JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title
Caretaker
Responsible to
Salary Scale
Whitstable Umbrella Centre Manager
14 number of hours per week @ £7.85 per hour. Overtime is negotiated in advance at
the standard rate.
Core Hours Apply 8-10 am Monday-Friday. Postholder is expected to secure the venue in
the evening Monday-Thursday night.
MAIN PURPOSE
The Caretaker is responsible for ensuring a high standard of security, cleanliness and customer service for
hirers using the Centre. They work to ensure that people using the centre consider it to be a safe, accessible
and welcoming space for the local community and its passions.
The Caretaker may be called out at unsociable hours or at weekends to deal with security problems, make
emergency repairs or allow access to any contractor who may be working on the site at weekends. Flexibility
to return to the centre between shifts may be required. Regular evening required. Cover to be provided for
other annual leave by other caretaker.
SECURITY
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Opening and closing, unlocking and locking of the centre and its rooms
Unsetting and setting of alarm system
Responding to, and resetting of, the centre alarm, liaising with the police and alarm company.
Checking and securing the premises subsequent to out of hours intruder alarm activation
Registering as main Key Holder and be the a point of contact in an emergency callout situation
Ensuring the overall security of the premises including the locking of all windows and doors and the
drawing of window blinds
CLEANING
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Upkeep and general care of the centre, its fixtures and fittings
Locking and re-locking bins in preparation for pick-up
Cleaning and tidying of the internal building in designated areas - as per plan
Cleaning of internal glass, internal and external door glass and internal side of external windows –
as per plan
Cleaning of external windows at ground level – as per plan; soffits, bargeboards and external lights
Cleaning toilets and toilet areas is daily, and ensure the replenishment of toiletries is carried out
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Sweeping yards, picking up litter and be responsible for the removal of all debris from paths,
grassed areas, flowerbeds and all entrances.
Emptying internal communal rubbish bins
Disinfect drains and dustbins regularly
Preparation of Hall for functions as required including general porterage duties and moving of
furniture
Routinely clean lamp shades and light diffusers (strip lights).
Carry out periodic cleaning of all internal surfaces to a height of eleven feet from floor level
Report any defects of building, furniture, fittings and equipment to the centre management
HEALTH AND SAFETY
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General maintenance and minor repair work including: doors, windows, toilet seats and flushes,
furniture, tap washers and some painting of doors and walls.(This list is not exhaustive, but an
example) Appropriate painting and redecoration.
Receive and check goods and supplies and take them to the appropriate place for storage
Ensure that clear passage is maintained on fire escape routes
Test fire alarms monthly. Maintain test register
Make safe any hazards and ensure that the area is cordoned off
Keep paths, entrances free of ice and snow to ensure the safety of centre users and staff
GENERAL
 Regular check of roofs for pooling, loose tiles, plant growth etc.
 Noting, monitoring and reporting any defects in the buildings to centre management
 Keep all hard surfaces free of moss and weeds
 Assisting centre staff with simple tasks as requested
 Be responsible for ordering cleaning equipment
 To serve on the Facilites Committee as required
 To attend staff meetings on request
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
Experience
Knowledge and
understanding
Skills
Personal
characteristics
Essential
Desirable
i.e. The Caretaker should have
experience of
i.e. The Caretaker might have experience
of:
None required (An enhanced CRB
check will be needed for this post)
Cleaning, basic maintenance and other
practical work.
efficiently work of others in a team;
the basic principles of site
management;
the importance of Health & Safety;
how to repair of damaged or defective
equipment or resources.
motivating others in a team through
example and enthusiasm;
dealing with emergencies and
problems in a positive and systematic
manner;
managing a small budget for
resources;
working alone when required, showing
good self-motivation.
working systematically with clear
attention to detail
communicating effectively (both orally
and in writing) to a the general public
The caretaker should be:
 Passionate about creating a clean,
safe and appealing environment
for hirers
 Hard-working
 Honest
 Practical
 Reliable
 Versatile
 Able to get to the centre within 30
minutes
None required
Security, include carrying out security
checks and locking building
Providing high levels of customer service to
commercial clients
Working within a charity or community
setting
the contribution the centre and its
charitable purpose
specific premises issues: security, Health &
Safety, heating systems, building
construction, COSHH regulations.
use basic power tools and other equipment
to make repairs and improvements;
assessing the quality of others’ work, and
supporting where necessary;
anticipating and reduce risk where
possible;
devising suitable record-keeping system to
monitor performance, equipment and
stock levels;
developing more efficient and costeffective ways of working;
The caretaker should be:
 Passionate about creating working a
community centre and with their local
community
 Flexible to working additional hours as
reasonable requested