Assistant Verger and Precinct Officer - part time permanent

We're looking for someone with experience of verging or similar church support work. Good social skills are essential as is the ability to work as part of a team as well as on your own initiative.  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 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

• 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 and Lay Staff.
• Good administrative and IT skills.
• Good communication and social skills.
• Good understanding of the importance of managing security and health and safety.
• 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).
• Willing to learn new skills and undertake training.
• Willing to work alone.
• Ability to work flexibly over seven days and evenings including holiday periods.
• Experience of caretaking duties.

Desirable experience

• At least one year’s experience as a church or cathedral verger or in a similar role.
• Experience of working in an environment where paid and voluntary staff work side by side.
• Experience of delivering events.

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.
• Be a communicant member of the Church of England.
• Highly collaborative.
• Ability to lift and carry furniture, climb stairs, walk, and stand unaided for significant periods of time and work at height as an occupational requirement
• 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 25 days (pro rata for part-time posts) plus all public holidays and two 'given' days after Christmas/New Year.

Employer pension contributions of 7.0%, employee contribution 1.0%

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), enhanced DBS for specific roles, and face-to-face or online training as required.   An enhanced DBS is required for this role.

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

Closing date for applications:  15th February 

Interviews will be held 26th February