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We're looking for someone with experience of verging or similar church support work to provide Maternity Cover for up to 12 months.  Starting in December 2026 the successful applicant will be involved with major services and events marking the Centenary of both the Cathedral and Diocese of Portsmouth.

Good social skills are essential as is the ability to work as part of a team as well as on your own inititiave.  The ability to work closely with and relate well to all Cathedral staff, ministry team, congregation, volunteers, visitors, and members of the general public will also be required. 

The two Assistant Vergers and Precinct Officers (AVPOs) carry out a wide range of duties under the direction of the Head Verger and Precinct Manager.  Work includes: the careful setting up and delivery of all liturgical matters; ensuring a welcoming, clean, and safe environment for all working in, visiting, or using the Cathedral and Cathedral House and precinct and ensuring the day-to-day smooth running of the Cathedral for all.

Essential experience and skills

• Sympathy with the Christian faith.
• At least one year’s experience as a church or cathedral verger or in a similar role.
• A flexible attitude and willingness to take on a range of duties including practical ‘hands- on’ work.
• Attention to detail and an ability to assess priorities including when under pressure.
• Understanding of liturgy or willingness to learn.
• Ability to be a good team player and work collaboratively with Ministry Team, staff and volunteers.
• Willing to work alone.
• Good administrative and IT skills.
• Good understanding of the importance of security, maintenance and health and safety.
• Good social and communication skills.
• Have an open and welcoming attitude to all including volunteers and members of the general public.
• A trained First Aider (or willing to be trained upon appointment to an appropriate level).·
• Ability to work flexibly over seven days and evenings including holiday periods.

Desirable experience

• A communicant member of the Church of England.
• Previous experience in a liturgical capacity.
• Experience of working in an environment where paid and voluntary staff work side by side.
• Experience of delivering events.
• Experience of caretaking duties.

Personal qualities

• Excellent interpersonal skills, in particular warmth, tact, diplomacy, discretion, and imagination.
• In sympathy with the ethos and aims of the Cathedral as a Christian organisation.
• Highly collaborative.
• Ability to lift and carry furniture, climb stairs, walk, and stand unaided for significant periods of time and work at height.
• Ability to work with senior level colleagues and with the general public.
• Committed to equal opportunities and inclusivity.
• Committed to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding practice.

Benefits of working at Portsmouth Cathedral:

• Generous leave allowance of 27 days (pro rata for part-time posts) plus all public holidays
• Employer pension contributions of 7%, 1% employee contribution
• Commitment to professional development and training.
• Cash health plan

Safeguarding. The Cathedral takes the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults very seriously, and practices Safer Recruitment for all roles (both paid and voluntary).  An enhanced DBS is required for this role, and face or online training will be required.   

Portsmouth Cathedral is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a member of Inclusive Church.

Closing date for applications: 23.59 Sunday 11 October

Interviews will be held on Monday 19 October in person