THE new Interim Dean of Winchester, Canon Roland Riem, has promised transparency and “radical candour” in response to a review, published last week, which identified leadership failings at Winchester Cathedral (News, 3 March).
In a statement read out to the cathedral’s congregation on Sunday, Canon Riem said that the Chapter would publish updates on its response to the review at three-monthly intervals.
Canon Riem, who was previously Vice-Dean of the cathedral, was confirmed as Interim Dean after the Very Revd Catherine Ogle brought forward her planned retirement.
In a statement last week, she apologised on behalf of the Chapter, saying that, although it had to accept “collective responsibility”, as its leader, she had decided to step back immediately (News, 7 March), ahead of her planned retirement.
On Sunday, Canon Riem expressed sadness at Dean Ogle’s decision, but said that it demonstrated the “highest and most honourable standards of accountability”.
He also apologised for his own part in the “dysfunction of Chapter” which had led to “the mistakes and failures outlined” in the review.
The reviewers identified “significant failings in leadership and management”, the Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, who commissioned the review, said last week.
The reviewers identified “misunderstandings”, “poor judgement”, “inadequate advice”, “organisational culture”, and “individual personalities”, as contributing to the crisis at the cathedral, which came to public attention last year when the longstanding Director of Music, Dr Andrew Lumsden, resigned.
The reviewers also criticise a “culture of secrecy” and “failures of communication” at the cathedral, and recommend a policy of “radical candour”.
The full report of the reviewers has not been made public. A summary was published, along with an introduction from Bishop Mounstephen.
