To support the security and safety of the Cathedral by providing a visible deterrent and reassuring presence for staff, volunteers and visitors.
Providing a hospitable welcome to visitors being visible and available to engage, inform and signpost visitors.
As a key part of the team you will be expected to play a proactive and dynamic role alongside fellow staff and volunteers to ensure that Durham Cathedral builds and maintains a reputation as one of the safest and most welcoming attractions in the region and beyond.
• To sit and observe and or walk around the Cathedral and its environs on various flexible and changing routes as required
• To be observant and vigilant, noting down anything suspicious or of concern and reporting back to the Head of Security as appropriate
• To ensure a consistent welcome as an ambassador for the Cathedral
• To deal with visitor requests for assistance and information
We welcome volunteers from any background, of all faiths and none, and those who in turn show respect and sensitivity towards all nationalities, religions, beliefs, cultures, backgrounds, and the values of the Cathedral as a working church.
For this role, we are seeking volunteers aged 16 or over offering the following:
• A pleasant, polite, calm and welcoming manner
• Respect and sensitivity towards other religions, beliefs, cultures and backgrounds
• Discreet and observant of visitor behaviour
• Ability to work in a team
• Reliability, conscientiousness
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Tact and diplomacy
The Cathedral is open Monday – Sunday
One shift per month is encouraged but we can be flexible and are grateful for any donation of time that fits around your needs. You pick the day and time!
Cathedral and environs, including Cloister, entrance, The Chapel of the Holy Cross and Deanery Garden, College Green and Woodlands and Riverbanks. This includes both inside and outside locations and the routes are decided by you.
• Induction
TRAINING:
• Specific training relevant to the role from the Head of Security
We will also ask you to complete the Church of England Safeguarding Training to Foundations level and ACT counter terrorism awareness training. This is mandatory for volunteers in this role and further details of how to access the training will be provided once your application form has been accepted.
Unfortunately we are not able to offer expenses.
• References available on request.
• Helping to protect and preserve our historic and cultural heritage.
• Playing an important role in helping to facilitate the Cathedral’s welcome and make visitors’ experience as positive as possible.
• Meeting a wide range of people from all over the world.
• Being part of a passionate and dedicated team.
• Opportunity to learn more about the Cathedral.
• Being involved in the important life and history of one of Durham’s most iconic buildings.
• Opportunity to join the Cathedral’s Community Roll.
• Cloister Card offering 10% discount in the Cathedral Shop and Undercroft Restaurant (conditions apply).
• Refreshments.
• The opportunity to access other volunteering roles within the Cathedral.
• Opportunity for various optional training that may be useful for personal and professional capacity.
Recruitment is through an application form with references, informal interview, induction and introductory period.
Appropriate identification is provided.
Due to severely limited space we are sorry but there is no parking available to volunteers in the Cathedral grounds unless agree in advance.
Durham Cathedral takes the safeguarding and welfare of its staff, clergy, volunteers and visitors extremely seriously and will take immediate action in any circumstance where the safety and protection of children and vulnerable adults is at stake. It is expected that all staff and volunteers share this commitment.
