WHY WORK WITH HEREFORD CATHEDRAL ALMSHOUSE CHARITY AND HEREFORD CATHEDRAL
With a history stretching back over 800 years, the Hereford Cathedral Almshouses Charity offers its residents a wonderful blend of historic architectural heritage with a true sense of community and belonging. The charity’s objective is “the relief of poverty through the provision of almshouse accommodation” and this has traditionally focussed on providing housing for people on lower incomes. Rooted in gospel values, its Christian ethos has ensured a unique pastoral presence and availability to residents, unlike secular housing provision. However, current trustees also recognise the need to address poverty in its less obvious manifestations such as are related to spiritual, mental and physical health, and see the role of a parish nurse as integral to achieving this. For the right person, there is a unique opportunity to integrate their nursing expertise with their faith, thereby adding a holistic dimension to the charity’s objective not previously contemplated in this way.
OUR VISION FOR THE PARISH NURSING SERVICE
While Herefordshire is a beautiful rural county, this charm hides some serious issues. National measures of poverty tend to focus on large cities, such that the specific challenges of rural or country town life—like high housing costs, transport, difficulty accessing community healthcare provision and social isolation — can often fall under the radar.
Poverty means more than lack of money although this often sits at the heart of other manifestations. Addressing matters of health and access to health and social services can, and should, be understood as another form of poverty alleviation which can have tangible benefits for the elderly, carers and young families on low incomes. Furthermore, poverty in psycho-spiritual care and dignity, particularly related to death and dying are significant issues in our rural setting.
Recognising the needs described above, the Hereford Cathedral Almshouses Charity has embarked on a strategy committed to alleviating such poverty. In an effort to provide groundbreaking pastoral, social and practical support for our communities, the trustees, in conjunction with the Chapter of Hereford Cathedral would like to appoint a Parish Nurse. This would initially be to support the residents of the Almshouses, with the intention, in due course, of expanding the service to those in the wider community, including potential collaboration with other local organisations.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
The Parish Nurse will play a vital role in helping to achieve holistic pastoral care by supporting and building relationships with the residents of the Almshouses in Hereford and Ledbury, and being appropriately available to support the community associated with Hereford Cathedral which has a growing number of elderly people and young families.
Responsible to the Dean of Hereford and linked with Parish Nursing Ministries UK (PNMUK), the Parish Nurse is to provide nursing support to recipients, regardless of their faith position. This support will integrate spiritual, physical, psychological, emotional and social health to the residents of our Almshouses in Hereford and Ledbury, and the wider cathedral community. Supported by the Steering Group, the Parish Nurse will be accountable to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the Chapter of Hereford Cathedral, the Hereford Cathedral Almshouses Charity, and a spiritual supervisor who will be determined in due course.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Support Holistic Health
- Integrate faith and health through providing a holistic assessment of need
- Support individuals from the Almshouses and Cathedral community in dealing with health issues and concerns, through collaboratively planned health advice, support and spiritual care
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the care provision, adjusting the care plans as required
- Where appropriate, support risk assessments to ensure that health needs are being met
- Where appropriate, develop screening opportunities for residents in the Almshouses and cathedral community
- Where appropriate, attend local meetings with health and social care professionals to ensure continuity of care
- Ensure parish nursing activities and advice are evidence based and supported by current research
Health Education
- Provide and promote appropriate health education to individuals and groups, aiming to increase understanding of health concerns and to empower people to make positive choices to improve their health
- Focus on a variety of educational activities for all ages which can explore the relationship between values, attitudes, lifestyle, faith and health
- Develop opportunities for health education activities in the Almshouses and at community events
Health Advocacy
- Provide an advocacy role that supports people to access health services
- Initiate and support referrals to other health professionals as appropriate
Referrals
- Liaise with appropriate agencies and authorities in order to support the health needs of individuals
- Signpost to health, social care, faith organisations and voluntary sector services as appropriate, to access the most suitable resources for holistic care
Support Groups
- Develop appropriate support groups, following assessment of need of residents of the Almhouses and Cathedral community
- Support the Cathedral Pastor and Pastoral Visiting Team
Integration of Faith and Health
- Integrate faith and health in all activities and contacts, aiming to promote the understanding of the relationship between faith and health
- Pray with or for clients, if requested and appropriate or, if preferred, refer them to a faith group/leader of their choice
- Facilitate or assist with a service of, for example, Holy Communion in their home, as appropriate
Professional Management
- Promote safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk in all parish nursing activities
- Attend Steering Group meetings and regular one to one meetings with line manager
- Work as an autonomous and lone practitioner, ensuring compliance with the policies and procedures of Hereford Cathedral Chapter, including those related to lone working
- Maintain accurate, systematic and timely record keeping of health interventions in keeping with NMC Record Keeping guidance, ensuring safe storage and disposal of documentation
- Maintain statistical information and data as required by the Almshouses charity, Hereford Cathedral Chapter and PNMUK
- Manage the resources of the parish nursing service, including any financial resources, in line with professional standards
- Participate in an Annual Development and Performance Review with line manager
- Ensure that the Confidentiality and Data Protection Policies of Hereford Cathedral Chapter and the NMC are stringently adhered to
- Maintain the Parish Nurse Accreditation Standards, annually reviewing these with the Regional Nurse Coordinator and line manager
- Record and take appropriate action if any accident or incident occurs involving a volunteer, client, staff member or visitor
Personal Development
- Be aware of, and always act in accordance with, the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and maintain NMC registration
- Work within the scope of professional knowledge and competence
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills, and undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in accordance with the individual parish nurse, and organisational needs
- Ensure personal spiritual care needs are identified and met, and participate in regular spiritual supervision
- Attend PNMUK Community of Practice events for professional development, supervision and peer support
The above-mentioned tasks are a summary of the key responsibilities involved; however, the post holder may be asked to carry out other tasks as directed by the Almshouses Charity trustees/Parish Nurse Steering Group/other authority.
The Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9 part 1(1-3) applies to this post. The post is restricted to practicing Christians.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential qualities:
- Registered Nurse (Adult/Child/Mental Health/Learning Disability)
- Current Nursing and Midwifery Council Registration
- Evidence of post registration education and training
- Completion of the PNMUK Preparation for Parish Nursing Practice Course or willingness to undertake this (the next Preparation for Practice Course starts on 7 September with sessions on 8, 14 & 28 September and 5 & 12 October 2026)
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle fully insured for business use and service user transportation
- Confident user of Microsoft Office
Desirable qualities:
- Community Nursing/Specialist Practitioner Qualification
- Some theological or discipleship training or willingness to undertake this
Experience
Essential qualities:
- Significant post-registration experience of Community Nursing
- Have a love of God’s people and be comfortable and willing to pray with and for others when appropriate
Desirable qualities:
- Previous management experience
- Experience of teaching
- Experience in delivering health education
- Experience of working in the UK as a Registered Nurse
Skills and Knowledge
Essential qualities:
- High level of nursing expertise
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- Decision making skills
- Good communication skills
- Competent IT skills
- Commitment to work within the NMC Code of Conduct
- Commitment to personal and spiritual development
- Regular safeguarding training
- Knowledge of Clinical Governance development and its implementations
- Knowledge of the purpose and value of professional supervision and support of staff
- Understanding of, and commitment to, equal opportunities
Other
Essential qualities:
- Regular member of a church of any Christian denomination
- Willingness to attend a cathedral service at least monthly
- Able to carry out the duties of the post with or without adaptations
HOW TO APPLY
For full details and how to apply, please visit the vacancies page of the Hereford Cathedral website. Fully completed application forms must be received before midday on the closing date of 30 April 2026.
Non Charity Employer 
21 - 50
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Head of Development
Department: Development
Line Manager: Director of Audiences and Growth
Reports From: Development Officer, Freelance Bid Writer
Salary: £43,000 - £52,500
The Belgrade theatre has big growth plans with a vibrant programme; we are proud of our reputation for excellent stewardship and donor care. We are a National Portfolio Organisation, funded by Arts Council England, and enjoy the support of many individuals, trust and foundations and corporate supporters. We are now looking for an ambitious, creative, and energetic fundraiser to help take us into our next chapter. You might be an experienced Development leader or someone looking to take that next step, or perhaps this could be a lateral move from another related sector. We are open to discussing flexible working patterns, and you will be able to shape the role around your particular skills and experience.
You will have the full support of the CEO, senior team and Board of Trustees, and we will work with you to ensure you continue to develop in your professional practice. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that your work is making a real difference in supporting the Belgrade Theatre realise its Story of Change and continue to build on our co-creation model of developing theatre by and with the people of Coventry.
You will be joining us at an exciting time whilst we build the production of our new co-created show Nanny of the Maroons, and your skills and expertise in fundraising and income-generation activity, will support us to launch this production in a way that can have real impact for the people of Coventry; whilst shaping a sustainable future for the organisation, and achieving an annual revenue funding target of £450K.
This is a hands-on role focused on delivering fundraising activity, supporting income generation through campaigns, events, partnerships and donor stewardship. You will build meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and funders, working on strategies that support artistic ambition, creative learning and community engagement programmes, and long-term organisational growth.
This role will suit someone who is organised, proactive and confident in delivering fundraising activity, and who can bring practical ideas that connect with Coventry’s diverse communities.
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Director of Audiences and Growth, CEO, Artistic Director and Director of Producing and Co-creation. This role will line manage the Development Officer and oversee freelance bid writers. This role needs to have constructive relationships with all departments within the business including working closely with the audiences, marketing and communications team and colleagues across Box Office, Finance and Front of House. You will deliver a programme of fundraising activity including memberships, small, mid-scale and larger trusts and foundations, community fundraising, sponsorship and local business partnerships.
External: Trusts and Foundations, Donors, High Net worth individuals, Members, Individual Giving, Stakeholders, Volunteers and Business Networks
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organisational priorities
- Lead on income diversification across individual giving/membership, major gifts, legacies, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, campaigns and events
- Set and monitor annual income targets with clear KPIs and reporting structure
Fundraising Campaigns & Income Generation
- Develop and deliver audience-focused fundraising campaigns that support theatre programming, community engagement and audience development.
- Identify and implement practical income opportunities, such as round-up donations, maximising Gift Aid and testing messaging at key audience touchpoints.
Events & Community Fundraising
- Plan, promote and deliver fundraising events including donor evenings and follow up donor cultivation, community fundraising activities and donor profile events
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers to ensure events are well organised and provide a positive supporter experience.
Trusts, Memberships & Partnerships
- Research, write and submit applications to small, mid-scale and large trusts and foundations aligned with The Belgrade’s artistic, co-creation, educational and community activity to ensure we meet our target of 10% of turnover against fundraising activity
- Review and refresh The Belgrade’s s membership schemes, sponsorship offers and local business fundraising opportunities.
- Develop proposals to support income from individuals, trusts and community partners.
- Establish and Develop a Legacy programme with the associated campaign
Donor Stewardship & Supporter Care
- Support and steward donors, members and supporters through appropriate communication, recognition and reporting.
- Ensure donor recognition is accurate and visible across digital, print and in-venue materials.
- Experience of managing a varied pipeline of fundraising prospects, including identification of key internal and external milestones
Digital Fundraising & Communications
- Work with the Marketing team to create fundraising content for email, web and social media.
- Use storytelling to promote THE BELGRADE ’s charitable activity and encourage supporter engagement.
Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance
- Maintain accurate donor records.
- Track fundraising income and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensure all fundraising activity complies with GDPR, Gift Aid requirements and Fundraising Regulator guidance.
Planning, Collaboration & Good Practice
- Contribute to the delivery of agreed annual fundraising plans, supporting our Audiences and Marketing team by tracking activity and progress against targets.
- Stay informed about THE BELGRADE ’s artistic programme and community work, working with colleagues across departments to support clear and relevant case for support.
- Build and maintain networks with fundraising colleagues in the arts and charity sectors, sharing learning and good practice with THE BELGRADE particularly at a local and regional level
- Contribute positively to THE BELGRADE ’s inclusive, collaborative and community-focused culture, supporting volunteers involved in fundraising activity where appropriate.
- Set company wide strategies to maximise individual giving around our Making Memories campaign for Pantomime and our Stage for All campaign that supports co-creation.
General
- Keep up to date with emerging technologies and industry trends to improve efficiency and fundraising potential.
- Maintain a strong applicable knowledge of the theatre’s programme, strategy and business plan.
- Attend staff meetings / training as required.
- Adhere to policies and procedures and act as an ambassador for best practice.
What Success Looks Like
- Reaching our fundraising target of £450k
- Growth in philanthropic income year-on-year
- Strong donor engagement, both recruitment and retention
- Increase in size and diversity of membership base including renewal of lapsed bookers
- A motivated, high-performing development team
- Clear, compelling fundraising messaging around The Belgrade’s case for support embedded across the organisation
- A sustainable funding model that supports artistic excellence and community impact
The postholder will be required to work from the theatre in Coventry, although some flexibility for occasional working from home is available subject to the needs of the business. This role may require working weekends and evenings for attendance at Guest Nights and Stakeholder Events etc. from time to time for which time off can be taken in lieu.
Please note the job description for this position may be reviewed and amended to incorporate future business needs.
Person Specification:
Essential - the successful candidate will meet the majority of these requirements.
- Experience delivering fundraising campaigns.
- Experience stewarding and supporting donors or supporters.
- Experience writing successful funding applications.
- Experience planning and delivering fundraising or community events.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Understanding of fundraising compliance, including GDPR and Gift Aid.
- Awareness of current fundraising trends and inclusive fundraising practices.
- Proactive, organised and hands-on approach.
- Confidence building and maintaining professional relationships with a range of stakeholders
- Commitment to inclusivity, ethical fundraising and community values.
- Collaborative, adaptable and solution focused.
- Experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors or supporters
- Experience using CRM or database systems to manage supporter data
- Willingness to embrace the Belgrade’s Brand Values
- A genuine interest in inclusive arts, music and social impact
Desirable
- Experience of developing new fundraising initiatives from conception to realisation
- Experience of budget responsibility and reporting on achievements against targets
- Knowledge and experience of major gift fundraising
Apply Now
Upload your CV and Cover Letter
In your cover letter, tell us:
- Why you want to work for The Belgrade Theatre?
- What experiences and skills do you have that you feel will illustrate your suitability for the role
Our Commitment to Equality
The Belgrade Theatre is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences—including but not limited to individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, faiths or beliefs, disabilities, and neurodiverse conditions.
We believe that a diverse workforce enriches our creative community and strengthens our connection to the audiences we serve. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to ensure that all employees and applicants feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full selves to work.
If you require any adjustments, accommodations, or assistance at any stage of the recruitment or application process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will work with you to provide the support you need to make your application journey as accessible and comfortable as possible.
If you are applying through the Disability Confident Scheme, please reference that in your cover letter or application
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FORM
The Belgrade Theatre is committed to ensuring equal opportunities, aiming to attract and work with staff from a wide diverse pool. The information that you give us on this form will be treated confidentially and stored on our HR database as statistical information only. This will be used to help monitor the diversity of applicants and to enable us to continue to develop policies and procedures regarding diversity and to submit required data to our funders. The information you supply will not be made available to anyone in any form other than anonymous data.
At the Belgrade Theatre, we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive and contribute to telling powerful, diverse stories that reflect us
as a vibrant community.
