Responsible to: Director of Education and Visitors/Canon for intercultural Mission and the Arts
Key responsibilities and accountabilities:
- To provide a warm welcome to all visitors, in accordance with the ethos of the Cathedral.
- To help visitors appreciate the Cathedral’s beauty and peace, and some of its history and heritage.
- To assist with any queries visitors may have and to signpost to relevant people and information.
- To liaise with members of staff or clergy as appropriate to ensure calm and smooth running of the Cathedral.
- To work in accordance with the Cathedral’s policies, particularly relating to on safeguarding, health and safety and security.
Safeguarding principles
Bradford Cathedral takes safeguarding very seriously and expects that everyone, including volunteers, will work within the Cathedral’s safeguarding policy. In particular, the Cathedral expects anyone who becomes aware of a safeguarding risk or of actual abuse, to immediately report it. All volunteers must have a commitment to:
- Treat individuals with respect;
- Recognise and respect their abilities and potential for development;
- Promote their rights to make their own decisions and choices, unless it is unsafe;
- Ensure their welfare and safety;
- The promotion of social justice, social responsibility and respect for others; and
- Confidentiality, never passing on personal information, except to the person to whom you are responsible, unless there are safeguarding issues of concern (e.g. allegations of abuse). Safeguarding issues of concern must always be reported to either the Director of Education and Visitors or the Canon for intercultural Mission and the Arts so that Cathedral’s Safeguarding Officer can be notified and the Police or Social Care services as required.
Person specification
Essential:
- Approachable, willing to talk to new people and help them feel comfortable in the building whatever their needs
- Good interpersonal skills, good verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Observant and sensitive to the needs of others
- Interested in the history, architecture, and art of the cathedral
- Ability to learn and retain facts and information
- Reliable and punctual – with good time keeping skills
- A responsible self-starter who is able to problem solve and stay calm under pressure
- Ability to assess risk and respond accordingly
Desirable:
- Knowledge of surrounding areas is helpful as visitors sometimes ask for information or directions about other places to visit
- It is not necessary to be member of the cathedral congregation, or even a regular church goer but we do expect welcomers to be in sympathy with the mission of the Cathedral and to present the faith and worship of the Cathedral in a positive light.
Time Commitment
Welcoming is provided throughout the week and sessions from Monday to Saturday are from 10am to 4pm. This is split into two sessions per day, i.e. 10am to 1pm and 1pm to 4pm. At least one session per month is required but we would hope that you could commit to regular sessions. The sessions may vary on specific days when special events take place, or there is a wedding or funeral. You will be notified in advance if this is the case.
As a volunteer you can expect that we will do our best to ensure that:
- We provide a supportive, inclusive and positive environment that ensures you enjoy your volunteering and that you are treated with respect and courtesy and provided with training.
- As a volunteer who may come into contact with people who are/may be vulnerable, this role requires references to be taken up and could be eligible for a criminal record check.
Bradford Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
To find out more about this role e-mail ned.lunn@bradfordcathedral.org or to apply click here.