Chapter Report April 2026

Risk, recruitment and the redevelopment of the city centre were amongst the items discussed by the cathedral’s Chapter – or Board of Trustees – at their recent meeting.

One of the responsibilities of charity trustees is to monitor all possible risks to the charity and review the steps being taken to minimise those risks.

“We know that the biggest risk facing the cathedral at the moment is financial”, explained the Dean. “We are doing everything we can to maximise the income generated from events, donations and the generous giving by our congregation, but we are also dependent on the national church to award us some significant grants.

“The cathedral is currently facing a deficit of some £194,000 this year but we are working hard to bring that down in the coming months.”

Other risks reviewed by Chapter included matters of health and safety, business continuity and IT, all of which have mitigation actions in place. Challenges in recruiting new members to the choir also presents a risk.

Staffing was high on Chapter’s agenda, as trustees reviewed plans to fill several current vacancies. The Dean reported a good number of applicants had been received following the advertisement for a new member of the clergy team and a chief operating officer. Interviews will take place later in April and May respectively. Plans are also in hand to recruit a cathedral safeguarding officer, a position which will be shared with Sheffield Cathedral.

The redevelopment of the Ridings Shopping Centre is another matter of concern to Chapter. While the regeneration of the city centre is much-needed, there will be an impact on the cathedral while the demolition and rebuilding works take place, which is likely to last many years. We are in close touch with Wakefield Council and the intention is that the cathedral will be represented on both strategic and operational levels.

Finally, the Dean reminded Chapter that more than 22,000 people came to an event in the cathedral during the previous year, and a further 67,000 visited the building. This was testament to the hard work of the staff, volunteer and clergy teams who worked so hard to keep the building open and offer a warm welcome.