23/06/2015
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, after consultation with the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, have appointed Dame Fiona Reynolds to be Chair of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England (CFCE), it has been announced today.
She succeeds RT Hon Frank Field MP, who is standing down after serving two terms and ten years as chair, and over seen a period of creative conservation and development of the Church of England's 42 cathedrals as well as the award by the Government of the £20m WW1 Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund for essential repair works to cathedrals.
The CFCE is the national body overseeing the management of conservation and development of the Church's cathedrals (see notes).
Dame Fiona was director of the National Trust from 2001-2012 before becoming Master of Emmanuel College, Cambridge (see biography).
Speaking about her appointment Dame Fiona said:
"I am honoured and delighted to accept the role of Chair of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England. I have loved and been inspired by the English Cathedrals all my life, and will relish the opportunity to work more closely with Deans, the team at Church House and the many other organisations and individuals who cherish them. I look forward in particular to being part of the strategic thinking that will take place, not only about the stewardship of these remarkable buildings, but their place in today's society."
The Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, lead bishop for cathedrals and church buildings, said: "I am delighted that Dame Fiona has accepted the invitation of the archbishops to take over the chair of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission in succession to Frank Field, as are the members and staff of the Commission. Dame Fiona established a formidable reputation whilst Chief Executive of the National Trust through her success in transforming that great institution for the better. We are very fortunate that she is willing to bring her expertise, vision, advocacy skills and enthusiasm to bear upon our forty-two Cathedrals in England. They are the jewel in the crown of our cultural heritage and, more than that, are living buildings which contribute an enormous amount to the common good."
Biography
Dame Fiona Reynolds DBE became Master of Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 2012. She came to the college from the National Trust, of which she was Director-General from 2001-2012. During her time at the National Trust she made it warmer and more welcoming, bringing the houses to life and raising the profile of the Trust's work in the countryside.
Before becoming DG of the Trust, she was Director of the Women's Unit in the Cabinet Office (1998-2000), Director of the Council for the Protection of Rural England (now Campaign to Protect Rural England, 1987-98) and Secretary to the Council for National Parks (now Campaign to Protect National Parks, 1980-87). Fiona was also a volunteer with the National Trust from the mid 1980s until the late 1990s, first as a member of the Thames and Chilterns Regional Committee and later as an elected member of Council. She chaired the Sutton House Local Committee in Hackney.
Fiona is the Senior Non-Executive Director on the Executive Board of the BBC, a Non-Executive Director of Wessex Water and became chair of Green Alliance in December 2014.
Fiona was appointed CBE for services to the environment and conservation in 1998 and DBE in 2008. She is married with three daughters and lives near Cirencester when not in Cambridge. She loves walking, reading, classical music and opera.
CFCE
The Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England (CFCE) is a statutory body set up under the Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011 to operate and oversee the Church of England's system of controls over works to 41 of England's Anglican cathedrals. As well as operating the system of listed building planning controls, determining applications for major project works and advising on future works, the Commission also has a role in providing guidance, policy, and updating legislation to ensure the system is as effective as possible.
The role of Chair is that of a figurehead for cathedrals, representing them on the national stage to Government, the heritage sector, grant-giving bodies, and within the Church. The Chair is appointed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, after consultation with the Secretary of State. This appointment will run until April 2021 and a second five year term can be offered.