Cathedral trustees focus on supporting our people

Chapter focuses on People

Human resources were the main focus of the recent meeting of the cathedral’s Chapter, or Board of Trustees.

Chapter members had asked for the chance fully to review the cathedral’s staffing and recruitment policies and practices. Two members of the Diocese of Leeds HR team, who also provide HR support to the cathedral, attended the meeting and explained their role. Anna Earnshaw, diocesan director of people and engagement, and Natalie Giblin, people advisor in the diocesan team, explained the work they’re currently doing in updating our staff handbook, advising on changes to employment law and ensuring we have the best possible HR practices in place. They have also assisted with several recruitment processes, including for the new chief operating officer and safeguarding officer.

“We’ve worked hard recently at improving our recruitment process,” explained the Dean. “With Anna and Natalie’s help, I think we can now say we’re meeting professional standards in both HR and safeguarding / safer recruitment, which is good for the cathedral, the candidates, and all our staff team.”

He continued, “We’re also very committed to give our staff the best possible support, including making available a counselling service, a staff chaplain and better access to training in a number of areas of work.”

Canon Jane Evans, vice-chair of Chapter added, “All Chapter members expressed their thanks to our staff for all they do. They are a very small team who achieve a huge amount, and they deserve the best possible support.”

Two new members of the team were welcomed to their first Chapter meeting: John Eager, the new chief operating officer and the Revd Sam Crook, associate priest.