The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
JoB lossEs At CAsh strAppED CAthEDrAl
Bishop of Peterborough publishes his ‘Charge’
A dozen jobs have been lost at Peterborough Cathedral as part of cash saving measures to address a financial crisis at the iconic building. A majority of the job cuts have been made as people left the cathedral through retirement or other opportunities.
The news was revealed by BishopofPeterborough, theRt RevDonaldAllister, ashepublished his Visitation Charge to Peterborough Cathedral. The Bishop launched the Visitation – an inquiry into why the cathedral had got into financial difficulties – back in the autumn.
Hesaid: “This wasn’t about attributing blame. It was to help the cathedral get things onto a better footing for the future.”
He has heard evidence from accountancy and other experts, and has now moved the Visitation process on to its final stage by issuing his “Charge.” This is a legal document, instructing the Chapter – the cathedral’s governing body– whatstepsitmusttake.
Bishop Donald said: “I am confidentwecangetthisright.
“The cathedral has received financial and management support, and under the Acting Dean, CanonJonathan Baker, the Chapter is moving in the right direction. Sadly, someredundancieshavebeen necessary, and some property sales, but debts are now being paid more quickly. There is still hard work ahead, and moretoughdecisions, but the cathedral will be able to carry on with its vital work. We are now beginning the process of appointing a new Dean – a senior clergyperson who will chair the Chapter – and I am confident that Peterborough Cathedral has a good future and can look forward to its 900thanniversaryin2018.”
Canon Jonathan Baker, the Acting Dean, said: “We welcome Bishop Donald’s Charge and the Chapter has already begun to implement a numberoftheDirections he has made. We are grateful for the continuing support of the ChurchCommissionersaswe worktowardsasustainable financial future.”
A spokeswoman for the cathedral said many of the redundancies were part-time jobs. She said about half of the redundancies have been achieved by not recruiting for jobs as people have left for other career moves or retirement. The cuts have been made in several areas including administration, hospitality, vergers and welcomers.