An independent review into the governance of the Diocese of Bangor has found that its two trustee boards had “lost sight of their function and importance”.
The review examined governance arrangements, financial oversight and organisational culture at the Bangor Diocesan Board of Finance (BDBF) and the Bangor Diocesan Trust over a five year period to 2025.
During this time, several serious incidents relating to Bangor Cathedral were reported, which led to the retirement of the Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Bangor Andrew John.
There is no suggestion the bishop behaved inappropriately, but the Church's representative body called for a change of leadership in the diocese.
Describing a “breakdown of good governance and proper processes” within the charities during the five year period, the review said they should have been led by laity, adding that the BDBF should have formed a “counterbalance and critical friend” to the bishop’s ministerial focus. It says that “positive dynamic tension was lost, and the trustee boards lost sight of their function and importance.”
The review said significant progress has been made to redress the situation, including “new and clearer leadership, more structured board meetings, improved information flow and decision making processes, strengthened financial reporting, and the introduction of formal budgeting and multi year financial planning”.
However, it recommends merging the two diocesan charities into a single body, updating the membership and responsibilities of the trustee boards, and enhancing financial planning and reporting.
It also wants to see clearer arrangements for risk management, trustee training, staff structures and record keeping, together with consistent procedures for overseeing major projects.
The findings have been published by the two boards as part of what they describe as an “ongoing commitment to strengthening accountability, transparency and good governance across the diocese".
Hywel Parry-Smith, chair of trustees said: “We welcome the findings of the independent review and accept its recommendations in full. Strengthening governance is an essential part of our stewardship responsibilities, and the Trustees are committed to ensuring robust oversight, effective decision making and transparent financial management.
“I am heartened by the improvements already made and by the commitment shown across the diocese to learning, adapting and improving. Whilst in no way underestimating the work we have to do, I am heartened by the positive response and willing support from trustees, staff and other stakeholders. With clear direction and a shared sense of purpose, we can move forward with optimism and a renewed energy.”