Executive Recruitment

The Role

The Chapter Steward is responsible for leading the delivery of our strategic ambitions; for working in partnership as the senior lay advisor to the Dean and Chapter to shape our strategic direction; and for the efficient operation of Chapter of York concerns in line with our mission and values

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

The principal responsibilities of the Chapter Steward/Chief Operating Officer fall under these categories.

Governance

  • Contribute to the Chapter’s (Trustees’) development of overall strategy
  • Act as senior lay advisor to Chapter on a range of issues relating to the operational leadership of the Minster
  • Ensure arrangements for effective governance of the organisation are established and kept under ongoing review including through the provision of a rolling programme of policy development and renewal
  • Ensuring the ongoing successful transition of our governance in line with the Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011, the Cathedrals Measure 2021 and ensuring full compliance with Charity Commission regulation
  • Ensure statutory and mandatory compliance and promote attainment of best practice across the work of all departments including specifically, a constant focus on safeguarding and health & safety
  • Actively manage organisational risk through development and implementation of appropriate scrutiny and ways of working
  • Ensure that the principle of confidentiality and the requirements of the Data Protection Act are fully applied to all work of York Minster

Executive

  • Provide inspiring and motivational leadership to staff and volunteers and ensure arrangements are in place for their effective management, motivation and development to ensure the Minster excels
  • Develop and maintain a positive working culture that ensures staff and volunteers are able to thrive in the workplace, with effective internal communication and in a way that champions diversity, equality and inclusion.
  • Develop and implement annual business plans (operational and project specific) that ensure delivery of the agreed strategy within budget, working closely with Chapter’s Chief Finance Officer
  • Lead the Senior Executive Team, in consultation with the Dean, to ensure day-to-day business activities across the organisation are managed appropriately by your teams, accurately and on time, meeting Cathedral Regulations and other legal and statutory requirements
  • Lead the Minster’s visitor targets, business and commercial development across both the Minster Precinct and through digital means. Identify and deliver new opportunities to ensure our visitor engagement remains innovative and effective
  • Maintain awareness of and respond to changing circumstances to protect our commercial, financial, audience and environmental sustainability for future generations
  • Promote organisational innovation and excellence through empowerment of direct reports, impactful communications and catalysing cross departmental working
  • Ensure efficient processes and ethos are in place for delivering value for money and effective financial stewardship
  • Oversight of the fabric in line with Care of Cathedral Measure 2011
  • Oversight of the delivery of the York Minster Neighbourhood Plan and Estate Strategy
  • To lead and deliver Chapter’s health and safety and security strategy to colleagues throughout the organisation with the support of Chapter’s H&S Officer, placing safeguarding as a key priority to our approach
  • To take overall responsibility for departmental Health & Safety ensuring training and compliance records are up to date.  
  • Work in partnership and support the work of the CEO (Dean) in their absence or as requested

External Relations

  • Identify and build effective working relationships with key stakeholders and networks, including civic and third sector partners in the City of York, the Diocese of York, and national groups such as the Cathedral Workshop Fellowship and the Cathedral Administration and Finance Association
  • Undertake external facing activities, including press/PR related, as an ambassador for York Minster
  • Establish and nurture a network of external contacts to share best practice and promote skills advancement within the sector

Personal Development

  • Undertake training required for your role or agreed as appropriate for future development.
  • Contribute to supervision and performance management arrangements by your line manager such as 1-1 meetings and interim/full year appraisal (PDR) reviews.

Health & Safety

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, whilst at work, you must take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions. In addition, you must co-operate with the organisation on health and safety and not interfere with, or misuse, anything provided for your health, safety or welfare. You must immediately raise any concerns concerning your health, safety or welfare at work to an appropriate person.

Safeguarding

All staff and volunteers are expected to demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all children and adults who may be vulnerable, who are involved with and/or visit the Minster. You will be required to understand and follow our policies and procedures including reporting concerns, undertake designated safeguarding training, diligently perform safeguarding duties specific to your role and follow good practice in relation to your own behaviour and conduct.

This post requires enhanced DBS clearance with barring. You will be required to complete and maintain all levels of C of E safeguarding training as set out by the National Safeguarding Team (NST).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion                   

  • We are striving to provide a warm and inclusive welcome to our staff, volunteers and visitors. As a values led organisation, we see our legal obligations as a starting point and are on a journey to ensure all our staff can be their authentic selves at work. We expect all staff to support this commitment as we seek to create an environment in which they feel empowered and equipped to challenge any inappropriate language, behaviours or ways of working that they witness.

Notes and Conditions

The postholder will be expected:-

  • To be fully supportive of the Christian objectives and ethos of York Minster.
  • To comply with terms and conditions of service.
  • To adopt a flexible approach to changing patterns of work including times where there is a requirement to work outside normal office hours and undertake such other duties as are consistent with the job purpose.
  • To be willing to undertake travel as required.
  • This Job Description gives an overview of your responsibilities and may be periodically reviewed to ensure they relate to the job performed and incorporate any relevant changes. It does not form part of your contract of employment and you may be required to undertake other duties that it is reasonable to ask of you given your knowledge, skills, experience and level of training.