Cathedrals
Cathedrals are unique and wonderful spaces, providing welcome and inspiration to pilgrims, visitors and future generations. They are integral to their local communities (never more so than during the coronavirus pandemic) but also recognised nationally and globally as key heritage sites.
The Cathedrals Team at Wrigleys recognise that the balance between being a place of worship and a commercial visitor attraction is not always an easy one to strike. Cathedrals also face unique challenges in terms of sustainability, how they are structured and how they work within the wider Church.
The Cathedrals Team understand these challenges first-hand and work closely with our Cathedral clients to find practical solutions that are in keeping with their Cathedrals’ core purposes and allow them to prosper in their work and mission.
Our partner Elizabeth Wilson is currently the Chair of the Ecclesiastical Law Society and many of our lawyers are also members. We keep fully up-to-date with the current changes and challenges affecting cathedrals and are always pleased to be able to provide specialist support and advice.
Cathedrals Measure 2021 – Ready, Steady, Go!
The Cathedrals Measure 2021 marks a huge change in how Cathedrals will organise themselves and be regulated. Wrigleys are very pleased to announce several legal services options aimed at helping Cathedrals complete their race to becoming registered charities.
Ready (FREE)
- Helping Cathedrals to understand what the Cathedrals Measure means for them, Wrigleys are running a series of free workshops aimed at Cathedral Chapters and Senior Leadership. The first workshop ‘Empowering Cathedral Chapter Members to be Successful Charity Trustees’ is on Thursday 30 September . Registration open.
Steady (£6,000 plus VAT)*
- Initial meeting to get to know the Cathedral, understand its needs, and scope out the work required.
- Either review or prepare (depending on each Cathedral’s needs) a revised Constitution and Statutes.
- Advise the Cathedral on appropriate consultation processes to take before adopting the new Constitution and Statutes.
Go!
- You may have further questions on your Charity Commission application and registration. If you need independent advice on this final step or anything else related to becoming a charity, please contact Elizabeth Wilson, This assistance will be charged on a cost by hour basis.
Once over the finish line….. there may be additional advice you need, perhaps in different areas of your Cathedral’s charitable business activities. Our legal experts have advised Cathedral and other faith organisation clients on a range of matters including property, charity law, employment and trading subsidiaries and would be very happy to discuss further.
*Based on an estimate of 30 hours’ work with partner and solicitor involvement.
Financial Security and how Wrigleys can advise
Cathedrals are still feeling the effects of being closed to paying visitors for much of 2020/21. A vital source of income disappeared overnight whilst cathedrals continued to incur the costs of staying open for private prayer and worship. Wrigleys have supported many cathedrals and faith organisations as they think creatively about how they use their resources and how they secure long-term incomes. If you would like to discuss how we can provide legal advice about your future plans, please do get in touch.
Cathedrals looking to dispose of land
With the implementation of the Cathedrals Measure, disposals of (most) cathedral land will be subject to the Charities Act 2011. Wrigleys have an experienced team of Charity Property Lawyers who are able to advice you on the disposal process and any additional trust issues.
Charity Trading
The Cathedrals Measure does not just require new cathedral constitutions and change at Chapter level. There are also some very practical things which Cathedrals will need to consider, if the arrangements for their gift shops and cafes adhere to the Charity Commission rules on charity trading and subsidiaries. Any cathedral reviewing their current trading arrangements, or exploring new opportunities, can speak to our expert team.
Cathedrals Measure 2021
Anglican Cathedrals are governed by legislation and on 29 April 2021, the Cathedrals Measure 2021 received Royal Assent and became law. The Measure contains some fundamental changes for Anglican Cathedrals, most notably that over the next few years they will each need to register as a charity and be co-regulated by the Charity Commission and the Church Commissioners.
Any Cathedral needing advice on what the Measure will mean for them and how they can prepare for it, should contact Elizabeth Wilson.
