Dean of Hereford Briefing Pack
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Dean of Hereford Candidate Briefing Pack March 2021 Contents From the Bishop of Hereford ............................................................................................................................... 3 Role profile ................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Background information ....................................................................................................................................... 7 Useful resources .................................................................................................................................................... 10 Additional details .................................................................................................................................................. 10 From the Bishop of Hereford The next Dean will arrive in the Diocese of Hereford during a time of change and will be one of a number of new members of the Bishop’s Staff Team. Indeed, I am still new to the Diocese myself and I am looking forward to the opportunities of working with the new Dean and other colleagues as we lead the Diocese focussed on our current priority areas of parish revitalisation, planting new congregations, and encouraging the mission and ministry of all the baptised. We are in the midst of a discernment process to discover what God is calling mission and ministry to look like across the diocese in the months and years ahead. Hereford Cathedral is a jewel in the crown of the Diocese and wider community life. There are many strengths on which our next Dean will be able to build. The Cathedral offers liturgical choral worship of exceptional quality and this attracts people from across the Diocese and beyond. The next Dean will of course be committed to preserving and developing the liturgical and musical excellence of the choral tradition, and its tradition of inclusive hospitality. But they will also bring creativity and innovation to help us develop new additional forms of worship. This will need to complement rather than replicate what is available in nearby parish churches. The Dean will also need to be a leader in mission, helping the Cathedral Community to grow - particularly younger and more diverse. The Magna Carta and Mappa Mundi amongst other treasures contribute hugely to the tourism industry of the city. This has of course been impacted significantly by the Coronavirus pandemic, as have the opportunities for fundraising enterprise. The next Dean will have the opportunity to lead the Cathedral Community in reflecting on and planning what the future offering looks like as we emerge from lockdown and restrictions on gatherings. I am looking forward to working with the next Dean as a key colleague within the Bishop’s Staff Team. Please be assured of my prayers as you discern whether you are being called to be the next Dean of Hereford. Rt Revd Richard Jackson Bishop of Hereford Role profile Purpose of the role To lead the life and work of the Cathedral Church of The Blessed Virgin Mary and St Ethelbert, Hereford and to share with the Diocesan Bishop and other senior colleagues in the oversight of the Diocese of Hereford. Main responsibilities These main responsibilities are common to all Deans in the Church of England: • As Dean and senior priest in the Diocese, to share with the Bishop and other senior colleagues in the oversight of the Church’s mission, and to be a member of the Bishop’s Council, the Bishop’s Staff Team and the Diocesan Synod; • As head of the Cathedral foundation and its principal dignitary after the Bishop, to preside over the Cathedral Chapter, with it to direct the life and work of the Cathedral, and to take emergency decisions on behalf of the Chapter when circumstances require; • To represent the Church in public life across the diocese and county, to grow partnerships with faith and secular institutions, and to contribute to their intellectual, social and theological capital; • To preside over the College of Canons, working with the Cathedral Council and other statutory bodies, and in collaboration with the Chapter to ensure sound governance across the Cathedral; • To exercise leadership in the Cathedral’s liturgy, preaching and pastoral care, to develop healthy team working, and to be personally committed to its pattern of daily prayer; • To lead the mission and outreach of the Cathedral, including the presentation and interpretation of its heritage; • With the Chapter, to have oversight of the Cathedral’s development and to lead in securing funds for its long term future; • To ensure that the Cathedral’s operations are properly managed, including staff, finance, compliance and the care of the fabric; • To ensure that the constitution and statutes are faithfully observed; • To exercise responsibility for safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, the provision of pastoral care of survivors, and creating a culture in which all will flourish and which is coherent with the safeguarding policies of the Church of England. Opportunities and challenges for the next Dean of Hereford The next Dean will have the opportunity to build on all that has been achieved in, by and through the Cathedral community in recent years, and in particular to: • lead the Cathedral in developing a common vision for its ministry in the city and across the diocese in a post-COVID world; • maintain our excellent choral worship and use gifts of creativity and innovation as we look to develop new additional forms of digital and physical worship (both within the Cathedral and as a resource for the diocese); • consider how the Cathedral building, grounds and treasures can be best used as a missional resource and opportunity; • be a pastor of the Cathedral community, equipping and encouraging individuals in their faith and ensuring the provision of pastoral care and discipleship for the cherished and much-loved congregation; • be a leader in mission, encouraging others to share their faith and enabling the Cathedral to grow younger and more diverse congregations; • strengthen and maximise the partnerships with the independent funding bodies and ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the Cathedral through appropriate business planning and fundraising; • develop new partnerships across the civic life of the city and county (e.g. with the new university) and harness the opportunities of existing relationships to speak prophetically into the public square and serve the common good; • ensure new governance arrangements are implemented in line with the Cathedrals Measure, and that safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is embedded in every aspect of Cathedral life. Key criteria The panel are looking to appoint someone who demonstrates these qualities and characteristics: • A person of evident personal faith and deep spirituality, committed to and nourished by the rhythm of daily Cathedral prayers • An engaging and inspiring preacher and communicator • Committed to excellence in worship within the Cathedral’s choral liberal catholic and inclusive theological tradition; • Evidence of successfully navigating complex organisational dynamics and relationships with diplomacy and building partnerships with ecumenical, community and civic leaders; • An experienced inclusive leader who takes a collaborative and encouraging approach, enabling everyone to flourish and able to delegate areas of their own competence and passion whilst being willing to be hands-on and decisive when needed; • Has a vision for the missional role of Cathedrals and shows creativity and entrepreneurism in developing new forms of worship and outreach; • Shows a demonstrable commitment to excellent safeguarding practice and is equipped to ensure that the Cathedral is a safe place for children and vulnerable adults; • Has an understanding of the financial challenges facing cathedrals and is equipped to engage actively in fundraising; • A person with a pastoral heart who enjoys the ministry of hospitality. Background information This briefing pack is produced by the appointment panel to provide further information about the key themes, opportunities and challenges which the panel have identified for the ministry of the next Dean. The ministry of the Dean within the Cathedral Chapter have kindly prepared a profile of the Cathedral which provides more detailed information about the worship, organisation and operations of Hereford Cathedral. There is an understanding that Cathedral life is not necessarily going to return exactly as things were prior to the first national lockdown in March 2020. Many people and groups contribute to the life of the Cathedral in various ways. It will be important for the Dean to foster relationships with all these key partners in developing a common vision for the mission and ministry of the Cathedral as life emerges from the Coronavirus pandemic. Whilst the Dean is not and cannot be “The Vicar”, it is important that he or she is someone who is able to equip and encourage others in their faith and who will ensure that pastoral care and discipleship is available for the cherished and much-loved congregation and visitors. The Dean will need to be comfortable working collaboratively with others, encouraging people to use their gifts, skills and experiences so that everyone can flourish in their God-given vocations. The quality of choral worship at Hereford Cathedral is exceptionally well-regarded and this will be something