Chapter Training

An introduction to Cathedral Governance

The AEC’s Introduction to Cathedral Governance training sessions are primarily for those without previous cathedral experience – new members of cathedral Chapters, lay and ordained, newly appointed administrators/COO/CFOs, new residentiary canons and deans.

The course may also be relevant for Chairs of advisory bodies, Senior Non-executive Members, Chairs of Nomination Committees and Chairs and newly appointed members of any governance committee of Chapter.

The sessions are designed to complement each cathedral’s own induction process and include reflection upon the legal and financial responsibilities of Chapters as charity trustees, the relationship of Chapter to the rest of the cathedral, fabric and property matters and the role of cathedrals as centres of worship and mission.

The speakers are drawn from different cathedrals – both ordained and lay – and from the CFCE and NCIs. In addition to presentations, time is allowed for discussion and Q&A.

Booking is open for the 2026 sessions:

• Tuesday 24 February 2026– St Martin’s House, Leicester Cathedral
• Thursday 4 June 2026 – Sheffield Cathedral
• Thursday 15 October 2026 – The Royal Foundation of St Katherine, Limehouse, London

All the 2026 sessions will begin at 10.30am and end by 4.30pm. Each will cost £85 pp, which includes a buffet lunch.

The programme has been developed and refined over a number of years and delegates who attended recent sessions provided the following comments in their feedback:

– I found it a very helpful introduction to Cathedral governance. Just about right
– Just to say thank you, I really enjoyed the chance to meet other people involved in running our cathedrals.
– Only feedback would be maybe a bit more time for questions, maybe a what do you need to get out of the day at the start to then check back in? A thoroughly helpful day.
– Thank you so much for a most informative, carefully planned day.

The training programme is co-ordinated by a project board.  Bookings should be made to the AEC Administration Officer: Susan Chapman, email susan.chapman@englishcathedrals.co.uk  Telephone : 07816 851597

Download the Training Booking Form here.