JOB DESCRIPTION
SHEPHERD
The Shepherds are part of the Visits Department and provide a confident, professional and
courteous welcome to all visitors to Canterbury Cathedral. They actively help to control the
many groups and provide such services in the pay booths, Welcome Centre and Audiovisual
Theatre.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Shepherds report to the Visitor Services Manager, through the Welcome Centre Supervisor.
PURPOSE
To provide a warm and appropriate welcome to all visitors and guests, and to extend the
Ministry of Welcome to all by helping to effectively control the numerous visitors.
PRINCIPLE TASKS
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To work in the pay booths, providing the first point of contact with the public and
processing entry tickets.
To deal efficiently with booked and unbooked groups and control entry for passholders.
To encourage the purchase of guide books by offering it to every visitor.
To understand the GiftAid scheme and actively offer it to all individual visitors.
To ensure that till mistakes, over-rings and any other problems or complaints are
correctly reported and processed.
To be fully aware of the Cathedral routine, times of Services, closures, general tours
and other available services and events in order to advise visitors.
To know the daily list of booked groups and facilities in order to understand and
process correct charges.
To be knowledgeable about Canterbury, Cathedral and precincts, so as to be able to
refer to the right person/department and to continually update this knowledge.
To know printed material and guide books so as to be able to advise visitors and
encourage purchases.
To work outside in the Precincts and entrance gate and to ‘shepherd’ groups between
gate, Welcome Centre and Cathedral.
To work in the Welcome Centre, processing groups and giving accurate advice and
information
To work in the Audiovisual Theatre and know equipment and available films.
To ensure that all signage is correct and in place throughout visiting hours.
To help Supervisors and other Shepherds by restocking, tidying and clearing up as
required.
To wear your uniform with pride and to always appear smart and tidy.
To assist the Visits Office, and at times other departments, with mailings, stewarding, or
other jobs that contribute towards the work of the Cathedral.
As an Employee of the Dean and Chapter to fully endorse, understand and exercise the
roles and responsibilities contained within the Dean and Chapter’s Health and Safety
policy which is set out in the Staff Handbook.
Visits - Shepherd
Dec _09
HOURS
The Dean and Chapter will offer you work if it is available but are under no obligation to do so,
and you are under no obligation to accept work that is offered. If you do accept work then you
will be obliged to follow the policies and procedures of the organisation.
The position holder should be flexible in their approach to hours worked as these will be
dictated by operational needs.
BENEFITS & ENTITLEMENTS
Pay
Uniform
Holiday
for those up to age 21, £5.13/hour. 21 years and over £6.26/hour
Some uniform will be provided, however Shepherds are required to
provide their own black trousers / skirts and sensible black shoes.
Shepherds are entitled to 28 days holiday pay per annum (including
statutory holidays). There are no other entitlements or benefits. Holiday
entitlement will be calculated quarterly for the quarters ending June,
September, December and March based upon average hours worked in
the preceding 13 weeks and will be due from the 1st of the following
month at your normal hourly rate.
PRE EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
none
Updated March 2012
This job description is provided to assist the post holder to know their principal duties. It may
be amended from time to time in consultation with you, by, or on behalf of, the Head of the
Department, without change to the level of responsibility appropriate to the grading of the post.
Agreed by Head of Department
Agreed by Jobholder
……………………………………..
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Date …………………….
Date …………………….
Visits – Shepherd
Mar 12
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
The personal specification below indicates the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills
required to undertake the role effectively.
Essential
Desirable
Professional qualifications:
None required
Academic qualifications:
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A-level or equivalent
Experience:
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Previous experience in a customer service role
Knowledge:
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One or more languages
Understanding of and sympathy with the aims and
purposes of the Cathedral, its mission and ministry
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Memberships:
None required
Personal attributes:
Positive and cheerful nature with a willingness to learn
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Smart appearance
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Flexible approach to working hours
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Good people and communication skills
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Ability to work in a team and interact with all levels of
staff and members of the public
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Visits – Shepherd
Mar 12