Chapter Training
An introduction to Cathedral Governance
The AEC’s Introduction to Cathedral Governance training sessions are primarily for those without previous cathedral experience – new members of cathedral Chapters, lay and ordained, newly appointed administrators/COO/CFOs, new residentiary canons and deans.
The course may also be relevant for Chairs of advisory bodies, Senior Non-executive Members, Chairs of Nomination Committees and Chairs and newly appointed members of any governance committee of Chapter.
The sessions are designed to complement each cathedral’s own induction process and include reflection upon the legal and financial responsibilities of Chapters as charity trustees, the relationship of Chapter to the rest of the cathedral, fabric and property matters and the role of cathedrals as centres of worship and mission.
The speakers are drawn from different cathedrals – both ordained and lay – and from the CFCE and NCIs. In addition to presentations, time is allowed for discussion and Q&A.
Booking is open for the 2025 sessions:
Thursday 6 March 2025 – The Chapter House, Bristol Cathedral
Saturday 7 June 2025 – Visitor Centre, Manchester Cathedral
Thursday 25 September 2025 – The Garry Weston Library, Southwark Cathedral
Saturday 22 November 2025 – St Martins House, Leicester Cathedral
All the 2025 sessions will begin at 10.30am and end by 4.30pm. Each will cost £77 pp, which includes a buffet lunch.
The programme has been developed and refined over a number of years and delegates who attended recent sessions provided the following comments in their feedback:
I think it was a very well structured session, with a good balance between discussion and presentation.
… I thought the day was excellent, I learnt a lot and was glad of the opportunity to meet others from different cathedrals. Thank you for running it!
All sessions were very interesting – the two most engaging speakers I thought were the Finance session and the Care of Buildings session, but all speakers were good.
All topics relevant. Bearing in mind the huge range of experience levels around the room, the pitch was about right. From a personal viewpoint, I would have benefitted more from attending 18 months ago when I joined Chapter I also met some wonderful people which of course is the ‘hidden’ benefit from such events.
The training programme is co-ordinated by a project board, chaired by The Very Revd Simon Cowling, Dean of Wakefield.
Bookings should be made to the AEC Administration Officer: Susan Chapman, email susan.chapman@englishcathedrals.co.uk Telephone : 07930 690273
Download the Training Booking Form here.