Today marks a very important day in the life of this Cathedral, as we take a huge step forward in becoming regulated by the new Cathedrals Measure 2021, and the new Constitution and Statutes required by the Measure come into force.

What happens next?

On 29 February 2024, the Cathedral will become regulated by the Charity Commission and the transition to the Cathedrals measure 2021 will be complete. Legislatively, this has to be a two-step process with a three-month gap between stages. This Measure provides a new statutory framework for the governance and regulation of 41 English Cathedrals (Christ Church Oxford is exempt) and will replace the framework in the Cathedrals Measure 1999. It is the single greatest change in the governance of cathedrals in over 20 years.

What makes cathedrals different?

Cathedrals are often described as ‘national treasures’; with their work they reach out to many people in different ways. They are, above all, places of worship—the mother church of the diocese.  They are tourist attractions, drawing people in and helping local economies. They are places where children enhance their education, and communities gather in times of celebration, mourning, and commemoration. This Cathedral welcomes over 300,000 visitors a year and contributes much locally, with English Heritage declaring that 78% of people visiting Wells do so—initially at least—to see the Cathedral. It is therefore vital that the legislative framework in which Wells and other cathedrals operate is fit for purpose in the modern world.

What changes under the measure?

• Cathedrals will be brought under the jurisdiction of the Charity Commission. Next February, Wells Cathedral will be issued a with a charity number for the first time; a blessing for those who seek to fundraise for this church!
• Chapters will have a majority of non-executive members and all trustee functions will be held in the same place with this expanded Chapter body.
• A new role of Senior Non-Executive Member (SNEM). The Dean still chairs Chapter, and the SNEM will chair Chapter in the absence of the Dean or Interim Dean.
• The Chapter will create a body known as the Wells Cathedral Advisory Council (replacing the Cathedral Council). This body will be a direct conduit to Chapter, and will be a mechanism for openness, transparency, and effective feedback. More details about this will follow in due course.

The Cathedral team started work on its due diligence for the Measure in February 2022, and has worked hard in the background to make changes and to apply to the Charity Commission for registration. It is not over yet and, arguably, the challenge to operate in new ways is greater than putting processes in place.