King’s College

King’s Parade

Cambridge CB2 1ST

Tel: 01223 331216

Fax: 01223 331315

Department: / Chapel / Job code: / CH-RV-16
Job title: / Relief Verger / Date: / April 2016
Organisation chart:
The Dean

Dean’s Verger

RELIEF VERGER
Purpose of job: / To assist the Dean’s Verger in the important task of ensuring that the services and events of the Chapel are prepared for and managed to the highest standards, including the welcome of congregations and audiences, and with tidying up and restoring the Chapel to good order.
Responsible to: / The Dean
Dean’s Verger / Grade: / College Officer
Manager
Responsible for: / N/a / Grade: / N/a
Qualifications: /
  • Basic knowledge of liturgy and worship of the Church of England
  • Appreciation of the value of choral music

Skills: /
  • Understanding of the distinctive ethos of the Chapel
  • Highly sympathetic to the liturgical life of the Chapel
  • Desire to be inspired by the music and worship of the Chapel
  • Ability to work both collaboratively and independently and to be calm under pressure
  • Courteous, friendly and respectful attitude
  • Working with honesty and integrity in dealing retiring collections.

Work experience: /
  • Previous experience of dealing with the public (essential)
  • Some experience of working in the world of Oxbridge colleges (advantageous)
  • Working knowledge of formal and choral liturgy (beneficial)

Memberships of Professional Bodies /
  • N/a

Duties and responsibilities: / Time and frequency:
To be part of the team of vergers which prepares the Chapel for services and events, cares for the congregations and audiences and ensures that everything is left in good order after events. Duties during term time will include daily Evensong (5.30pm) and both services on a Sunday (10.30am and 3.30pm). Further duties would be required out of term for services and recordings at Holy Week, Easter and Christmas / Ongoing/As required
To assist with the preparation of choir refreshments and to ensure that the vestries are clean and tidy post-services. / Daily/Ongoing
To ensure that posters and signage are correctly displayed both before and after rehearsals and services, both internally and externally. / As required
To assist with the oversight ofthe management of the queues that form for services and to work collaboratively when required with the Visitors Guides. / As required
To ensure the Service Bell is turned ON and OFF and to open the Chapel doors to admit the congregation at the correct times. / As required
To ensure that all members of congregations and audiences are properly looked after while in the Chapel and to have a basic understanding of the Health and Safety Policy and regulations of the College. The post-holder will ensure that the congregation have the appropriate service books, orders of service, copies of sermon, liturgy sheets etc. / Ongoing
To keep a watchful eye on the behaviour of the congregation and assist and direct where necessary during the service. To manage latecomers to a service with courtesy, firmness and tact. / Ongoing
To assist with the retiring collection at the conclusion ofservices. / As required
To have knowledge of the Chapel’s electronic systems for lighting, security and sound reinforcement and to use andoperate as appropriate, under the direction of the Dean’s Verger. / As required
To attend meetings with the Dean’s Verger or deputy. / As required
To assist the vergers in the set-up of concerts and other events.
Attendance at concerts/other events when requested for which overtime payment will be made.
To undertake any other ad hoc duties (clerical and manual) as reasonably required by the Dean’s Verger.
Confidentiality: / Confidentiality is required to maintain the security of the College Chapel and its contents, and in the management of information about activities within the Chapel.
Contacts: /
  • The Dean of Chapel, Director of Music and the Chaplain
  • The Deputy Dean’s Verger and the Assistant Verger
  • Students, staff, Fellows, Choristers and Choral Scholars
  • The general public, to include local residents, tourists, musicians, service and concert goers.
  • Concert organisers, both internal and external to King’s.

Disclosure Level: / None Standard
Basic Enhanced
Accuracy: /
  • Accuracy is required for both verbal communications and any signs to assist internal and external visitors to the Chapel.
  • Accuracy is also required where the jobholder deals with the public and monetary payments.

Responsibility for cash, purchasing or physical assets:
There is a requirement to handle collections following a service and/or event and to ensure that the correct procedure is followed in securing the money in the safe.
Mental, visual or physical strain:
  • Manual handling is a daily requirement (furniture, robes, supply deliveries, portable staging etc).
  • This role can require the job holder to remain on their feet for long periods of time throughout their working hours, particularly when in attendance at services, concerts and special events held in the Chapel.

Exposure to occupational hazards:
Some minor confrontation may occur in the process of dealing with the general public.
Other information:
  • The post holder will be required to work unsociable hours on a regular basis and overtime where required to cover evening events.

Comments or supporting statements from the Dean:
If you are unsure at any point in time of Health and Safety systems in place, you have a responsibility to ask and ensure you are aware of all in house training and systems.
This will be part of a legal binding contract in conjunction with the terms and conditions set out in the offer letter and the staff hand book.
Please sign below if you understand and agree to accept the job as described above.
Applicant’s signature: / Date: