Verger Volunteer

Durham City

To support the smooth operation of the Cathedral and its services, activities and events.

Preparing the Cathedral for services and events.

Assisting the team in maintaining a warm welcome, cleanliness, security and good order in the Cathedral.

Responsibilities

• Set up for and participation in services.
• Moving furniture.
• Construction of staging.
• General cleaning and polishing.
• Ensuring a consistent welcome, actively engaging with visitors when appropriate to inform and delight.
• To be an ambassador for the Cathedral.
• Deal with visitor requests for assistance and information.
• Discreetly and tactfully advise visitors who are in breach of Cathedral policies.
• Help staff to maintain an overview of the safety and well-being of visitors and the building, including following procedures in,
for example, health and safety, safeguarding and security.

Skills & Qualities

• A pleasant, polite, calm and welcoming manner, especially with members of the public.
• Knowledge of Church of England liturgy.
• Respect and sensitivity towards all religions, beliefs, cultures and backgrounds. An empathy with the mission and values of the
Cathedral.
• To be able to follow and give clear instructions or directions.
• Physically strong, able to lift and carry. Good mobility and stamina as volunteers will be required to stand, sit, walk as well as
negotiate steps and uneven surfaces.
• To be discreet and observant of visitor behaviour.
• The ability to deal with crowds and pressured situations.
• To be able to work in a team.
• Reliable, conscientious and a good time keeper.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• The ability to deal with difficult situations efficiently and with tact and diplomacy.
• Experience of dealing with people.
• Experience of working in a church environment.

When & Where?

WHEN?:
The Cathedral is open Monday – Sunday.
Shift patterns are flexible depending on your availability. There is some optional early and late working.

WHERE?:
The Cathedral and its associated buildings.

Training and Support Offered/Expenses

TRAINING:
• Induction.
• Shadowing existing Vergers.
• Liturgical duties, manual handling, customer service and other areas as becomes necessary.
• National Church of England Safeguarding training (mandatory): The Basic Awareness module (done once) and Foundation module (refreshed every three years) of this online safeguarding course must be completed before you start your volunteer role. They can be accessed at https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org/ and a copies of your certificates are required as part of your induction. If you would like support with online access or you have been affected by any of the content, please just let us know as help is available.

SUPPORTED BY:
• Verging Team including the Head Verger.
• Volunteers Manager.

Durham Cathedral has been awarded the County Durham Kite Mark in volunteering (administered by Durham Community Action) which shows that it recognises the value of recruiting and retaining volunteers, works to overcome barriers to volunteering and is a place where volunteers receive a high quality, positive experience.

Volunteer Benefits

• 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.
• Experience in a visitor focused role. References available on request.
• Being part of some of the key events in the Cathedral’s liturgical calendar.
• Being involved in the important life and history of one of Durham’s most iconic buildings and supporting its sustainability for
future generations.
• 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 and training within the Cathedral.

Other Information

Recruitment is through an application form with references, interview, induction and introductory period.

Due to severely limited space we are sorry but there is no parking available to volunteers in the Cathedral grounds unless agreed 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.

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Durham Cathedral More information
Hours: Cathedral Office is open 09:00 - 16:30 Type: Museums/Heritage, Reception/Customer Services, Faith/Religion

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