Ceremony Officer (Annualised Hours) (16180)

Southampton City Council; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority in Southampton is seeking a passionate Ceremony Officer to register and deliver marriage and civil partnership ceremonies. The role includes officiating at diverse ceremonies and requires strong communication skills and a good educational background. Full training is provided. The salary range is £28,792 to £31,022 pro rata per annum, with flexible working options. Ideal candidates should be committed and willing to work on weekends.

Benefits

Excellent local government pension

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible working options

Training and development

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Strong IT skills and experience using various platforms.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ideally with public speaking experience.
• Professional approach to communication and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Register marriage and civil partnership ceremonies across the city.
• Provide non-statutory ceremonies including Renewal of Vows.
• Work a rostered schedule with varying daily hours.

Skills

Strong IT skills and experience

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work with tact and diplomacy

Excellent organizational skills

Education

Good level of education, including Mathematics and English, GCSE or equivalent

Job description

Being part of a special moment when couples say ‘I do’ is both rewarding and a privilege. No two ceremonies are ever the same, which ensures a varied and exciting working environment. We are looking to recruit a passionate and customer‑focused ceremony officer to support us in delivering unique and memorable ceremonies to our couples.

Responsibilities

• Register and deliver marriage and civil partnership ceremonies at the Register Office and licensed venues across the City.
• Provide non‑statutory ceremonies including Renewal of Vows and Naming Ceremonies.
• Officiate at British Citizenship ceremonies.
• Work a rostered schedule of 4 weekdays and 1 Saturday or Sunday per month, with hours varying from a few hours on some days to a full day’s work.
• Be part of a team that offers ceremonies days a week, with the majority taking place across Fridays and Saturdays.
• Undergo 2 months of concentrated training to ensure consistent skill development.

Qualifications

• A good level of education, including Mathematics and English, GCSE or equivalent.
• Strong IT skills and experience using a range of platforms and applications.
• Essential skills to understand a variety of situations that require tact and diplomacy when dealing with the public.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ideally with some public speaking experience.
• A professional approach to communication and presentation is essential.
• A flexible approach to working arrangements, patterns and office base.
• The ability to work within a legal framework with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work within tight timeframes.

What we can offer you

Full training will be provided, most of which will be conducted on site, face to face. You will be buddied up with an experienced ceremony officer throughout the training period and will also have a team of friendly colleagues to help and support you. There will be regular assessments and 1‑1’s to provide you with feedback throughout your training. A technical assessment will be done at the end of the probationary period. Salary: The salary band for this role is £28,792 to £31,022 pro rata per annum. The starting salary is £28,792 pro rata, per annum, with annual progression through the salary bands.

Benefits

• Here at SCC we have a range of different benefits, a few examples can be found below.
• Excellent local government pension with 16.8% employer contribution.
• Death in service benefit of 3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution).
• Generous holiday 25‑31 days, based on role and service.
• Flexible working options (role-dependent).
• Family‑friendly policies – Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents.
• Training and development, including coaching and mentoring.
• Health and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks.
• Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant.
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform.
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres.
• Sustainable travel benefits – low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans.
• Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer.
• This post is designed to fit around the demand for ceremonies. Applicants will need to be flexible and committed to working Fridays and Saturdays.
• We are recruiting for one x 300 hours per annum contract. The hours will be split over 12 months. During our busy periods you will be expected to work a higher proportion of the contracted hours as opposed to during the quieter periods (Currently April to October is our busiest period).
• Current pay rate is £14.92 per hour.
• Working weekends will be paid at a weekend enhanced rate, in line with our pay and allowances framework.

Work Hours & Contract Details

• 1 contract, 300 hours per annum (12 months).
• Hours split over 12 months, with higher proportion during April to October.
• 4 weekdays and 1 Saturday or Sunday per month, with varying daily hours.
• Rostered up to 6 weeks in advance but can be subject to change at short notice.

Application

If you feel you have the necessary background, experience and skills to undertake this role we would like to hear from you. For further information on our benefits package please visit Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk).