The aim of the review, under the Association of English Cathedrals, was to see what was going well and understand the challenges we face in Winchester. The team of three visiting us made these observations:
They were impressed with the staff. They not only commented on their skills and abilities but gave very positive feedback concerning the culture developing across the various departments. Staff seemed to be working as a single team and not stuck in a rigid departmental mentality. Common purpose, good delegation and even ‘fun’, were themes that emerged.
The strong staff team supported our core mission work, not just the worship but also good education for visiting school children and lectures for adults. Public engagement through our major services, art exhibitions and installations was also praised.
Our response to the Covid pandemic, especially the development of live-streamed services, was considered of the highest standard. Thanks to various grants, but also due to prudent financial and corporate management, the Cathedral has, so far, weathered the financial storm resulting from Covid. With our new COO and CFO, confidence was high that we will continue in this vein.
Chapter was under the spotlight too, with positive comments made about its response to the new Cathedrals Measure and how it is working well towards a new Constitution and Statutes.
Following our SCIE Safeguarding audit last year, the team was impressed with how everyone has responded to the demands in this area, but more importantly how it is at the forefront of everyone’s thinking.
All very positive – but what did they suggest we could do better?
– Continue the good work was the prime recommendation!
– Formalise the programme of events, cultural, educational, spiritual and outreach for a year and more ahead.
– Keep a careful watch on our finances, to balance mandatory spending with other ambitions.
– Continue to develop the Estates Master Plan, to ensure our assets are well maintained and to maximise
income from those assets.
The process of self-examination, coupled with many staff being interviewed as part of the process, made this a very constructive exercise. Well done to everyone involved!
George Medd
Lay Canon and member of Chapter