The Church of England
Assistant Verger
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Job Summary
Working as part of the team of Senior Vergers, Vergers, Assistant Vergers, General Assistants, and Cleaners, the Assistant Verger supports the delivery of Cathedral services, events, and day-to-day operational activities.
The role is intended as a developmental position, providing the opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge, and experience required to progress to Verger level. Assistant Vergers will work under the guidance and supervision of Senior Vergers and Vergers whilst developing an understanding of Cathedral operations, Church of England liturgy, and the practical requirements of supporting worship, events, and visitor activity.
The Assistant Verger will contribute to the preparation and delivery of services, events, and operational activities under appropriate guidance and supervision, whilst undertaking a structured programme of learning, coaching, and competency development.
Assistant Vergers will normally be expected to progress towards Verger level through the Cathedral's structured development pathway, subject to demonstrating the required competencies and standards over an 18-24 month period.
The postholder will demonstrate the Cathedral's values of Excellence, Dynamic, Integrity, and Inclusivity and contribute positively to the wider Cathedral team.
Key Duties Include
Learning and Development Responsibilities
- Actively participate in training, coaching, and development activities.
- Build knowledge of Cathedral services, operational procedures, and liturgical practices.
- Work towards the competency requirements for progression to Verger.
- Participate in regular development reviews and competency assessments with Senior Vergers and management.
- Seek opportunities to develop confidence and experience across the full range of Cathedral activities.
- Learn and apply Cathedral policies, procedures, and working practices.
- Receive and act upon feedback from Senior Vergers and management.
- Support knowledge sharing and learn from experienced colleagues.
- Develop the confidence and capability to undertake duties independently over time.
- Maintain training records and competency requirements as requested.
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Key Liturgical Duties
- Assist with the setup and clearing away of services held within the Cathedral.
- Support clergy and Vergers during services as directed.
- Undertake ceremonial and verging duties appropriate to competence and training.
- Assist in the care and cleaning of liturgical items and silverware.
- Assist in changing altar frontals, linen, and other liturgical requirements.
- Ensure candle prickets are stocked and assist with maintaining stock records.
- Report stock shortages or issues to the Senior Verger.
- Learn the requirements of the Cathedral's worship pattern and liturgical calendar.
Concerts, Events, Meetings & Activities
- Assist with the setup, delivery, and derig of events, meetings, and activities.
- Ensure equipment and furniture are set up according to agreed requirements.
- Return equipment to storage areas following use.
- Assist with stage building and audiovisual setups where trained and authorised.
- Ensure operational areas are maintained in a neat and tidy condition.
- Remove rubbish and waste materials as required.
- Work as part of a team to meet operational deadlines and service requirements.
N.B. Some of the above will require heavy lifting.
Operational Responsibilities
- Assist with maintaining high standards of presentation throughout the Cathedral and associated buildings.
- Support the delivery of day-to-day operational activities.
- Undertake routine operational tasks as delegated.
- Respond positively to changing operational requirements.
- Support colleagues during busy periods and major events.
- Communicate any issues, concerns, or resource requirements to a Senior Verger.
Health and Safety
- Maintain awareness of personal and team health and safety responsibilities.
- Report hazards, defects, security issues, or concerns to a Senior Verger, Operations Manager, or appropriate manager.
- Follow all Cathedral safety procedures and safe working practices.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and safety footwear where required.
- Assist in maintaining a safe environment for visitors, worshippers, staff, and contractors.
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The Assistant Verger will be required to undertake any other duties not specifically listed above as may be requested by management or other member of Cathedral staff acting as a team leader in a supervisory role.
The post holder must be in sympathy with the aims and ethos of the Church of England and fully support the Mission and Values of Liverpool Cathedral.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Requirements
- Literate and numerate
- Educated to GCSE standard or above
- No specific experience required; full training will be provided
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Experience in a customer-facing environment
- Experience within a church, cathedral, hospitality, visitor attraction, facilities, or events environment
- Experience supporting events or public activities
- Good verbal communication skills
- Ability to follow instructions and procedures
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Ability to learn new skills and adapt to changing requirements
- Basic IT skills
- Ability to undertake physical work including lifting and moving furniture
- First Aid qualification
- Experience using audio-visual equipment
- Positive and enthusiastic attitude
- Willingness to learn and develop
- Reliable and dependable
- Ability to communicate respectfully with colleagues, visitors, and worshippers
- Resilient and calm under pressure
- Flexible and adaptable
- Commitment to high standards
- Respectful of the Cathedral's values and mission
- Willingness to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required
- Willingness to undertake training and development activities
- Understanding of and sympathy with the aims and ethos of the Church of England
N.B. Applicants should be aware that this role involves some heavy lifting and moving of furniture
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