In this special season finale episode of Craftcast, the official podcast of the United Grand Lodge of England, hosts Shaun, James, and Stephen welcome a distinguished guest - the Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master Jonathan Spence. This marks Jonathan's second appearance on the podcast, making him their first recurring guest.
The discussion centres on UGLE's new strategy, which Jonathan likens to a Greek temple in structure. He explains that the overarching ambition is to create a thriving members' organisation that people aspire to join and remain part of long-term. This 'temple' is built upon the foundational values of Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service.
Jonathan elaborates on the main pillars of the strategy:
1. Thriving Membership: This pillar focuses on both attracting new members and retaining existing ones. Jonathan emphasises the importance of creating an enjoyable experience that members are willing to discuss with friends and family, potentially leading to new recruits.
2. Coherent Organisation: This involves ensuring consistent messaging and practices across all Provinces, Districts, and Grand Lodge, while still allowing for local variations.
3. Community Engagement: Jonathan stresses the importance of Freemasons' service beyond just financial donations, highlighting the value of time, skills, and effort in making a difference in communities.
The Pro Grand Master discusses the membership challenge. He emphasises the need to engage existing members, not just focus on new recruits. Jonathan shares examples of successful practices, such as Lodges involving more members in ceremonies and operations, which has led to better engagement.
Jonathan explains how UGLE is monitoring the strategy's success, including tracking membership numbers at various levels and working closely with Provincial leaders. He discusses the roles of the Strategy Working Party and Strategy Oversight Group in implementation and monitoring, highlighting the importance of both quantitative and qualitative measures of success.
The conversation touches on recent successes, including the well-attended Quarterly Communication held in Monmouth - the first outside London since 1937 - and efforts to make Grand Lodge more accessible to Master Masons. Jonathan shares his observations of a renewed "buzz" and enthusiasm among members, which he sees as a crucial qualitative indicator of the strategy's impact.
Looking ahead, Jonathan emphasises the need to deliver current initiatives to a high standard. He discusses the importance of improving Ceremony quality, involving more members in Lodge activities, and better equipping all new members - whether they join through recommendation or independently - with comprehensive information about Freemasonry.
The Pro Grand Master also highlights the vital role of long-standing members in engaging with newer ones, suggesting less hierarchical seating arrangements at Lodge dinners to facilitate more inclusive interactions.
Throughout the discussion, Jonathan's enthusiasm for the strategy and its potential to revitalise Freemasonry is evident. He encourages all members to take an active role in implementing the strategy at the Lodge level.
The hosts thank Jonathan for his insights and reflect on the importance of every member being involved in the strategy's success. They conclude by encouraging listeners to embrace the strategy, whether they are existing Freemasons or potential new members, emphasising that there has never been a better time to become a Freemason.
Listen to the full ‘Season Finale with the Pro Grand Master’ podcast.
Listen to the rest of the Craftcast podcast.
