News

The Bishop’s Review was released in February 2025 to help the Cathedral work towards a more settled future. The Chapter sees its 46 recommendations, which remain the property of the Bishop, as a God-given opportunity to learn from the mistakes and failings of the past and to ensure that three areas of vulnerability are addressed: music, HR and Governance. This update on progress in music is the first of the three updates promised. The other two will focus on the remaining areas.

Overall, the Review encouraged us to do more to support and appreciate music, and to integrate music more into the ministry and mission of Cathedral. This is an account of progress to date.

We are extremely grateful for the work Andrew Lucas, the Interim Director of Music, has done to build up the Choral Foundation since his arrival in September 2024. The standard of singing over Holy Week and Easter 2025, appreciated by many, is evidence of the strides made in developing the confidence and coherence of the choir since then.

Andrew’s work is currently overseen by the Interim Dean. They meet weekly and have established a warm and mutually supportive working relationship.

Andrew has been appointed a member of the Senior Executive Team, which meets monthly. This widening of SET’s membership, which includes three other senior staff, allows him to report to the executive directly and to listen to and contribute to wider perspectives about the Cathedral’s mission.

The work of Andrew and the future Director of Music will now be fed directly into the Annual Report, which will allow its readers to assess progress on achieving the Key Performance Indicators of the Music Strategy 20025-28.

We shall advertise for a new Director of Music in September. Interviews will be in February for a role that will begin in September 2026. An Appointments Advisory Group has been set up to oversee the process. Members are:

• Canon Roly, Interim Dean
• Andrew Lucas, Interim Director of Music
• David Hill, conductor and organist; former Director of Music, Winchester
• Sarah Baldock, Director of Music, Winchester College; former Assistant Director of Music, Winchester Cathedral
• Peter Moger, Sub-Dean, Christchurch, Oxford; former Precentor, York Minster

We anticipate the Dean Elect’s involvement in the appointments process no later than at interview.

The Director of Music will report to the Precentor, but the job description will make it clear that a strong and creative partnership between Director of Music, Precentor and Dean is expected, with the Director of Music having individual access to the Dean, as well as remaining on the Senior Executive Team.

Canon Andrew Trenier concluded his tenure as Precentor on 11^th July 2025. It is unlikely that a new Precentor will be in post before September 2026, at the same time as the new Director of Music begins. With the staff in the Liturgy and Music Department carrying an additional load, the Canon Treasurer, Andrew Micklefield, has stepped in to provide support to the team.

Despite a considerable spend last year, resulting in increased coverage and readership, no recruitment of boy choristers resulted. Canon Andrew is, therefore, heading a working group looking into the way in which recruitment across the Music Foundation, especially of boy choristers, can best be supported. Chapter will consider using an external agency if this can add significantly to our profile and impact.

The question of whether boys need to be full boarders for their entire career as choristers is being addressed by Chapter. This is the historic model in Winchester, which has worked well over many generations to deliver excellence, and to which current chorister parents remain committed. Yet other cathedrals, who would also claim to prize choral excellence, do not follow this approach. There is also ample evidence from The Pilgrims’ School that boarding deters applications for choristerships.  Early indications suggest that the increase in fees caused by the imposition of VAT has exacerbated this effect. Fewer applicants for choristerships mean that musical standards are threatened.

It is possible, therefore, that after full consultation we shall allow day probationers in the coming academic year, though full boarding will remain an option. Chapter, working closely with the Interim Director of Music, is also exploring patterns of boarding with the School in Years 5 and above. The direction of travel will be decided by Chapter by September 2025 and discussed with all potential 2026 entrants and their families. The policy will be endorsed or otherwise by the incoming Dean and Director of Music, assuming that these appointments have been made.

Chapter wishes to build on the recent opportunities for boys in the recording studio. A trip is planned to Fleury Abbey in May 2026, if funds can be raised.

Chapter’s commitment to the future of the boys’ singing has been made abundantly clear in the merger of The Pilgrims’ School with Winchester College. Not only has this involved considerable commitment from all parties to negotiating the agreement, but also it has involved Chapter making a stretching ten-year financial commitment to the repair of the estate tenanted by the School. The merger sets the School on a sustainable footing and improves boys’ access to sporting facilities and other resources. Two representatives of Chapter will sit on the new consultative body sitting under the Governing Board of the College.

It should be stressed that there are no plans whatever to merge Choristers and Quiristers.

Consultation has made it clear that the girl choristers are satisfied with the amount of singing that they currently undertake. Yet Chapter, wishing to achieve equality of opportunity with the boys, intends to make further investment in the current arrangement and in opportunities for the girl choristers to record and tour. Chapter welcomes the increased involvement of the girls singing at the major festivals, which has been much appreciated by worshippers.

Chorister parents are vital stakeholders in all that we do chorally. Canon Andrew has been tasked to review the points at which Chapter members and chorister parents meet one another, with particular attention to points of welcome and induction, to the major festivals, and to farewells. It involves careful planning to ensure these meetings and conversations are integrated into the diary. We continue to review our communications to ensure, where appropriate, that chorister parents are told of what is happening before general announcements are made.

The withdrawal of the historic chorister medals was a mistake; we have apologised to the families involved. These will be reinstated in September, and we shall check that the arrangements for dubbing for the new term are acceptable.

The back row of the choir is equally important to the musical future of the Cathedral. Chapter has apologised to the Lay Clerks over the handling of their Performance Rights, which diminished trust and collaboration. The full complement of twelve singers will be in place by September 2025 after a highly successful audition overseen by the Interim Director of Music, resulting in the appointment of six new Lay Clerks. A party to celebrate this milestone and to welcome new faces will be hosted by Chapter when they arrive. Members of the Senior Executive Team now attend the Lay Clerk’s termly meeting, to exchange views and improve communication.  Canon Andrew also attends the Lay Clerks’ weekly meeting once a month.

The costs of maintaining and developing the Choral Foundation are given below in three slides created by Canon Gary:

Chapter is giving active consideration to a fundraising campaign to grow the endowment fund for the Choral Foundation, to mitigate the considerable costs involved and to widen access to the choral tradition.

The Cathedral’s Music Strategy will underpin all these activities and developments. A draft for consultation has been approved by Chapter and has been revised by the Appointments Advisory Group. Chorister parents will now be consulted about it and then other stakeholders, before it is agreed and published by Chapter.

The Bishop of Winchester has today published his response (link here) to the Review he commissioned into events over recent months at Winchester Cathedral surrounding and subsequent to the departure of Dr. Andy Lumsden as Director of Music.

Bishop Philip said, “I am most grateful to the reviewers for the very thorough work they have undertaken. Whilst they have identified some significant failings in leadership and management that led the Cathedral into a period of crisis – a crisis only deepened by a hostile social media campaign – they also identified much to celebrate.

“Their recommendations to Chapter are clear, full and very helpful and I look forward to seeing them implemented in the months to come.”

At the same as the Bishop’s response was released, Dean Catherine Ogle issued the following statement:

“Following receipt of the Bishop’s Review, Chapter welcomes its conclusions and is fully committed to implementing the Review recommendations, many of which are already underway. However, after careful consideration I have, with Chapter’s agreement, decided I should hand over leadership responsibilities to Vice-Dean Canon Roly now rather than waiting for my official retirement on May 1.

“On behalf of Chapter, I would like to say sorry to everyone who has been hurt by the events of the last few months and although we must accept collective responsibility, I have decided – as its leader – to step aside now.  There is a lot of work to be done in the coming weeks and months, so it makes sense that as Interim Dean, Roly can get things moving forward straight away.

“I will use the time to complete the handover of duties, to make sure there is a smooth transition before I officially retire.

“Despite recent difficulties, I will always treasure my time as Dean of Winchester and assure the Cathedral community of my prayers as the search for my successor gets underway. I’m now looking forward to spending time with as many people as possible in the Cathedral and wider community before marking my official farewell.

Bishop Philip added, “I wholly support Dean Catherine in handing over to Canon Roly now. I will always be grateful for the warmth of the welcome she has extended to all its congregations and visitors and Winchester Cathedral has flourished in so many ways under her caring and positive leadership. I look forward to joining everyone to celebrate Catherine’s  ministry and to thank her for her devoted service.”

“I’m also very grateful indeed for Canon Roly stepping in as Interim Dean. He has my full support in doing so.”

Interim Dean Canon Roland Riem said: “I accept the role of Interim Dean at this juncture with mixed feelings, knowing that I am following a transformative, much-loved leader and a great ambassador for the Cathedral. On the other hand, I embrace the challenge of leading Chapter’s efforts in the next months to respond to the recommendations of the Review positively and generously, so that we can prepare the way for the leadership of a new Dean.”

In June this year, the Bishop of Winchester commissioned a review of Winchester Cathedral under the terms of the Cathedrals’ Measure 2021. Bishop Philip appointed Patti Russell of Winckworth Sherwood, a highly experienced ecclesiastical lawyer with expertise both in the area of cathedral governance and leadership and HR matters, to conduct the review on his behalf and to assist him in identifying a co-reviewer. In August, the Very Revd Jane Hedges, former Dean of Norwich, joined Patti to co-lead the Review, bringing considerable experience in cathedral leadership and governance.

The Review Team has interviewed over 45 people including three external musical experts. The majority of these interviews have been conducted face to face during August and September, with follow-up conversations via Zoom where necessary. In addition to the interviews, the Review Team has considered over 140 written submissions which have been followed up as appropriate.

The Bishop has been clear throughout that the Review must be thorough, focusing specifically on the Terms of Reference, namely:

To conduct a review and make recommendations to the Bishop concerning:
1) The leadership and management of the Cathedral’s choirs to include consideration of recent HR decision making and communications;
2) The culture and behaviours of the Chapter and Cathedral and the extent to which this affects Cathedral operations, specifically in relation to the Cathedral’s choirs;
3) Cathedral decision making processes and, in particular, the processes by which the Chapter manages risk and critical issues;
4) Governance structures and the efficacy of leadership at Chapter level.

While it was initially felt that a three-month deadline for the completion of the report was possible, the level of engagement from interested parties and the need for rigour has meant that the team is only now concluding follow-up interviews, with an expectation of writing their report during November and December.

In accordance with the draft Church Commissioners’ Guidance, the report will be confidential to the Bishop. Once he has received it, it will be necessary for him to take some time to digest its contents before producing conclusions and recommendations for Chapter. The Bishop will also make a summary of his conclusions and recommendations public.

Bishop Philip says: “While this review has taken a little longer than expected, in accordance with my direction, Patti and Jane have conducted this review with thoroughness and sensitivity, which has necessarily taken time. I look forward to receiving their report, and have confidence that their recommendations will enable Winchester Cathedral to move forward into a more settled future.”

Winchester Cathedral Chapter welcomes Bishop Mounstephen’s Review. We are committed to fully engaging in the process, and implementing any recommendations made by Bishop Philip.

Following the recent appointment of a co-reviewer, The Very Reverend Jane Hedges, to assist Patti Russell, in-person interviews are being organised by the reviewers throughout September and beyond to meet key cathedral staff.  The people whom the reviewers wish to see and in which order is their decision, but should you feel it is important that your views are taken into account and you have not been contacted in the next month or so, be assured that the reviewers are keen to hear from anyone who feels they can contribute. Please contact them on the email address which has previously been shared: winchesterreview@wslaw.co.uk

The Very Reverend Jane Hedges has been appointed as co-reviewer of Bishop Philip’s Review of Winchester Cathedral. Jane is highly experienced in Cathedral ministry and governance, having having served as Dean of Norwich (2014-2022) and Interim Dean of both Canterbury and Newcastle Cathedrals.

Please see the updated Privacy Notice below.

On 18 June, Bishop Philip announced that he would be commissioning a Review of Winchester Cathedral under the terms of the Cathedrals’ Measure 2021. This measure states that: “the bishop may commission a review of such aspects of the cathedral’s financial affairs, governance, management, operations or mission as the bishop considers necessary or appropriate.”

Patti Russell of Winckworth Sherwood, a highly experienced ecclesiastical lawyer with expertise both in the area of cathedral governance and leadership and HR matters, will be conducting the Review on the Bishop’s behalf.

The Terms of Reference for the Review are as follows:

To conduct a review and make recommendations to the Bishop concerning:
1) The leadership and management of the Cathedral’s choirs to include consideration of recent HR decision making and communications;
2) The culture and behaviours of the Chapter and Cathedral and the extent to which this affects Cathedral operations, specifically in relation to the Cathedral’s choirs;
3) Cathedral decision making processes and, in particular, the processes by which the Chapter manages risk and critical issues;
4) Governance structures and the efficacy of leadership at Chapter level.

The methodology for the review includes the following:
1) The review is to be carried out in accordance with applicable Church Commissioners’ Guidance on the Bishop’s Review under the Cathedrals Measure 2021.
2) The review should engage with relevant stakeholders including the Cathedral’s clerical leaders, the Senior Leadership Team, current and previous members of the Chapter, current and previous members of the music department, the Cathedral’s communications advisor and HR advisor and parents of choristers.
3) The review should be conducted expeditiously, aiming to produce a draft report within 3 months of commencement.
4) As set out in the draft Church Commissioners’ Guidance, the final report is to be confidential to the Bishop, however the Bishop must provide the Chapter with a report setting out any conclusions or recommendations resulting from the review and a copy of this report should be provided to the Church Commissioners.
5) In accordance with the draft Guidance, it is not intended that the report is to be a public document although key recommendations from the report may be communicated publicly at the Bishop’s discretion upon seeking legal advice.
6) The Chapter must have due regard to the conclusions reached and recommendations made by the Bishop’s review.

Read Patti Russell’s full Letter to the Cathedral Community >>>

Read the Privacy Notice explaining why and how personal data is processed >>>

Bishop Mounstephen has shared more details of the Review which will be carried out by Patti Russell an independent ecclesiastical lawyer. Please find the announcement, below.
Winchester Cathedral welcomes the Review and remains committed to fully engaging in the process and implementing the recommendations.

On 18 June, Bishop Philip announced that he would be commissioning a Review of Winchester Cathedral under the terms of the Cathedrals’ Measure 2021. This measure states that: “the bishop may commission a review of such aspects of the cathedral’s financial affairs, governance, management, operations or mission as the bishop considers necessary or appropriate.”

Patti Russell of Winckworth Sherwood, a highly experienced ecclesiastical lawyer with expertise both in the area of cathedral governance and leadership and HR matters, will be conducting the Review on the Bishop’s behalf.

The Terms of Reference for the Review are as follows:

To conduct a review and make recommendations to the Bishop concerning:
1) The leadership and management of the Cathedral’s choirs to include consideration of recent HR decision making and communications;
2) The culture and behaviours of the Chapter and Cathedral and the extent to which this affects Cathedral operations, specifically in relation to the Cathedral’s choirs;
3) Cathedral decision making processes and, in particular, the processes by which the Chapter manages risk and critical issues;
4) Governance structures and the efficacy of leadership at Chapter level.

The methodology for the review includes the following:
1) The review is to be carried out in accordance with applicable Church Commissioners’ Guidance on the Bishop’s Review under the Cathedrals Measure 2021.
2) The review should engage with relevant stakeholders including the Cathedral’s clerical leaders, the Senior Leadership Team, current and previous members of the Chapter, current and previous members of the music department, the Cathedral’s communications advisor and HR advisor and parents of choristers.
3) The review should be conducted expeditiously, aiming to produce a draft report within 3 months of commencement.
4) As set out in the draft Church Commissioners’ Guidance, the final report is to be confidential to the Bishop, however the Bishop must provide the Chapter with a report setting out any conclusions or recommendations resulting from the review and a copy of this report should be provided to the Church Commissioners.
5) In accordance with the draft Guidance, it is not intended that the report is to be a public document although key recommendations from the report may be communicated publicly at the Bishop’s discretion upon seeking legal advice.
6) The Chapter must have due regard to the conclusions reached and recommendations made by the Bishop’s review.

Read Patti Russell’s full Letter to the Cathedral Community >>>

Read the Privacy Notice explaining why and how personal data is processed >>>

In a statement, Bishop Philip said: “Whilst the Review will of course focus on areas which have been the subject of public concern, it is important to stress that its aim is primarily pastoral. The recommendations which it gives me will, I trust, enable Winchester Cathedral to move into a more settled future in which it continues to offer worship to God of the highest quality, and to act as a sign of his welcome and love to all who enter into it. After a very difficult and painful period I would ask all those concerned to approach the work of the review with grace and trust so that together we can play our part in ensuring the Cathedral enters into that positive and fruitful future.”

On 18 June, I announced that I would be commissioning a Review of Winchester Cathedral under the terms of the Cathedrals’ Measure 2021. This measure states that: “the bishop may commission a review of such aspects of the cathedral’s financial affairs, governance, management, operations or mission as the bishop considers necessary or appropriate.”  I am now pleased to confirm that Patti Russell of Winckworth Sherwood, a highly experienced ecclesiastical lawyer with expertise both in the area of cathedral governance and leadership and HR matters, will be conducting the Review on my behalf.

The precise terms and scope of the Review are now being finalised. However, whilst the Review will of course focus on areas which have been the subject of public concern, it is important to stress that its aim is primarily pastoral. The recommendations which it gives me will, I trust, enable Winchester Cathedral to move into a more settled future in which it continues to offer worship to God of the highest quality, and to act as a sign of his welcome and love to all who enter into it. After a very difficult and painful period I would ask all those concerned to approach the work of the review with grace and trust so that together we can play our part in ensuring the Cathedral enters into that positive and fruitful future.

Winchester Cathedral welcomes Bishop Mounstephen’s Review. We are committed to fully engaging in the process, which will be conducted for the Bishop by an independent third party.

We appreciate the Bishop’s support and share a desire to quickly understand and address any concerns related to our culture, management, or governance — particularly in light of the recent concerns around the management of the much-loved choral tradition. We recognise that trust in the Cathedral’s leadership is essential for a healthy and flourishing church and see a review as an opportunity to work towards that end goal.

With the news of his resignation, we also want to thank Mark Byford for his dedicated service as Senior Non-Executive Member of Chapter at Winchester Cathedral over the past seven years. His contribution to the cathedral has been invaluable. We wish him every blessing for the future and will soon share plans to ensure we can honour his contribution.