CARLISLE CATHEDRAL JOB DESCRIPTION

1 CARLISLE CATHEDRAL JOB DESCRIPTION Job title Verger Annual Salary 21,172 pa Holiday 22 days plus bank holidays or time off in lieu pro rata Department Vergers Location CATHEDRAL and Precinct Reporting to The Head Verger Responsible for None Purpose and objectives of the role To assist the Dean and Chapter, under the direction of the Head Verger, in ensuring the smooth day to day running of the CATHEDRAL . Main duties and responsibilities Preparation for Services and events To liaise with members of the public, volunteers, guides, clergy and other employees Caretaking duties including heavy manual work and working at high level To promote actively the principles and practice of Safeguarding and Health and Safety Hours of Work 40 hours per week over seven days with two days off within a seven day period.

2 The number of hours actually worked in any week may vary according to the rotas. Also such additional hours shall be worked to fulfil the duties of the post as shall be requested by the Head Verger. Such additional hours are to be remunerated at the standard hourly rate. Qualifications Good general education. Skills Ability to work well with people both internally and externally Good written and verbal communication Able to work on own initiative Experience Familiarity with Windows and Microsoft Office is preferred. It is desirable that the job holder is a communicant member of the Church of England or of a church in communion with it. Uniform The Dean and Chapter will pay the cost of providing a cassock and any necessary protective clothing.

3 Accommodation Not provided. CARLISLE CATHEDRAL VERGER BREAKDOWN OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To undertake such duties as may be directed by the Head Verger which may include: 1. Services and Liturgy To be in attendance on the Dean and Chapter at divine service at all times when on duty. Preparing for services including: a) Dressing of altars b) Provision of altar vessels, wafers and wine c) Lighting and extinguishing candles d) Setting out copes and vestments e) Verging processions and people as required f) Acting as server as required g) Operation of the sound system and lighting h) Operation of the bell-ringing mechanism When appropriate and after due authorisation to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at the Eucharist by administering the chalice.

4 Under the supervision of the Dean to assist in preparing the Ceremonial and seating allocation. Preparing generally for services, concerts, meetings, other functions in the CATHEDRAL and Abbey buildings including moving and arranging furniture, erection of staging, equipment, catering supplies, etc. a) Washing and polishing communion plate after use b) Polishing silver (twice a year) c) Polishing Treasury silver (annually) d) Polishing brass 2. Safety Ensuring the parking posts are in position. Maintaining adequate first aid equipment in the CATHEDRAL , Prior s Kitchen and CATHEDRAL Office. Maintaining the incident book for the CATHEDRAL . Renewing electric lamps as necessary in the CATHEDRAL and Abbey buildings.

5 Responsibility for fire safety equipment and carrying out of emergency procedures. Ensuring compliance with relevant Health and Safety regulations. To report any faults, defects, repairs, breakages or maintenance items to the Bursar and Chapter Clerk. To ensure that all furniture is stacked safely and all walkways are free from obstructions. To undertake appropriate First Aid training and be a First Aider on site. 3. Welcome To be responsible for the maintenance of good order and decorum in the CATHEDRAL and Abbey grounds. Conducting guided parties as necessary. Being prepared to talk to CATHEDRAL and other organisations about the CATHEDRAL . Working alongside the lay volunteers.

6 To maintain the Welcome Desk diary. Maintaining an adequate supply of literature as required at the Welcome Desk. Attending to the display of notices in and around the CATHEDRAL . Liaising with the CATHEDRAL Guides, Welcomers, Tourist Information Centre, City Guides and the CATHEDRAL Office. 4. Cleaning and Maintenance To be responsible for the cleanliness of the CATHEDRAL , Abbey buildings and grounds including: Buff polishing the well and sanctuary floor. Dusting down ledges and walls (in sections throughout the year). Keeping the CATHEDRAL tidy including the chairs, books, hassocks, choir stall seats, ropes, flower debris around arrangements, etc.

7 Disposing of rubbish from the CATHEDRAL including the Shop. Cleaning the Fratry floor (mopping weekly, buff polishing monthly and polishing twice a year). Dusting and polishing surfaces and furniture in the Fratry. Washing tables in the Fratry. Washing Fratry servery floor. Cleaning and maintaining the upstairs Fratry WCs. Cleaning and maintaining the disabled persons WC. Cleaning the floors in the Prior s Tower (brush/hoover three floors weekly). Brush/vacuum clean two flights of stairs monthly. Dust and polish all surfaces, furniture in the Prior s Tower. Ensuring that the Abbey grounds are tidy and free from rubbish particularly the Fratry porch, boiler house steps, Prior Slee Gateway and path to the Prior s Kitchen.

8 5. CATHEDRAL Boiler To take weekly readings of the energy meters and to exercise control within the consumption targets set by the Bursar and Chapter Clerk. 6. Safeguarding To hold a current DBS check at Enhanced and Barred level which has been obtained by the Diocese, shown to the Canon Warden and recorded. To be thoroughly conversant with the CATHEDRAL s Safeguarding Policy and to implement it diligently at all times, including the Chapter s policy on the use of Social Media. To have a high regard for, and to promote actively in the course of CATHEDRAL work, the principles and practice of Safeguarding. To have a high regard for the safety and wellbeing of all persons under 18 years of age and adults who may be vulnerable encountered in the course of CATHEDRAL duties.

9 7. General To assist in transporting and storing shop stock. Ensuring the correct operation of the CATHEDRAL clock. Flying the flag when required. Issuing refreshment vouchers to the Guild of Priests. Maintaining adequate stocks of materials and equipment to fulfil the Vergers duties. Attending staff and other meetings as required. Maintaining the CATHEDRAL diary. Completing time sheets and such other records as may be required. Cleaning and tidying the Vergers Vestry. To undertake such duties as may be delegated by the Head Verger in his capacity as Security Officer and Registrar to the Chapter. Such other duties as the Chapter may from time to time direct.

10 To respond to emergency call-outs outside working hours. When on duty be reponsible for the security of furniture, vessels, ornaments and all other objects within the CATHEDRAL , Treasury and grounds. jobdescription/jan2015/staff/vergers/rs