How we are governed

Who governs Ely Cathedral?

The Cathedrals Measure 2021 sets out in law how we are governed. Ely Cathedral is an ecclesiastical corporation and a registered charity.

Our governing body is the Cathedral Chapter, which is supported in its work by three statutory committees:

• Nominations Committee
• Finance Committee
• Audit & Risk Committee

The Cathedral Chapter has one additional committee: the Safeguarding Advisory Group.

The members of Chapter are listed here. The members of Chapter are the trustees for the purposes of the Charities Act 2011.

We publish information about how Chapter members are recruited and appointed, our approach to decision-making, the role of the College of Canons, our use of the Charity Governance Code and membership of committees in our formal annual reports each year.
 

To whom are we accountable?

As a charity, we are accountable to the public for ensuring that we advance our charitable objects for the public benefit. We report on this in detail in our formal annual reports each year.

As a cathedral, we are accountable to the Bishop of Ely. Chapter holds a special annual meeting with the Bishop at which we consult the Bishop on the direction and mission of the Cathedral. The Bishop holds visitatorial jurisdiction (a quasi-judicial function) over the Cathedral.

Ely Cathedral is mainly regulated by the Church Commissioners for England and the Charity Commission. We are also regulated by the Information Commissioner's Office, the Fundraising Regulator, the local authority, the Health & Safety Executive and Historic England.

We are regulated in our stewardship of buildings under our care by our Fabric Advisory Committee (which is specific to Ely Cathedral and established by the Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011), the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England and by the local authority.

Where can I find more information?

The Chapter Manual and our constitution and statutes are available for download below.

The Chapter Manual summarises in one document the various laws, rules and customs guiding the government of the Cathedral.

Our constitution and statutes are the Cathedral's governing documents, which implement the requirements of the Cathedrals Measure 2021.

As part of our commitment to transparency, we publish a summary of each Chapter meeting shortly after it is held. Summaries covering the past twelve months are available for download below.

Day-to-day decision-making is delegated by Chapter to the Cathedral's Senior Management Group and others. This is set out in the scheme of delegation, which is available for download below.