We warmly welcome Caroline Boddington who will be co-opted on to the Chapter of Wells Cathedral at the next meeting of Chapter on September 26, 2023. It is anticipated that Caroline will become the new Senior Non-Executive Member (SNEM) when it is reconstituted in 2024 under the terms of the Cathedrals Measure 2021. The SNEM is a new role under the measure and in addition to all the usual responsibilities of a lay member of Chapter, duties will include chairing Chapter in the absence of the Dean or Acting Dean and involvement in the annual review process of the Dean and other members of Chapter.
Bishop Michael said, “Caroline brings to the role of Senior Non-Executive Member of the Cathedral Chapter a wealth of skills, abilities and experience. With Chapter, I am very much looking forward to serving alongside Caroline and to us all being partners together in the Gospel as we strengthen our mission and commitment to serving the Cathedral community and the wider world.”
The Acting Dean of Wells, the Venerable Anne Gell said, “It will be very good to welcome Caroline to the Cathedral Chapter. The skills and experience she brings are greatly appreciated and we very much look forward to working together in serving the Cathedral and wider communities.”
Caroline has a background in in leadership development, senior appointments and organisational flourishing and latterly served as the Archbishops’ Secretary for Appointments. She led the transformation of the leadership development for bishops and deans and the reform of the processes for recruitment to those roles. As part of this work, she shared in the discernment of dioceses, cathedrals and individuals as they explored their vocation and its outworking in particular contexts. She was given the Canterbury Cross for services to the Church of England in 2023.
Prior to her professional church involvement, Caroline led the international HR department for an oil and gas company. Caroline is also a Trustee at The Ammerdown Centre and volunteers with Citizens Advice. She serves on her PCC and sings in her church choir.
Caroline said, “I am honoured to be asked to serve in this role. I look forward to joining with colleagues in the Cathedral and diocese in exploring our mission and witness for the Church and to the world.”