A New Era of Governance as a Registered Charity
Truro Cathedral's journey culminated in a significant milestone as it secured Registered Charity Status on 12 April 2024. This achievement stems from the meticulous crafting of new Constitutions and Statutes, a process set in motion by the Cathedrals Measure 2021.
After dedicated efforts and thorough public consultation, Truro Cathedral proudly announces its official registration as a charity, bearing the number 1207821. Moving forward, the cathedral will navigate its path under the joint guidance of the Church Commissioners and the Charity Commission, marking a new chapter in its storied legacy.
The cathedral has always been governed in a similar way to charities. Congregation and visitors can be reassured that the way we operate and the services we provide are unaffected by the registration. We’re looking forward to the good work and public benefit we’ve been doing for years now being in the public domain. We’ll benefit from a wider and deeper level of governance with more defined support from boards and committees covering all aspects of the life of the cathedral. (We’ll be recruiting for additional board and committee members over the coming months). Being a charity offers us simplicity to arrangements with banks and greater access to trusts, foundations, and funders.
Dean Simon Robinson
‘At our core, Truro Cathedral is a place of worship, built to the glory of God. Within our mission, we are committed to reaching out to the whole community. Being a registered charity means that we are tasked with ensuring our life of worship, service and outreach is seen through the lens of being a charity, focused on what we bring of benefit to the public. This increases the necessity for good governance and affords greater scrutiny and accountability in all that we do. Public accountability is a good thing. It is also inherently Christian as we seek to ‘serve not to be served.’
Sean O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer
‘The changes to become a registered charity has been a long time coming, a journey that was in discussion for all cathedrals five years ago when I joined the team at Truro. Reaching this important milestone allows us to focus on continuing to deliver public benefit and on our mission of sacred space and common ground in a place much valued by the communities of Cornwall’
The Right Rev’d Hugh Nelson , Acting Bishop of Truro
‘Truro Cathedral has been a place of worship, prayer and service for the whole of Cornwall for over 100 years. As the world changes, this new legal status ensures that it can confidently continue that same mission into the future. I am delighted at this announcement.’
Truro Cathedral would not be able to continue its life and work providing worship, events, exhibitions, and concerts to its community, without the help of its generous supporters. Truro Cathedral does not receive regular government or Church of England support, relying on public donations to cover the £1.1 million per year it costs to run and maintain Cornwall’s only cathedral.