Job Description: Thistle Chapel Assistant - Fixed Term Contract - 6 months
The main role is to safeguard the security of the Thistle Chapel whilst ensuring visitors have
the opportunity to explore the chapel in a safe and enjoyable manner. Built in 1911, The
Thistle Chapel in St Giles’ Cathedral is the spiritual home of the Most Ancient and Most
Noble Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s order of chivalry. The Chapel is one of Scotland’s
architectural jewels and St Giles’ Cathedral is passionate about preserving it for future
generations, whilst maintaining access for visitors from around the world.
Main Duties
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To provide a consistent presence in and around the Thistle Chapel.
To provide front of house security of the chapel at all times including visual checks,
security checks and dealing with incidents following the correct procedures.
To welcome visitors and gain a basic knowledge of the Cathedral and the Thistle
Chapel to enable you to answer basic questions.
To manage visitor flow into the chapel during busy periods and ensure all signage is
correctly positioned.
To actively promote the cathedral’s visitor policies such as suggested donations and
photo permits.
To have a flexible approach to working to enable you to cooperate and
accommodate colleagues and volunteers.
To comply with the cathedral’s health and safety policies and any other policies set
out to ensure the safety and welfare of visitors, staff and volunteers. This will include
accepting responsibility as a fire marshal in the case of emergency evacuation.
Verbally report on an ongoing basis on suspicious behaviour, unauthorised acts and
attempted vandalism or theft of property.
During your employment, you may be required to undertake such other duties
and/or hours of work, either temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably
be required of you commensurate with your position.
Skills and Experience
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A high level of consistent visitor experience within a public venue, preferably with an
arts or heritage organisation.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an understanding of the
differing needs of visitors
Excellent attention to detail.
The ability to be aware and sensitive to what is happening in the Thistle Chapel to
ensure the ambience of the Chapel is maintained.
Relevant experience and enjoyment of working with the general public
The appropriate influencing and listening skills to enable you to effectively deal with
challenging situations
Excellent time keeping
Reports to: Visitor Services Manager
Job Details
Start Date: 7th March 2015 (Fixed term until 7th September 2016)
Working Hours:
Thistle Chapel Assistant - 3 days 10am to 4pm plus 4 hours on alternative
Sundays
Thistle Chapel Assistant - 3 days 10am to 4pm plus 4 hours on alternative Sundays
Working hours shown above are negotiable with regard to the distribution of days but all
seven days must be covered between the two Thistle Chapel Assistants.
Wage: National Living Wage £7.20 per hour (average 20 hours per week)