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Assistant Verger and Precinct Officer - Maternity Cover


Maternity cover up to 40 hours per week, up to 11 month temporary contract
Closing date 11pm, Monday, 6 May 2024.


We are looking for a Assistant Verger and Precinct Officer to work with colleagues and our volunteers to provide a safe, warm and welcoming place of worship and pilgrimage.


Hours: up to 40 hours a week

Contract:  Temporary maternity cover up to 11 months (subject to one month’s notice)

Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days per annum plus public holidays, employer pension contributions of 7.5%, cash health plan.


Job purpose

Our verger’s team have the responsibility for ensuring that the Cathedral is presented in the very best way at all times for worshippers, visitors and the general public in order to provide a safe and welcoming environment.

The role will include responsibilities to ensure the smooth running of the variety of activities that take place within the Cathedral, including:

·     Ensuring that services of worship are set up correctly and as required so that the dignity of worship is upheld, and services run to time

·     Providing assistance to the members of the clergy responsible for conducting the service

·     Participation in Cathedral services as appropriate under the direction of the Head Verger

·     Undertaking any routine work as directed by the Head Verger and Precincts Manager so that the Cathedral can operate effectively

·     Providing support for events that are run in the Cathedral including rearranging furniture, setting up staging, operating the sound system so that events can be well run for the benefit of worshippers and visitors

·     Being vigilant in relation to Cathedral health & safety and security, ensuring that all areas accessible to the public are maintained in a safe and secure manner and that any hazards or defects are reported to the Head Verger, so that it remains a safe environment in which to worship, visit and work

·     Ensure that the Cathedral is kept neat and tidy, including cleaning, moving rubbish etc, so that it is welcoming for worshippers and visitors

·     To be a welcoming presence for out worshippers, volunteers, visitors and staff


Portsmouth Cathedral takes the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults very seriously, and practises Safer Recruitment for all roles (both paid and voluntary) and enhanced DBS check will be required for this post and candidates attending interview will be required to complete a Confidential Declaration Form.

Portsmouth Cathedral is an Equal Opportunities Employer.


For further information and full details of the role and responsibilities please find downloads including application pack, application form, and recruitment monitoring forms below…