AMANDA ANDERSON has joined Durham Cathedral as its new chapter clerk and chief operating officer.

Previously director of strategic development and operations at Bradford Cathedral, Amanda succeeds Philip Davies, who has retired from the position after nine years in the post.

Philip arrived at Durham Cathedral in 2009 and has been instrumental to recent developments such as Open Treasure, the Cathedral’s new exhibition experience designed to showcase its internationally significant collections.

Whilst at Bradford Cathedral, Amanda managed several capital projects including a successful Heritage Lottery Fund application and steered the Cathedral beyond compliance to best practice in areas such as health and safety and human resources. She was previously in the Armed Forces and served with the Royal Irish Regiment and the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Amanda said: “To be a key member of staff at Durham Cathedral is a rare and fantastic opportunity that I could not resist applying for. I feel very privileged and humbled to have been selected to lead the talented management team in the truly magnificent and unique setting that is Durham Cathedral.

“I am looking forward to utilising my skills to work collaboratively with the Dean, Chapter and staff in order to fulfil Durham Cathedral’s vision to share our faith and heritage globally, and to empower people to transform the communities in which we live and serve.”

The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham said: “We are delighted to welcome Amanda. There was an extremely strong field of candidates with many applicants excited by the prospect of working at ‘the best Cathedral on planet earth’, as it is famously described by writer Bill Bryson.

“Amanda presented herself as the outstanding candidate with a wealth of experience, in particular her knowledge of the working of cathedrals gained from her time at Bradford Cathedral, as well as a career in the British Army stretching

over 21 years. Her undoubted skills in operations and senior HR management will have a positive impact on the life of the Cathedral and its future, and she will be a worthy successor to Philip Davies who retired at the end of March.”

Amanda loves outdoor activities especially hill walking, running and cycling and has competed in triathlons and marathons.