Jonathan will also become an honorary Lay Canon working alongside existing Chapter members, including the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham, towards the mission of ensuring the cathedral’s financial sustainability and reaching out to new audiences, so that the cathedral can continue to pass on its rich Christian heritage to future generations.
As a member of the cathedral’s governing body, Jonathan will have a particular role in supporting the Visitor Experience and Enterprise operations at the cathedral, including marketing & communications; retail & trading; I.T., digital & social media.
Under new legislation passed by Parliament in May 2021, the cathedral is preparing to register under the Charity Commission and all members of Chapter will in future become Trustees.
Alongside this new voluntary role, Jonathan works as the Commercial Director at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, and is Churchwarden of St James Church, Hamsterley.
Jonathan said of his appointment: “I'm delighted to be joining the Chapter of Durham Cathedral where I hope to be able to make a positive and useful contribution, particularly in the post-pandemic world which will undoubtedly bring with it fresh challenges and new ways of operating. I hope that my combined experience as part of the team at Ushaw and through my involvement with St James Church in Hamsterley will be beneficial to the cathedral. County Durham has been my home for some sixteen years now, it's important to me to stand up to the plate and become involved. It's a true honour to be able to serve the cathedral in this way”.
The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham, said: ‘My colleagues and I are delighted to welcome Jonathan to the Chapter of Durham Cathedral. Jonathan’s commercial experience in running a large and complex enterprise with deep connections in the Roman Catholic community, as well as his Christian faith worked out as Churchwarden of Hamsterley, will place him well for being a ‘critical friend’. We warmly welcome him to the cathedral community.’
Jonathan Ward will be installed as an honorary Lay Canon and member of the Cathedral Chapter at Evensong on Sunday 17 October @ 3:30 p.m.
