Job Description

Role Summary

The Assistant Virger role is a key member of staff who is responsible for managing all activities within the interior of Beverley Minster and associated premises.

General Context

Beverley Minster is a Christian Church which exists to glorify God and serve the community.

Members of staff are therefore expected to maintain the highest professional standards of performance, tact, politeness and confidentiality.

Those who interact with the public should maintain a smart appearance.

They are also expected to support and facilitate the clergy in the breadth of their ministry.

Duties and Responsibilities

Worship

Ensure the arrangements for worship are exemplary as directed by the Head Virger

To act as Sacristan and prepare for services in the Minster and the Parish Hall, including furniture and staging and restoring everything tidily.

To take part in worship by escorting clergy and choir in procession, virging readers and preachers, and with other functions as required, wearing designated gown and robes.

To be on duty on Easter Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and at other major festivals as required.

To operate the sound system during worship and through the week. To take appropriate action in the event of any faults.

Record and stream online services at the Minster.

To ensure back up microphones with fully charged batteries are available for all services.

To administer communion when required.

To ensure that prayer candles are available during opening hours and that cash is removed regularly.

To supervise the care of altar linen, hangings, altar frontals and banners.

To monitor and replace supplies of liturgical requirements.

Life Events

To prepare the Minster for occasional offices, liaising with Wedding Planners, Funeral Directors and Clergy.

Preparing the church and grounds ready for funerals, weddings, baptisms.

Guide funeral processions.

Minster Events

Attend site meetings with customers and other team members.

Be the main port of call for event organisers on the days of their event.

Ensure that the arrangements for concerts and events meet both the requirements for the client and the Minster.

Required to erect staging, set up seating for up to 600 people, set up electrics, sound and lighting for events.

Set up of refreshments / bar areas for events.

Responsible for ensuring that the Minster and associated buildings are kept clean and when required toilet facilities are re-stocked.

Room Hire

Set up of tables and chairs for room hires when required

Set up of refreshments when required

Set up of IT equipment including projectors, screens and sound.

Regular checks of hired spaces to ensure spaces are left clean and tidy, pots washed and rubbish removed.

Breakages identified and where possible fixed / replaced.

Visitors and Volunteers

Be a primary point of contact for visitors and volunteers, ensuring that the Minster is open, welcoming and worshipful.

Responsible for the safe management of visitors who may have the potential to become challenging.

Finance

With approval from the Head Virger, ordering and purchasing of supplies including, cleaning supplies, general maintenance equipment, liturgical supplies, refreshments.

Responsible for cash handling and the security of cash on the premises

Security of silverware

Responsible for ensuring all cash and silverware are kept locked securely in the safe when not in use.

Health and Safety

Be responsible for daily health and safety of the interior and exterior of the Minster and its facilities ensuring that all visitors and volunteers have a safe experience.

Be the first port of call for contractors to the Minster and associated buildings.

Act upon reports of hazards quickly and effectively.

Conduct monthly / annual health and safety checks for the Minster and associated buildings, including checking first aid kits, defibrillators, emergency lights, fire alarms.

You will be required to work at heights including high level work around the clerestory using safety lines.

Manual Handling

Daily moving and handling of up to 500 chairs

Regular moving and handling of tables

Regular moving and handling of supplies including boxes of candles, refreshments and equipment.

Installation of 150 Christmas trees for the Christmas tree festival.

Security / Fire

Key holder for the Minster and associated buildings.

Responsible for the security of the Minster, supervising opening and closing arrangements.

On the emergency call out list for the Fire and Intruder Alarms for Minster properties.

Roof and Tower Areas

To be responsible for the accurate time keeping of the clocks and normal operation of the chimes.

Raise and lower flags when required

Escort contractors around all areas of the Minster including roof spaces, towers and clerestory.

Additional Responsibilities

Ensure that the highest standards of professional performance are maintained

Promote equal opportunities in the work of the departments

Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and statutory codes of practice as advised.

Participate in annual performance reviews

Ensure that professional skills are regularly updated through participation in training and development activities.

Any other duties that may be reasonably required.

Hours of Work

Your hours of work will normally be between 07:00 and 21:00

When required you will work unsocial hours which may include working up to 01:00 for large events and some services of worship.

You will be required to lone work.

Training

High level training, boss evacuation training and other relevant training will be provided.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From 12.60 per hour

Expected hours: 18 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking Sick pay
Schedule:

Day shift Every weekend Holidays Monday to Friday Night shift Overtime Weekend availability
Language:

English (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 06/06/2025
Reference ID: AV/Minster/2025