Assistant Verger

The Church of England; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Liverpool Cathedral is seeking an Assistant Verger to join a team of Vergers, Senior Vergers, and support staff. The role focuses on supporting cathedral services, events and day-to-day operations, with a clear development path toward Verger level over 18–24 months.

You will learn cathedral procedures, liturgy and practical requirements for worship, events and visitor activities, under guidance, with hands-on duties and regular competency reviews as you progress.

Qualifications

• GCSE level or above education required.
• No specific prior experience required; full training provided.
• Good verbal communication and teamwork essential.
• Ability to follow instructions and adapt to changing requirements.
• Knowledge of Church of England worship and liturgy is beneficial.
• First Aid qualification advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of cathedral services, events and day-to-day operations.
• Develop skills and progress toward Verger level over 18–24 months.
• Participate in training, coaching and competency assessments.

Skills

Verbal communication

Follow instructions

Teamwork

Learning agility

First Aid

Audio-visual equipment handling

Basic IT skills

Physical lifting/moving

Liturgical knowledge

Education

GCSE standard or above

Tools

Audio-visual equipment

Job description

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.

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.

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 to fully support the Mission and Values of Liverpool Cathedral.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Requirements

Desirable requirements

Education

Literate and numerate (a/i)

Educated to GCSE standard or above (a/i)

Experience

No specific experience required; full training will be provided (a/i)

Experience of working as part of a team (a/i)

Experience in a customer-facing environment (a/i)

Experience within a church, cathedral, hospitality, visitor attraction, facilities or events environment (a/i)

Experience supporting events or public activities (a/i)

Knowledge and Skills

• Good verbal communication skills (a/i)
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures (a/i)
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team (a/i)
• Ability to learn new skills and adapt to changing requirements (a/i)
• Basic IT skills (a/i)
• Ability to undertake physical work including lifting and moving furniture (a/i)
• Knowledge of Church of England worship and liturgy (a/i)
• First Aid qualification (a/i)
• Experience using audio‑visual equipment (a/i)

Personal Qualities

• Positive and enthusiastic attitude (i)
• Willingness to learn and develop (i)
• Reliable and dependable (i)
• Ability to communicate respectfully with colleagues, visitors and worshippers (i)
• Resilient and calm under pressure (i)
• Flexible and adaptable (i)Commitment to high standards (i)
• Respectful of the Cathedral's values and mission (i)

Work related circumstances

• Willingness to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays as required (a/i)
• Willingness to undertake training and development activities (a/i)
• Understanding of and sympathy with the aims and ethos of the Church of England (a/i)

N.B. Applicants should be aware that this role involves some heavy lifting and moving of furniture (i)