Temporary Verger/Events Assistant at Leicester Cathedral
Leicester Cathedral is situated at the heart of the city, adjacent to major regeneration
projects. The Cathedral’s primary task is to support the mission and ministry of the Bishop
and the Diocese of Leicester. The Cathedral’s vision is attached but is currently being
reworked as a new strategic development plan is created. Work to strengthen our mission
and develop our plan will require a great deal of energy in the coming years.
The Cathedral’s Executive team is led by the Dean (The Very Revd David Monteith) and the
post of the Temporary Verger/Events Assistant is designed principally to support the Head
Verger/ Bookings Manager.
The Temporary Verger/Events Assistant participates in the day-to-day management of the
Cathedral through the weekly diary meeting, and is accountable to the Head Verger.
The role would be most likely to suit someone who is sympathetic to the developing work
of the Cathedral, familiar with the Christian church, and who would enjoy working in a
supportive and purposeful team.
The Cathedral’s profile has been highlighted considerably through the events leading to the
reinterment of King Richard III. A £2.5 million appeal has been successful to enable the first
stage of reordering the building and to pay for the Cathedral’s work relating to the
reinterment. Cathedral Gardens was completed just over a year ago as a joint project
between the Cathedral, Diocese, City and County Councils to provide a new setting for our
work. Many visitors now come to see our Cathedral who require hospitality and we are
learning how to best meet their needs including opening up the life of Christian faith so that
engaged tourists explore their own sense of spiritual pilgrimage.
The Cathedral offices are located within St Martins House. The building not only houses
both the Cathedral and Diocesan offices but also includes conference and function facilities
as well as other office accommodation which is sublet to a wide range of commercial and
social enterprises and organisations. Outreach work with vulnerable people takes place
from the South Wing, with the Cathedral exercising ever greater responsibility for this
work. The Dean and two Residentiary Canons now live on site on the east side of
Cathedral Gardens. The Guildhall, King Richard III Visitor Centre, the BBC and many local
independent traders are all important neighbours and partners.
Job Description
Job Purpose
The verger team have a wide range of responsibilities within the Cathedral, including all that
is involved in the maintenance and security of the building and preparation for events and
services. The Temporary Verger/Events Assistant is part of the team of vergers who
support the Head Verger/Bookings Manager in his dual role. This role will support the Head
Verger/Bookings Manager in the planning and enabling of events and services.
Role description
This is a temporary role to support the existing team following the reinterment of King
Richard III.
The main tasks are:
To support the Cathedral’s existing Verger team through:
1. Maintaining the security and serenity of the Cathedral and its precincts. Occasionally
it may be necessary to deal with difficult people when a firm but courteous stance
will be required, as well as liaison with the police and other agencies.
2. Being part of the verger team, which will include allocating duties, preparation of
rotas and cleaning and maintenance of the Cathedral, linen and vestments.
3. Preparing for, participating in and clearing up after all Cathedral services and events
as required. Supporting the clergy in their leading of worship, this may include
serving at the altar.
4. Attending regular diary, planning and other meetings, as required.
5. Taking responsibility when on duty for the safe storage of donations and collections,
and assistance with counting the same when required.
6. Supporting the Cathedral’s ministry to visitors.
7. Carrying out related clerical duties to include stock check and purchase of supplies.
8. Liaising with the Precentor, Director of Music, Cathedral staff and other people as
necessary.
9. Ensuring that the Cathedral’s Health and Safety Policy and Safeguarding Procedures
are observed by all users of the Cathedral for events and services.
10. Ability to lift and carry furniture, climb stairs, walk with dignity and stand unaided for
significant periods of time.
11. Taking part in development and training.
To support the Bookings Manager through:
12. Receiving booking enquiries for services, events, meetings etc that are to be held in
the Cathedral or St Martins House. Sending out event and service booking forms.
13. Record enquiries in the Cathedral diary (currently maintained on Excel) and keep the
diary up to date.
14. Liaise with event organisers.
15. Attend meetings with organisers (usually) with the Cathedral staff member who is
responsible for the event/service.
To support our Website and Social Media:
16. Post events / news stories using social media
17. Monitor Twitter activity concerning the Cathedral through Hootsuite
18. Update Website page content as per instruction and Create Event pages with all
available information for all events and special services
Working Pattern
Flexible rota basis, including evenings, Saturdays and Sundays, split no less than 60% in the
verging role and no more than 40% in supporting the Bookings Manager.
Remuneration:
Salary:
Hours:
Holidays:
£15,500
36 hours per week
25 days per annum plus allowance for Bank Holidays
Accountable to:
Head Verger/Bookings Manager
Person Specification
Essential
Desirable
How
Assessed

A/D
Educated to A level or equivalent
Proven ability to work as part of a team

A/I
Work flexibly and cooperatively with the wider teams

A/I

A/I
Experience of working in an environment where those receiving the
service are the prime concern

A/I
Good relationship skills and telephone manner

A/I/T
Outgoing, self-motivated and flexible

A/I
Experience of carrying out administrative tasks

A/I/T
Able to work under pressure

A/I
Experience of using social media

A/I
Assist in building up the life of the Cathedral Community
Experience of updating websites
A/I

Reliable

A/I
Proven skills in using computer programmes for office management
including Word, Publisher and databases. Ease with web-based and
electronic communication

A/I/T
Willingness to support the ethos of the Christian Church and the
Diocese of Leicester. Enthusiasm for the work of cathedrals

A/I
Enthusiasm about working in a growing institution and a willingness
to develop new skills

A/I
Familiarity with the Christian faith and the Anglican church
Ability to lift and carry furniture, climb stairs, walk with dignity and
stand unaided for significant periods of time.


Key:
A – Application Form
D – Documentation (certificates)
I – Interview
T – Test
To enable the selection panel to fully assess an applicant’s skills and previous experience it is
essential that the additional information section on the application form or the accompanying
letter address the specific categories above.
A/I
A/I
Leicester Cathedral’s Vision
The Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Leicester
Reaching out to all, we witness to Christ holding all things in unity
 We aim to be
Outreaching
Quality filled
Welcoming
Radical
Prayerful
Inclusive
Confidence building through support, encouragement and
pastoral care
o Vital to the life of the City and County
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
 We have seven broad areas of activity that will demonstrate
commitment to the Vision:
o Supporting the mission of the Diocese and Bishop of Leicester
o Strengthening the partnership between the Cathedral, the
Diocese and the Bishop
o Developing the Cathedral as a place of inspirational worship
o Being a welcoming and hospitable place
o Encouraging and supporting our Cathedral Community
o Being a centre of Christian education and a resource for all
o Getting involved in the wider community