INTRODUCTION FROM THE DEAN OF CHESTER CHAIR OF CHAPTER Thank you for your interest in becoming a non-executive chapter member and charity trustee of Chester Cathedral. This is an exciting time of evolution for the Cathedral as we establish our new governance arrangements as a registered charity and implement the new Constitution and Statutes. The Cathedral has made a great deal of progress over the last few years too as we have developed a dynamic and enthusiastic community of staff and volunteers. This has enabled us to make some physical changes including the creation of a new ‘Pilgrim Porch’ at the West Door, commissioning new liturgical furniture and seating in the Nave, and installing solar cells on the Nave Roof. We have now brought the former bank building on the corner of St Werburgh Street into Cathedral use and are making a new Discovery Centre to enhance the entrance route to the Cathedral and increase our visibility, presence and outreach in the centre of Chester. Situated in the heart of the historic city of Chester, the Cathedral already provides a vibrant focus for a huge range of stakeholders. The site is a demonstration of craftsmanship through generations of builders and artisans expressing their Christian faith. The Cathedral community has developed in the Benedictine tradition of hospitality and welcome. This continues to be a living and working church where diverse people can gather to worship God and out of which a faithful community seeks to offer loving service to society and welcome to the whole community. The Chapter is responsible for the strategic direction and ensuring the Cathedral thrives and adapts to the changing needs of society. Following the change in the Cathedral’s governing documents, several new non-executive trustee vacancies have become available. The next regular review of the strategic plan is currently under way and the executive team anticipates and expects that the new members will be key contributors to this process and to the monitoring of its delivery over the forthcoming years. THE ROLE Our non-executive trustees (known as our non-executive Chapter members) are a small team of dedicated individuals who are willing to support and guide our senior executive team. We aim for a team of people from diverse backgrounds and with a range of different skills and experience to be ‘critical friends’ to the Executive Team in all areas of Cathedral life, including keeping the Cathedral community safe. The Chapter plays a critical part in the implementation of our strategic plan. Our plan takes account of the needs of our communities and our many stakeholders, making the most of our unique position within the Diocese and ensuring the continued sustainability of the Cathedral. A wide range of different forms of worship, musical excellence, exceptional heritage assets, dedicated teams of volunteers and staff, and our accessible spaces give us the opportunity to offer something of value and to help make a difference to everyone we welcome. The Chapter meets roughly every two months for around four hours, plus additional strategy days. In addition, we anticipate that this appointment will also join the Nominations & Development sub-committee which advises the Chapter on the appointment and development of members of its various committees. Non-executive Chapter Members will be able to offer knowledge, understanding and expertise in several of the following areas: Leading and directing complex organisations especially those who have first-hand experience of working at a senior level in a multi-functional organisation Strategic planning and implementation especially those who have participated in, and understand the requirements for, providing strategic direction Church of England culture and practice, locally and nationally especially those who have first-hand experience of leadership within the church at local and/or national level Christian teaching and practice especially those who have a detailed understanding of the basis of faith within the Anglican community Charity governance and management especially those who have a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and obligations of being a Charity Trustee Operational management of organisations especially those who have a good general knowledge of good operational practice in managing organisations EXPERIENCE Ideally Chapter members will have professional expertise in one or more relevant disciplines: Human resource management Law and relevant legal practices Collections care and management