Guildford Cathedral is a sacred space and a community of people who engage with God and the wider world for the common good. Welcoming over 100,000 visitors annually, our Cathedral ‘community’ comprises thousands who feel close the Cathedral because of historical connection, through worship or our volunteer service. 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.
We are now seeking an Events Virger to join our team and play a vital role in supporting the Cathedral’s worship and events programme.
The Role
As Events Virger, you’ll be instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of services and events. Your responsibilities will include:
* Preparing and resetting the Cathedral for services, concerts, and special events. Assist with the setting up and removal of all content and furnishings requested for this activity.
* Opening and closing the Cathedral on a rota basis.
* 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 on duty, in accordance with the rota, on Sundays, Festival Days and other occasions, in addition to other routine duties.
* Maintain vestments, altar furnishings and vessels and prepare them for all Services.
* Operating sound and lighting systems as needed.
* Support and assist Chaplains, Guides and other volunteers as required.
* Safeguarding donations and collections.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who brings:
* GCSE-level education and previous experience as a Virger.
* A sense of the value of well-ordered worship and its contribution to the Cathedral’s wider ministry and outreach.
* Strong communications interpersonal skills.
* IT competence and administrative skills.
* Flexibility, reliability, and the ability to work independently and under pressure.
* Physical fitness to handle lifting and moving tasks.
* A team player, holding the personal qualities necessary to work well with the other members of the Cathedral team, both paid and volunteer.
* A communicant member of the Church of England.
* Willingness to undertake training, including First Aid at Work.
Desirable:
* Experience of the coordination and delivery of events.