BACKGROUND Guildford Cathedral is a sacred space and a community of people who engage with God and the wider world for the common good. We do this by being a warm-hearted community open to God, to all, to growth and to transformation. Over 100,000 visitors come to the Cathedral each year and our Cathedral community comprises thousands who feel close the Cathedral because of historical connection, the purchase of a brick in the 1950s, their membership of the worshipping congregations or staff and volunteers. The core task of Guildford Cathedral is worship. Daily and Sunday choral services are the backbone of our work. The Cathedral is led by the Dean with the Cathedral Chapter which is akin to a Board of Directors and charity trustees. The Virgers support the delivery of mission and ministry at the Cathedral. They prepare for and assist with services alongside the Cathedral Clergy including administering the chalice at services of Holy Communion (Eucharist). They provide point of contact for visitors attending services or requiring pastoral support. The Virgers also work closely with other teams from across the Cathedral to ensure safe, smooth running of events and services and the proper care of the Cathedral fabric. They are responsible for security and health and safety on site for the duration of their duty. The Events Virger has particular responsibility for providing support to the events programme of the Cathedral by facilitating preparations, running, and clearing up after events as well as resetting the Cathedral to be ready for services and events that follow. JOB SPECIFICATION Reporting to: Deans Virger. Accountable to: The Chapter of Guildford Cathedral through the Chief Operating Officer. Hours and salary: This is a full time post, average 40.5 hours per week. Some flexibility is required. The salary is £25715.00 overtime payable at £12.21 per hour. Contract Type: Fixed Term for 2 years. KEY TASKS GENERAL To take the lead with co-ordination with other Cathedral departments organising special services, concerts and other events in conjunction with the Deans Virger, to assist with the setting up and removal of all content and furnishings requested for this activity and to assist with the resetting of the Cathedral on completion of this activity. To be responsible for the opening and closing of the Cathedral on a rota basis. To ensure the efficient cleaning of the Cathedral with effective use of time and materials and without the need for supervision (the team of Virgers are responsible for all the Cathedral cleaning). To be responsible for the security and day to day maintenance of the Cathedral. To be on duty, in accordance with the rota, on Sundays, Festival Days and other occasions, in addition to other routine duties. To maintain vestments, altar furnishings and vessels and prepare them for all Services. To participate in Cathedral services in accordance with its traditions and/or as directed by the Canon Liturgist. To operate the sound and lighting systems when directed by the Deans Virger. To be responsible for the safeguarding of all donations and collections. To support and assist Chaplains, Guides and other volunteers as required. To liaise with other Cathedral departments as requested by the Deans Virger and to assist with the setting up and removal of all content and furnishings required for special services, concerts and other events. To play a full part in the maintenance of good public relations and treat visitors in a helpful tactful and appropriate manner. To carry out any other reasonable duties as required by the Deans Virger, the Chief Operating Officer or the Canon Liturgist. KEY RELATIONSHIPS Deans Virger. Canon Liturgist. Other Clergy. Chief Operating Officer. Musicians, Stewards and Guides. Enterprise colleagues (Events, Café Restaurant and Shop). Staff, Volunteers and congregation members. ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES GCSE Level education. Previous experience as a Virger. A sense of the value of well-ordered worship and its contribution to the Cathedrals wider ministry and outreach. Strong communications skills and interpersonal skills. IT competence and administrative skills. Flexibility to respond positively and appropriately to new opportunities and challenges. Capacity to value the volunteers who work in the Cathedral and to respond to the needs of those who come seeking help and advice. A team player, holding the personal qualities necessary to work well with the other members of the Cathedral team, both paid and volunteer. Enthusiasm to learn and develop the skills necessary. Personal reliability and ability to take responsibility. Ability to work independently and under pressure. Physically fit and strong enough to undertake duties, which includes moving furniture and staging, as well as other lifting. Willingness to undertake all necessary training, including First Aid at Work. A communicant member of the Church of England. DESIRABLE SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES Experience of the coordination and delivery of events. APPLICATION PROCESS To apply, please complete the application form, and include a covering letter addressing the Key Tasks and Essential Skills and Attributes, as well as your CV. Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details of the responsibilities of the Events Virger. JD Events Virger 06 Oct 25.pdf Application Form.doc Referees will not be approached without your consent. Applications will only be considered with a completed application form, CV and covering letter. Guildford Cathedral operates under a Safer Recruiting policy. Proof of eligibility for working in the UK will be required before appointing. For an informal conversation please contact Matt OGrady on 01483 547 864. Closing date for receipt of application is 14 November 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed during the week commencing 24 November 2025.