Peterborough Cathedral is an Anglican Cathedral, the ‘Mother Church’ of the Diocese of Peterborough, the seat of the Bishop of Peterborough and a centre of Christian mission and ministry. It is a community of prayer and is committed to being a safe and secure environment for all. Located at the heart of a diverse and growing city, it is the city’s most significant historic building, a valued venue and a focus of identity and local pride. It is one of the finest Norman cathedrals in England. Founded as a monastic community in 654 AD, it became one of the most significant medieval abbeys in the country, the burial place of two queens and the scene of Civil War upheavals. It is truly a building of national and international significance.

The Cathedral's core purpose is to share the love of God in Christ Jesus, affirming life in all its fullness and drawing people into relationship with him. Inspired by the Rule of St Benedict, which was established here in the 10th century when Peterborough Abbey was re-founded, it is the Cathedral's vision to shape its community in the four key areas of Worship, Learning, Hospitality and Service. You can find more details of the Cathedral’s vision and values at this link here.

The governance of the cathedral is regulated by the Cathedrals Measure, and in accordance with the new governance arrangements which apply to all cathedrals, during the course of 2023 it is anticipated that it will become a registered charity and transition to the oversight of the Charity Commission. The Cathedral Chapter will become the sole governing body of the Cathedral, and comprises the four Cathedral clergy with five lay members. It is led by the Very Revd Chris Dalliston, the Dean of Peterborough.

The Treasurer is a full member of the Cathedral Chapter, with the key responsibility for Chairing the Finance Audit and Risk Committee (FARC). The Cathedral Treasurer works in close cooperation with, and provides support and advice to the Chief Financial Officer and to the Chapter of Peterborough Cathedral. The specific responsibilities, many of which are carried out through the workings of the Cathedral’s FARC are to:

• Chair the meetings of the FARC, report to Chapter on the proceedings and any recommendations of the Committee, and report back to the Committee on decisions made by Chapter which have a financial impact
• Ensure that members of the FARC have the requisite skills and experience to carry out their role and to assist in appointing new members to the Committee
• Guide and advise Chapter on the approval of budgets, accounts and financial statements, within a relevant policy framework
• Ensure that the Chapter is kept informed about its financial duties and responsibilities
• Advise the Chapter on the validity of the key assumptions and financial implications of the Cathedral’s strategic plans and the annual budget
• Confirm that the financial resources of the Cathedral are sufficient to meet its present and future needs and that there are appropriate reserves and investment policies in place
• Understand the Cathedral’s accounting procedures and key internal controls so as to be able to provide reassurance to the Chapter that the Cathedral’s financial integrity is sound
• Ensure that the accounts are properly audited and that accepted recommendations of the auditors are implemented
• Attend the audit clearance meeting. Meet the external auditors and, where relevant, any internal auditors independently from the Chief Finance Officer at least once a year
• Ensure that the statutory accounts are formally presented at the annual Cathedral congregational meeting, drawing attention to important points
• Oversee the Cathedral’s investment activity and ensure that its investment policy is consistent with the Cathedral’s policies, aims, objectives and legal responsibilities

Apart from the above, since the Treasurer is also a member of the Cathedral Chapter, they will be expected to provide guidance on strategy, performance and assurance and should be committed to the Cathedral’s vision, mission and values.

The Chapter of Peterborough Cathedral is looking for someone with financial experience to become its new Treasurer. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of financial, risk and corporate governance systems, gained by serving at a board or senior level in a UK-based organisation or charity. They may be a qualified accountant, or have appropriate financial experience gained through other roles and / or qualifications. They will have the ability to advise and monitor the financial and accounting health of the Cathedral.

In keeping with all other members of Chapter, the Treasurer must be either an actual communicant of the Church of England; or a communicant member of a Church which is not in communion with the Church of England but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. The Treasurer will also be a trustee of the cathedral, which will become a registered charity. More details of the trustee responsibilities of Chapter members can be found here.

Chapter is open to those seeking their first non-executive role, provided they can demonstrate their strategic financial experience at a board / senior management level. This candidate will succeed the current Treasurer, Canon Philip Rolfe, on the expiry of his current term of office.

The Very Revd Christopher Dallison, Dean of Peterborough (Chair)
The Revd Canon Timothy Alban Jones MBE, Vice-Dean and Canon
The Revd Canon Dr Rowan Williams, Canon Precentor
The Revd Canon Steve Benoy, Canon Missioner
Canon Mark Constant
Canon Amanda Davidson-Young
Canon Jackie Matthews
Canon Phil Rolfe
Canon Richard Tapp

The role is unremunerated. Reasonable and domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. Trustees are appointed for a term of three years, which is renewable once.

The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meets six times per year for approximately two and a half hours each meeting, with additional preparation time on top. The Treasurer would also be expected to attend occasional meetings with the Chief Financial Officer, auditors and others as necessary.

As a member of Chapter, the expected time commitment is nine Chapter meetings per year on weekday afternoons, lasting approximately four hours per meeting, plus appropriate reading time for preparation. Some meetings may be held virtually. A Chapter away day is held approximately once a year and attendance at other meetings, working groups or subcommittees may be requested from time to time.

Chapter members are also welcome and encouraged to participate in the life and work of the Cathedral, and to attend major services and events.

Candidates must be UK-based and preferably conveniently located to travel for meetings and other events.