedral in an exceptional way over the past ten years. The post is available
from 1 January 2022 and it is planned that a suitable induction and handover will be possible in December
2021.
The Chapter Steward will need to be an experienced and influential leader who can inspire others and have
the drive and skills to work together and help deliver the Cathedral’s Strategic Plan. The Chapter Steward
will need to demonstrate a strong empathy for the Cathedral’s aims and objectives centred around the
Benedictine principles of Worship, Learning and Hospitality. He/she will be need to live and demonstrate the
Cathedral’s core values.
The Chapter Steward will play a unique part in shaping the future life of Norwich Cathedral, its growth and
sustainability. They will work in partnership together with the Dean and Chapter to seize new opportunities
for growth while being scrupulous about sustaining the worshipping life, heritage and daily routines that
enable complex Cathedral life to run smoothly.
The Chapter Steward will need to understand or quickly learn how Cathedrals and the Church of England
functions. He/she will need to have great diplomatic skills to manage a complex organisation and successfully
bring together many different constituents. The post is demanding and carries challenges, but is hugely
enjoyable and greatly rewarding.
The Chapter Steward is the senior lay employee of Norwich Cathedral, responsible to the Dean and Chapter
and line managed by the Dean. The Dean and Chapter Steward meet at least weekly and the Chapter
Steward is supported by a PA who also serves as Office Manager. The Chapter Steward will work with a
well-functioning Chapter and have responsibility for a staff team of 60 (42 full time equivalent) employees.
The line management structure and organisational chart accompanies this pack. The Cathedral is also
supported by over 600 dedicated volunteers.
The Cathedral’s Annual Operational Budget is in excess of £3 million. The Dean and Chapter always set a
prudent budget with a modest surplus and aim to grow the surplus throughout the course of the year. At
financial year end, Chapter is then able to make designations to specific capital/major projects. Over the last
ten years, Chapter has been able to make year-end designations of between £160,000 and £450,000.
Chapter has no borrowings.
The Chapter Steward does not need to be a qualified accountant, but needs to have a strong grasp on
budgetary procedures, controls and play a key role in budget setting, financial strategy and advising the
Chapter in its financial management. The Chapter Steward presents the annual budget and audited accounts
to the College of Canons and Cathedral Council. With no complacency, the Cathedral has received clean
audit reports and wishes to see this continue.
A strong and robust Risk Register is in place and is regularly reviewed by the Chapter. A Contracts Register
and Policy has recently been approved and Heads of Department work within this structure.
The Dean, Chapter Steward and Chapter Steward’s PA have a key role in fundraising for capital projects (the
Chapter do not employ a fundraiser or Director of Development). In the last five years £1.5 million has been
raised for a new Cathedral Lighting System and £2.7 million for They Shall Laugh & Sing: The Norwich
Cathedral Music Appeal. Excellent relationships exist with local and national trusts and donor relationships
need to be constantly maintained and fostered. There will inevitably always be funding requirements for large
capital projects at Norwich Cathedral and the new Chapter Steward will be expected to play a key role in
fundraising. However, after raising £4.2 million over the last five years, the Dean and Chapter have
recognised that over the next couple of years there needs to be a fallow period in terms of fundraising, to
allow other local good causes to achieve their goals.
5The Cathedral has a rolling five-year Strategic Plan. Chapter reviews a section of this at each monthly
meeting, with reports from Heads of Departments. The Strategic Plan has a major review and update each
year in January at the Annual Chapter Residential. This also ensures that the Strategic Plan is supported by
the budget. It is then republished in March/April.
Due to the COVID pandemic, the Strategic Plan was put on hold for over a year, as the Cathedral had to
concentrate far more on day to day needs and responding to constant changes. Chapter gave the plan a
major overhaul in June 2021 and it will be republished in September 2021 (with a draft version made available
to candidates).
The Chapter Steward is responsible for all Human Resource management in relation to lay staff. The
Cathedral subscribes to MENTOR, part of the Nat West Group, who provide a 24/7 help line. MENTOR
regularly update contracts of employment with legislative changes and update the Employee Handbook
annually. Recruitment, contracts, terms and conditions, the Employee Handbook and any staff queries,
grievances and disciplinaries are all managed by the Chapter Steward. The new Chapter Steward will need
to instigate a regular system of Staff Appraisals, with training for Senior Staff to then cascade amongst their
teams. This was put on hold because of the COVID pandemic.
Norwich Cathedral is one of the few English Cathedrals to have retained all of the properties (bar one) within
the 44 acre Cathedral Close. The mixed portfolio includes residential houses and flats, commercial properties
and buildings used by Norwich School. The portfolio generates an income of £2 million per year and this
sustains the mission and ministry of Norwich Cathedral. The Chapter Steward is the key conduit between
Chapter and the Managing Agents, currently Savills. The Estate is managed by the Estates Manager and a
Works Team of six. Ensuring the correct and proper management of the estate is an important and a
challenging part of the job, since Chapter derives the majority of its income from the estate.
The Chapter Steward is the Cathedral’s Health & Safety Officer, and liaises closely with the external Health
& Safety Advisor. The Cathedral’s Health & Safety Committee meets quarterly and reports to the Dean and
Chapter. The Chapter Steward is also responsible for the insurances of the Cathedral and the Estate, and
maintains regular contact with the Cathedral’s Insurers, Ecclesiastical Insurance Group.
As well as being Chapter Clerk to the Dean and Chapter, the Chapter Steward is Company Secretary of
Norwich Cathedral Enterprises Limited, Clerk to Norwich Cathedral Trust, Clerk to Norwich Cathedral Choir
Endowment Fund and Secretary to the Fabric Advisory Committee. The Chapter Steward is assisted by his
PA in taking minutes, but needs to be well versed in good governance, meeting procedures, company law
and charity law. The Chapter Steward also attends meetings of the Council for the Friends of Norwich
Cathedral in an ex officio capacity.
Relationships with all of these subsidiary groups: Norwich Cathedral Enterprises Limited, Norwich Cathedral
Trust, Norwich Cathedral Choir Endowment Fund and the Friends of Norwich Cathedral are all excellent.
The Dean and Chapter supported by the Chapter Steward play a key role in maintaining and fostering good
relationships and keeping all stakeholders appraised of Chapter’s plans and priorities, especially in terms of
funding.
Norwich Cathedral Enterprises Limited manages the Cathedral Refectory and the Cathedral Shop. A formal
contract is in place with Jarrold, the major independent department store in Norwich who run and manage
the Cathedral Refectory. This arrangement, in place since September 2019, works very well and the Chapter
Steward will need to oversee this contract and be the key conduit between Jarrold and NCEL.
The eight members of the Fabric Advisory Committee are nominated half by Chapter and half by The
Cathedral Fabric Commission for England. They deal with any planning permissions in respect of fabric works
to the Cathedral and within The Close. In recent years the FAC have elected the Chapter Steward as their
Secretary to enable good channels of communication with the Dean and Chapter.
Safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults is an extremely important aspect of the daily life of
Norwich Cathedral. The Cathedral has a Safeguarding Committee which meets quarterly and Safeguarding
6is a standing agenda item at every Chapter Meeting. One of the Residentiary Canons is the Cathedral’s
Named Person and the Cathedral has a Service Level Agreement with the Diocese of Norwich to provide
specific Safeguarding advice and training. The Chapter Steward will need to play a strong part in ensuring a
strong and robust Safeguarding culture ensuring that Chapter’s Safeguarding policies are all adhered to and
regularly reviewed and updated. In 2019 the Cathedral underwent an external Safeguarding Audit by the
Social Care Institute for Excellence. This report which was well received and with minor actions is published
on the Cathedral website alongside Chapter’s Safeguarding Action Plan.
In recent years the Chapter has hosted Seeing it Differently - a Helter-Skelter in the Nave and currently Dippy
the Dinosaur is on national tour from the Natural History Museum, also in the Nave. These events have
brought in a wide number of new, more diverse visitors to Norwich Cathedral. They have also fostered
serious debates and educational activities; linking for example with Dippy, science and religion. The Dean
and Chapter wish to continue welcoming both new and older audiences to the Cathedral. This has to be
achieved by a careful balance, and the Chapter Steward will need to understand and support such initiatives.
On formal occasions involving the whole of the Cathedral Foundation, the Chapter Seward will be expected
to robe, process and take part during certain major services. The Chapter Steward will need to embrace this
with dignity and respect and feel comfortable in fulfilling this aspect of the job.
Looking to the future, the Chapter will be addressing the following projects over the next few years:
• Development of the Ferry Lane Garages – a disused stable block, in the Close towards Pulls Ferry.
Residential Planning permission was secured, but due to the financial uncertainty around the COVID
pandemic this was put on hold
• Consideration of development of the Triforium to give public access
• Embedding the new management and governance structures within the new Cathedrals Measure of
2021
• Continuing to ensure the Cathedral’s future financial sustainability
• Working with Chapter to achieve the 2030 Carbon Zero target
The Chapter Steward will join a personable, friendly and professional team at an exciting time in the
Cathedral’s development. Lots of tact and diplomacy, good demonstrable experience and a good sense of
humour will all help!
How to Apply for this Vacancy
Please complete the application form supplied. We cannot consider a CV as an application. We actively
encourage submission of this application form by e-mail. If you are completing the application form on paper,
please use black ink to help us photocopy it; add whatever supplementary forms you see fit. If you are
completing the form electronically, please take whatever space is necessary for your replies and attach any
supporting documentation.
Applications should be addressed to: Mrs Susan Bulpitt, Office Manager and PA to the Chapter Steward,
The Chapter Office, 65 The Close, Norwich, NR1 4DH or via email to recruitment@cathedral.org.uk
The closing date for applications is noon on Wednesday 15 September 2021
Shortlisting and Interviews
Shortlisting will take place on 20 September 2021. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email and
telephone by no later than Friday 24 September 2021. Interviews will take place on Monday 4 October 2021
and Tuesday 5 October 2021. The first day of the interview will consist of a Welcome and Introduction to
Norwich Cathedral and the post of Chapter Steward, a tour of the Cathedral and Close, tests appropriate to
the post, an opportunity to meet Chapter members and Senior Staff, and to attend Evensong. As a
component of the formal interview (on the second day) candidates will be asked to give a presentation on a
prepared theme.
7JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Chapter Steward
Reporting to: The Dean and Chapter
Line Manager: The Dean
Job Summary: The Chapter Steward:
• Is the senior non-Chapter employee and is responsible to the Chapter for the administrative support
and functionality and matters of statutory compliance across the Cathedral’s operations
• Works collaboratively with the Chapter, leading on the implementation of the strategic aims and goals
• Attends meetings of the Chapter, and takes a full part in all discussions, but is not a member of
Chapter
• Is responsible for the business and operational aspects of Cathedral life; financial, property and
estate, human resources, insurances, fundraising, marketing and communication, IT, health and
safety, Norwich Cathedral Enterprises – shop and refectory
• Has a clear understanding of the place and importance of the Safeguarding of Children and
Vulnerable Adults and works closely with those responsible for all these matters
• Is a positive ambassador for Norwich Cathedral
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic
• To assist Chapter with the implementation of the Cathedral’s Strategic Plan and produce realistic
timescales, milestones and objectives for departments
• To maintain and develop financial sustainability, achieve growth and optimise the efficient use of
resources.
• To maintain and develop the property portfolio and have oversight of all Chapter properties in line
with agreed policy
Executive
• To have responsibility for the day to day operations of the Cathedral according to the values, priorities
and budgets as agreed with and by Chapter
• To have responsibility for lay staff management and business planning, ensuring that Heads of
Department undertake roles within this appropriately and in line with the Cathedral Strategy
• To have overall responsibility for the Cathedral’s financial management, including control and
performance, working with and through the Finance Team
• To work closely with the Cathedral Architect and Cathedral Archaeologist as required
• To work closely with the Dean and lead on fundraising for Norwich Cathedral
Administrative
• To assist Chapter in meeting its statutory and other obligations; especially ensuring good governance
in accordance with the Cathedrals Measure of 2021 and the relevant Charities Commission legislation
• To ensure compliance with safeguarding (working with and through the Diocesan Safeguarding
Advisors and the Chapter Safeguarding Lead), health and safety legislation and policy, data protection
and good practice in sustainability and other general policies
• To ensure effective running and forward planning of Chapter and other parts of the governance and
administrative machinery
• To ensure that Chapter has in place, maintains and reviews all the necessary policies and procedures
to ensure good governance and meeting its statutory obligations
• To ensure open and transparent ways of working through the organisation
8• To act as Chapter Clerk, Company Secretary, Clerk to the Choir Endowment Fund, Clerk to Norwich
Cathedral Trust and Secretary to the Fabric Advisory Committee
• To maintain strong and positive relationships with the Council of The Friends of Norwich Cathedral
and attend Council Meetings as invited
• To maintain strong and positive relationships with Chapter’s Advisory Committees, the College of
Canons, the Cathedral Council, Chapter’s professional advisors (Managing Agent, Bankers, Lawyers,
Accountants, Investment Managers), the congregation, Close Residents, Cathedral volunteers,
external partners and other stakeholders
• To be a member of the Cathedral Administration and Finance Association
General:
• To support the Dean and Chapter in its mission and ministry of Norwich Cathedral
• To support the smooth running of the whole Cathedral
• To participate in training courses as directed
• To adhere to HR policy contained in the Staff Handbook
• To take part in the Cathedral’s Appraisal/Review System
• To undertake any other reasonable tasks, relevant to the post
9PERSON SPECIFICATION
The Chapter Steward should be committed to the life and mission of the Cathedral and the Diocese. The
Chapter Steward will be a person who will be involved in the life of the Cathedral Community:
The Chapter Steward will:
• Be capable of showing an understanding of the vision and culture of a cathedral community and be
able to deliver forward-looking leadership within it.
• Have extensive people management skills with a proven track record in developing, motivating and
leading a diverse team to drive key commercial, strategic and operational initiatives.
• Be a strategic thinker who can accurately assess opportunities in line with the Cathedral’s Strategy.
• Have strong presentation skills.
• Demonstrate significant financial management skills.
• Demonstrate significant Human Resource management skills.
• Have a clear understanding of Safeguarding best practice
• Be a team player alongside both clergy and lay managers.
• Have experience and a good track record in fundraising capital sums.
• Have a good understanding of the Charity sector including the management of volunteers.
• Have a good understanding of Cathedrals and the management of the Church of England.
• Demonstrate the ability to prepare and implement robust policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate proven ability in delivery of successful change management.
• Demonstrate high standards of professional behaviour.
• Demonstrate excellent communications skills.
• Be analytical and attentive to detail, whilst still being pragmatic.
• Have a robust personality which commands the respect and confidence of the Chapter and staff.
• Lead by example with energy and drive.
• Have advanced IT skills; highly proficient in all Office packages.
The Chapter Steward will have the following Personal Qualities:
• Adaptable and flexible
• Able to lead, motivate and inspire others
• Practical and focused
• Committed to continuous improvement
• Influential
• Resilient
• Tactful and Diplomatic
• Steadfast resolve and personal integrity
• Able to live out the Cathedral’s Benedictine principles in all that they do
10TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Post: Chapter Steward
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Salary: £61,082
Holidays: 23 working days’ paid holiday per year, together with all usual Bank and public
holidays
Hours: This is a full-time post of 35 hours per week. The post holder will be required
to work those hours that are necessary for the proper performance of the job.
In view of the nature of the role and the work and mission of the Cathedral this
will require some flexibility and will include some evening and weekend
working, as well as attendance at significant Cathedral services.
Probation: The post is subject to a probationary period of six months. On
completion, and unless otherwise extended, the position will become
permanent and subject to three months’ notice of termination of employment
on either side.
Place of work: The usual place of work is the Chapter Office, Norwich Cathedral.
Pension: Norwich Cathedral offers a pension scheme consistent with pension auto-
enrolment. In addition, employees become members of the Staff Death in
Service Benefits Scheme.
Smoking: The Cathedral operates a no smoking policy.
Equal Opportunities: The Cathedral operates an equal opportunities policy.
DBS: Norwich Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of
children, young people and vulnerable adults, and all applicants must be willing
to undergo screening appropriate to the post. This includes checks with past
employers, the completion of a Confidential Declaration Form and an enhanced
check with the Disclosure & Barring Service.
11Dippy the Dinosaur on tour at Norwich Cathedral
13 July 2021 – 30 October 2021
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