Southwell Minster, the Cathedral and Parish Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, serves as a beacon of living faith for the people of Nottinghamshire. Rooted in centuries of history, its primary work is the worship of God, the mission of the gospel and the ministry of hospitality and welcome. As a working Cathedral, it hosts daily worship, alongside numerous special services, events and a dynamic programme of community activities.
The organisation needed a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide visionary leadership and versatile skills to balance strategic and operational demands, helping the Cathedral team navigate a transitional phase and set a clear direction for the future.
Context.
The Cathedral sought a leader at a time of considerable change and opportunity, aiming to build upon existing momentum. Southwell Minster was evolving into a dynamic community space, balancing its spiritual heritage with a growing portfolio of cultural, educational and commercial activities. Strong operational leadership was paramount to enhancing visitor engagement, strengthening heritage offerings and securing sustainable income streams. The COO role was critical in ensuring the Cathedral’s continued financial sustainability, efficient day to day operations and strategic growth, all while upholding its core values.
Brief.
Southwell Minster asked Peridot Partners to find a COO with exceptional strategic and operational leadership skills, coupled with commercial acumen and a deep appreciation for the Minster’s religious and community mission. The scope required a leader adept at managing the complexities of a multi-disciplinary role, including strategic development, income generation, facilities management and sensitive stakeholder relationships.
Peridot Partners approached the search seeking candidates from a diverse range of charity, religious, heritage and commercial backgrounds, prioritising candidates who could balance the tension between the Cathedral’s purpose as a sacred space and the need to develop as a visitor attraction, delivering events and driving commercial opportunities to support greater financial sustainability. Through detailed briefings and partnership, the recruitment ensured that values alignment, political astuteness and an inclusive leadership style were central criteria for success.
Outcome.
The comprehensive search attracted nineteen applicants, with a diverse field of six selected for initial interview, and a final shortlist of four. The shortlist included candidates from diverse senior leadership backgrounds, such as:
- a strategic leader from the arts and heritage sector with extensive charity governance experience (a candidate who led digital transformation and major fundraising campaigns for three cultural institutions).
- a senior manager with over two decades of experience across large and diverse heritage sites and visitor attractions.
- a senior leader with experience in managing sports venues, hotels and leisure facilities.
The successful candidate, who was appointed as COO, brings extensive experience as a senior executive and board member from a commercial law firm, where they drove strategic and operational growth.
They possess a strong business background, providing a deep understanding of property and facilities management, as well as expertise in strategic planning, financial management and IT infrastructure. Importantly, the appointee also demonstrated a strong affinity with the Church’s values, having served as a Church Warden for ten years and remaining an active PCC member.
“I have been very impressed by the care and attention taken by David Hingley and his team. Not only have they been very efficient and provided an extensive array of potential candidates, but they have also come across as being genuinely interested in Southwell Cathedral.
There was a real sense that they wanted to get it right for us. We are delighted with the person we have appointed, and I’m not sure we would have found him without the assistance of Peridot. Thank you.”
Interim Dean of Southwell Minster.
David Hingley is our Head of Arts, Heritage and Culture Appointments. He has worked in the arts, heritage and culture sectors since 2010 with a track record of successfully recruiting teams, supporting organisational change programmes and delivering complex projects.
