JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
SCHOOLS’ OFFICER
PREAMBLE
Guildford Cathedral is a sacred space and a community of people who engage with God and the
wider world for the common good. The Cathedral is a venue for concerts, art and education, a place
of pilgrimage, as well as stillness, prayer and daily choral worship. Over 100,000 visitors come to the
Cathedral each year. Guildford Cathedral is a place rich in educational possibilities for people of all
ages. Flanked by the University of Surrey it links with the town, bringing together the civic, academic
and spiritual life of Guildford. From road and rail, by day and by night, it serves as a beacon to bring
the knowledge and love of God to all who visit.
For most visitors, however, this needs interpreting before they can begin to appreciate it fully. The
task of the Cathedral’s Education Department and its team of volunteers is to introduce the Cathedral
to learners in such a way that they will want to return again and again. This requires a high degree of
professional competence and thorough training for the Education Team.
The Cathedral is led and directed by the Chapter; a governing body made up of both clergy and lay
representatives. Provision for school workshops comes from a committed team of staff and
volunteers led by our Head of Schools’ supported by the Schools’ Officer, who work together to
ensure the smooth and efficient running and organisation of the Cathedral learning programme.
ROLE PURPOSE
The Schools’ Officer will be required to carry out all duties and fulfil all responsibilities in consultation
with the Head of Schools’, which are in support of the theology and mission of the Cathedral as
determined by the Dean and Chapter, in accordance with the Cathedral’s Constitution and Statutes.
The Schools’ Department’s work has become highly regarded, both locally and internationally and we
cater for all ages, abilities and backgrounds, although the majority of our current school visitors are
Key Stage 2 pupils. We also deliver wider educational experiences in the form of self-guided
materials and special events.
The successful candidate will have suitable professional experience, proven ability in recent
educational work and have the capacity to work flexibly and effectively. They will be expected to
demonstrate strong organisational and interpersonal skills and well-developed administrative skills;
they will also be creative, energetic, open and collaborative to help ensure that the Cathedral can be
a place where those seeking God or those who wish to learn more about the Christian faith or
theology can be assisted in their search. As such, they will be committed to the beliefs and values of
the Christian faith and a vision for sharing these with our young visitors.
JOB SPECIFICATION
Job Title:
Schools’ Officer
Accountable to:
Head of Schools’
Hours of work:
16 hours per week, arranged in negotiation with Head of Schools’,
over 3 x 12 week terms per year. Primarily Tuesdays to Thursdays
during term-time, but some flexibility will be required.
Main Terms and Conditions:
Salary £5649 per annum currently. This is a permanent contract.
The appointment is subject to the successful completion of a
probationary period of 6 months during which employment can be
terminated by one month’s notice by either party. The post offers
73 hours annual leave per annum, in addition to a pro rata
element of public holidays. There is a GOR for this role that the
candidate shares a commitment to the values and beliefs of the
Christian Church and a willingness to support the Christian vision
which is the foundation of the Cathedral’s mission as part of the
Church of England. If the post is made permanent after the 6
months, there is an option to join the Cathedral Pension Scheme
which has been designated by the Cathedral. In the event the
option is taken up, the Chapter will match the individual’s
contribution up to a maximum of 5% of the annual basic salary.
OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1.
To assist the Head of Schools’ in delivering and evaluating the Cathedral learning programme
for children and young people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds.
2.
To be part of the team responsible for upholding and conforming to all recommended health and
safety requirements, best practice in matters of children’s protection, DBS requirements, safeguarding
and standard operating procedures and practices.
3.
To support the programme of school visits to the Cathedral with effective use of time, using
excellent administrative and organisational skills and without the need for supervision.
4.
Coordination of volunteers and the day-to-day organisation of the Schools’ Department activities.
5.
To keep abreast of current educational practice in Religious Education and maintain an
understanding of the National Curriculum across the four key stages.
6.
To ensure records and databases of schools and other relevant contacts are kept up to date.
7.
To manage and maintain the Schools’ Department resources and, in accordance with financial
procedures, procure workshop supplies as and when required.
8.
Preparation of documents and statistics for internal communication and external use.
9.
To assist the Head of Schools’ with the development and implementation of new educational
initiatives and workshops.
10. To assist with the setting up and removal of all resources and furnishings required for school
workshops and education volunteer events.
11.
To undertake and take part in appropriate training for education workers and volunteers.
12.
To carry out any other appropriate duties, as may be directed by the Head of Schools’.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
The successful candidate should have:
A proven ability in recent formal and informal educational work with
1
children and young people
2
A demonstrable commitment to continuing professional development
3
Qualified teacher with recent education experience
Background & Experience
The successful candidate should have experience of:
4 Teaching, ideally in a Religious Education context
Working with school groups in an outside-the-classroom or heritage
5
context
Essential/Desirable
Essential
Desirable
Desirable
Essential/Desirable
Desirable
Desirable
6

7
Desirable
Working in a volunteer environment, and ideally managing them
A commitment to the values and beliefs of the Christian Church and a
willingness to support the Christian vision which is the foundation of the Essential
Cathedral’s mission as part of the Church of England.
Knowledge
The successful candidate should have demonstrable knowledge
of:
8 The school curriculum across the four key stages
 E-learning skills and knowledge of using the internet/social networking
9
in education
10 Creating learning materials
11
 Working with volunteers
Skills and Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
12
 An understanding of how a Christian place of worship works
13 Good working knowledge of the Christian faith
14 Good communication skills, both written and oral, and effective IT skills
 Strong administrative skills and computer literacy to include Outlook,
15
Word, Excel and Databases
The ability to work collaboratively in a team of Clergy and Laity for a
16
shared purpose
17 An aptitude for working as part of a small team
18 The ability to work flexibly in a highly complex and busy Cathedral
 A commitment to the values and beliefs of the Christian Church and a
19 willingness to support the Christian vision which is the foundation of the
Cathedral’s mission as part of the Church of England.
 Previous work with school aged children in an educational context and
20 the ability to deliver lifelong learning using a variety of learning methods
– spoken word, drama, craft, song, etc.
A = Application and Supporting Statement
Essential/Desirable
Desirable
Desirable
Essential
Essential
Essential/Desirable
Essential
Desirable
Essential
Essential
Essential
Desirable
Essential
Essential
Essential
I = Interview
This role detail is a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake. It may alter from
time to time to meet changing circumstances and needs of the Dean and Chapter; it does not
form part of your Contract of Employment.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
To apply for this post, please send a letter of application addressing the key skills and attributes
required for this post, and a completed application form which may be found here and a copy of
your CV to JulieGittoes@guildford-cathedral.org or to Julie Gittoes, Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill,
Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7UP.
Your application must be received by 5pm on 30th April 2015.
Applicants will be advised of the outcome of an initial short-listing of applicants as soon as possible
after the closing date.
Interviews will be held week commencing 11th May 2015.
This post will be offered subject to references, evidence of the right to work in the United Kingdom
and an enhanced criminal record check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Referees
will not be approached without your prior consent.