Wells Cathedral
Background Information to the Role ofPriest Vicar
Wells
Situated on the edge of the Mendip Hills in the County of Somerset, Wells is one of England’s most beautiful and compact cities, built around the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Andrew. Its picturesque surroundings include a quaint market square and high street, the Bishop’s Palace and the magnificent Vicars Close, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited street.
The Cathedral
Wells Cathedral deservedly has gained an enviable reputation for its lovingly maintained Gothic architecture, its world class music, and its Ministry of Welcome to some 270,000 visitors each year as well as around 150,000 people who come to the Cathedral for services, concerts, lectures etc.
Underpinning the life and worship of the Cathedral is a diverse organisation whose responsibilities cover an internationally recognised choir, works, virgers, library, archive, education, outreach, finance, HR, administration, volunteer management and trading companies. The Cathedral’s regular income is derived from three main sources: entry donations and other voluntary income; property and investments; and its commercial activities, which currently comprise two shops and catering business.
More details may be found on the Cathedral’s website:
Application Process
We hope you find this pack provides all the information you need in order to consider your application for this voluntary role. If, however, you have any further questions please initially contact Maria Webber (tel. 01749 685113 or email ) who will redirect you to the appropriate person.
Applications
Applications should be received by Sunday 25th February 2018. Application forms, with a covering letter no more than one side of A4describing what attracts you to this role should be returned to Human Resources, either by postcare of Diocesan Offices, the Old Deanery, Wells, Somerset BA5 2UGor by email to
Shortlisting
To ensure the fairness of the selection process, shortlisting will be based upon the information which you provide in your application and assumptions will not be made about your experience or skills. Information provided on the application form will be viewed by HR, the recruiting manager and interview panel. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the shortlisting process.
Interview
Further details regarding the selection process will be communicated at the time applicants are invited for interview. The appointment will be subject to satisfactory references.
Should you decide to apply for this post we look forward to receiving your application.
Safeguarding
We are committed to the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults, and the care and nurture of children within our church communities. We will carefully select, train and support all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment principles. This means that we will:
•Ensure that our recruitment and selection processes are inclusive, fair, consistent and transparent.
•Take all reasonable steps to prevent those who might harm children or adults from taking up, in our Churches, positions of respect, responsibility or authority where they are trusted by others.
•Adhere to safer recruitment legislation, guidance and standards.
Further information can be found in our Safeguarding Policy available on the diocesan website. All applicants are required to complete a Confidential Declaration Form as part of our recruitment process when an offer of employment is made. This form is strictly confidential and, except under compulsion of law, will be seen only by those involved in the recruitment/appointment process and, when appropriate, the nominated safeguarding lead or someone acting in a similar role/position. All forms will be kept securely in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
ROLE:Priest VicarPURPOSE OF ROLE:
To assist the Chapter in the ministry of the Cathedral; particularly in pastoral provision, occasional Sunday duties and occasional deputising for the liturgical and other duties of the Canon in Residence on weekdays.
LOCATION:
Wells Cathedral
OVERSIGHT BY:
The Precentor
TIME COMMITMENT:
This is a voluntary role. The time commitment will form part of a more detailed discussion dependent upon the gifts, experience and vocation of the individual and the needs of the Cathedral. Sunday and week day cover will be needed. Voluntary roles will be held initially up to a period of two years.
Activities:
- Taking a full part in the daily worship at the Cathedral by:
- Presiding at week-day eucharists and Morning Liturgy (if available) by rota and Sunday services by invitation
- Occasional preaching at Sunday services when asked to do so
- Being invited to key Cathedral occasions: services, concerts, lectures etc.
- Being a visible presence in the Cathedral community providing pastoral care; doing hospital visits; home visits and home communions; being available to take funerals
- Being part of “Ministry of Welcome” at the Sunday Eucharist especially to newcomers and those who may have specific needs
- Drawing those with peripheral links to the Cathedral into the community, encouraging and enabling them to be more involved with the life of the church if they wish to do so
- Having an opportunity to explore how specific gifts and interests may be used creatively to further the Cathedral’s mission and the continuing ministerial development of the Priest Vicar if this would be welcome
- Undertaking other duties as may be reasonably required, always by agreement
Personal attributes required:
Key Criteria / Essential / DesirableQualifications and Experience /
- Permission to Officiate from the Bishop of Bath & Wells
- A priest in holy orders
- A clear enhanced DBS certificate is required
- Experience or strong awareness of Cathedral ministry; or openness to it.
Skills and Abilities /
- A passion and real gift for pastoral care and gentle outreach
- An imaginative and theologically engaging preacher
- Able to work collegiately and collaboratively; and on own initiative as needed
Work-related Personal Qualities /
- Adaptable and flexible
- Keen to be an ambassador for Wells Cathedral
- Discreet and “on-side”
The post will require an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check
Page 1 of 4