CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE HOLY AND UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF CARLISLE
Carlisle Cathedral
Part-time
19th November 2025
Candidate Information PackCLEANER 2025www.carlislecathedral.org.ukDear Applicant,Thank you for your interest in joining the team at Carlisle Cathedral. As a place of worship, heritage, andcommunity, the Cathedral has stood at the heart of Carlisle for over 900 years. We are committed to fostering awelcoming and inclusive environment for all who visit, work, and worship here.As we enter our tenth century, the Cathedral continues to seek new and creative ways of engaging with the life ofthe city and region we serve. Carlisle Cathedral is the “seat” of the Bishop of Carlisle serving the people of TheDiocese of Carlisle.We have approximately 50 members of staff, and a team of over 170 volunteers. In a typical year we expect toreceive over 150,000 visitors from across the world. Through a varied programme of events, activities andengagement we invite all to be part of the continuing character of the praying, cherishing, and transforming life ofCarlisle Cathedral. Within this Candidate Information Pack, you will find details about the role, our mission, and what makes working atthe Cathedral such a unique and rewarding experience. We are looking for dedicated individuals who share ourvalues and enthusiasm for contributing to this special place.IntroductionThe Chapter (governing body) of Carlisle Cathedral are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented cleaner to join ourteam, responsible for maintaining high standards of cleanliness across three distinct environments: a professionaloffice space, a historic cathedral building, and a welcoming café. Reporting to the Head Verger, this role requiresflexibility, discretion, and a strong work ethic to ensure all areas are kept clean, safe, and presentable for staff,visitors, and the public.We hope you find this information helpful and look forward to receiving your application.Yours FaithfullyEdith McColganChief Operating Officerwww.carlislecathedral.org.ukWorship is the beating heart of the Cathedral from which flows both activity and service. Chapter (the Cathedral’sgoverning body) aims to promote loving community where justice is seen to matter, common humanity is owned,people can find support, nurture, and blessing. Careful pastoral engagement by the clergy and pastoral teams reflectsChrist’s great love for all people. Faithful worship, active discipleship, outward-looking mission, life-long learning, service to the community, and joyfulcelebration are all important, and in each of these aspects of the Cathedral’s life Chapter continues to drawinspiration from its Augustinian heritage. At the heart of the Cathedral’s life is a small group of people who are called to maintain the daily offering of prayerand worship. The resident members of the Chapter, the Dean and two Residentiary Canons, commit themselves tothat as a priority and others join daily; the Chapter as a whole join the offering of worship as opportunity allows andoversees all aspects of Cathedral life.As well as Chapter, a dedicated and committed team of staff and volunteers support the Cathedral’s day-to-dayoperations.The Cathedral’s commercial activities, catering/retail sales/events, are overseen by the directors of the Cathedral’strading arm (Carlisle Cathedral Enterprises Ltd - CCEL). Chapter’s programme of activity shapes the ways in whichthe Cathedral engages with visitors, schools and communities to promote public engagement with our history, faithand collections. Chapter aims to make a significant contribution to the City’s cultural and heritage economies.The Chapter is committed to supporting and developing a high standard of music in the life of the Cathedral. Duringschool term time, the Cathedral offers seven sung services a week through a Cathedral Eucharist and Evensong eachSunday, and weekday Evensongs. The role which the choirs play in the offering of worship is central to the rhythm ofdaily prayer which is the life blood of the Cathedral. The choirs also provide the musical basis for acts of worship tocelebrate and commemorate moments in diocesan and civic life. The Cathedral’s rich and varied musical life isfounded on the great Anglican tradition and made available to children and young people of all backgrounds fromschools and communities across Carlisle and the surrounding area.About Carlisle Cathedralwww.carlislecathedral.org.ukWest Walls In 2019, the Carlisle Cathedral Development Trust(CCDT) bought the former Carlisle Diocesan Office(Church House), the Resource Centre buildings (thelatter now let to St George’s URC) and the associatedcar park – which plot is adjacent with the Cathedralprecinct. Essential repair work, funded by the CCDT, was put inhand in 2019/2020 and a staged project was completed inAugust 2022 to move the Cathedral office from 7 TheAbbey, to Church House.About Carlisle CathedralFratry and CaféIn mediaeval times the Fratry building was the dining hall of the Cathedral Priory. The £3.5 million Heritage Lottery Fund partner project brought this world-class, Grade I listed building back to lifeand made it ready to serve the City, the County and its visitors. The project focused on the physical heritage of theFratry building, and its relationship to the wider Cathedral precinct, the library collections, and on the social,political, religious and archaeological heritage they can reveal. The Fratry is one of the most important historic buildings in Carlisle and one of the few remaining monasticrefectories in the country. www.carlislecathedral.org.ukCarlisle Cathedral has stood at the heart of the city for over 900 years and remains an active place of worship withinthe Church of England today. While it is a site of great historical significance, it is first and foremost a living church,where daily prayers, services, and community gatherings continue a tradition of Christian worship that dates backcenturies.History of Carlisle CathedralThe Cathedral has weathered many changes over the centuries, shaped by Carlisle’s position near the border withScotland. It has stood through conflicts, including the medieval wars between England and Scotland, and was closelylinked to Carlisle Castle, a key military stronghold just a short distance away. The Dissolution of the Monasteries inthe 16th century saw the loss of many of its monastic buildings, and during the English Civil War, stones from theCathedral were taken for military use. Yet, through each challenge, it remained a place of worship, adapting andenduring as part of the evolving English Church.Founded in 1122 as an Augustinian priory, the Cathedral’s origins reflect itsdeep spiritual foundations. The Augustinian canons who established it lived alife of both contemplation and service, committed to prayer, education, andpastoral care. When the priory was elevated to cathedral status in 1133, itbecame the seat of the Bishop of Carlisle, a role it continues to hold withinthe Diocese of Carlisle today. As one of the Church of England’snorthernmost cathedrals, it serves a diverse and widespread community,welcoming worshippers, pilgrims, and visitors from across the region andbeyond.Carlisle’s history as a railway city, which brought prosperity in the 19th century, helped ensure the Cathedral’spreservation, and today, it remains a welcoming space for all who seek spiritual nourishment, history, or quietreflection. Situated near Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle Castle, and the city’s railway station, it serves as a lasting symbol offaith and resilience, carrying forward its mission as a beacon of worship and witness in the Church of England.Today, the Cathedral continues to be a center ofworship, learning, and community life. It holds regularservices, including daily prayers, Eucharist, and choralworship, upholding the traditions of the Church ofEngland while also embracing new ways to serve thepeople of Carlisle.Its breathtaking medieval architecture, including theGothic East Window and the beautifully painted ceiling,provides an inspiring space for both personal reflectionand collective worship. The Cathedral is also an activesupporter of education and outreach, working with localschools, charities, and faith groups to engage with thewider community.www.carlislecathedral.org.ukSafeguarding is at the centre of everything we do atCarlisle Cathedral. Ultimate responsibility for safeguardingsits with the Dean with day-to-day responsibility delegatedto the Chapter Safeguarding Lead, who at present is theCanon Warden. The Chapter Safeguarding Lead is then supported by theDiocesan Safeguarding Officer who offers professionalsupport and advice to the Cathedral on all safeguardingmatters. SafeguardingWithin the day-to-day life of the Cathedral, we work to ensure that all members of the Cathedral team understandand contribute to our shared calling to keep everyone in our care safe. All members of the team are safely recruitedto a level relevant to their role. This robust process includes the completion of the appropriate level of safeguardingtraining, and where appropriate, Disclosure and Barring Service checks. Staff and volunteers then receive ongoing training. This is delivered through safeguarding refresher training at theannual INSET day, as well the relevant appropriate safeguarding training required for the role. The work ofSafeguarding is also monitored by the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel and, within the Cathedral, by Chapterand the Audit and Risk Committee. Challenge and support for the Chapter Safeguarding Lead isalso provided by the Cathedral Lay Safeguarding Lead. Thisis currently Julie Clayton who is the Chief-Executive of alocal hospice. She acts as a point of contact for allsafeguarding matters, independent of the structures of theCathedral or Diocese. She also chairs the CathedralSafeguarding Group which draws membership from all thedifferent communities and groups which make up Cathedrallife to discuss and develop our safeguarding practice.At the Cathedral we are also acutely aware of the way inwhich the whole Church has failed those who we shouldhave had care for. Knowing this we work closely withadvocates of Victim-Survivors and all who have beenaffected by abuse to lament, listen and learn from them.Both through our annual Safeguarding Season and throughthe whole year we seek to better respond to our call tosafeguard all who are known and cherished and made in theimage of God. www.carlislecathedral.org.ukMissionCarlisle Cathedral is a community of prayer, welcome and rest for all to encounter the love of God in JesusChrist.PurposeFor centuries, Carlisle Cathedral has been a living Christian community, seeking God and bringing rest to restlesshearts amid the ever-changing history of our borderlands. We steward this place and its rich heritage for the city,county and diocese we serve. We are entrusted with the stories it holds. We are called to use this inheritance as weseek to tell anew the love of God in Jesus Christ for current and future generations.As the seat of the Bishop of Carlisle, we are a sign of unity, committed to deepening our life of prayer and worshipwhile embracing new ways to build a sustainable and hope-filled future.We welcome all – visitors, travellers and pilgrims alike – inviting them to experience the transforming truth andpresence of God.Through the stories of God’s love and the richness of Cumbrian life and heritage, we seek to inspire and uplift allwho we encounter.ValuesOur values are drawn from the original foundation of the Cathedral based on the Rule of St Augustine. His wordsunderpin our daily pattern of prayer and radiate out into all aspects of our life.UNITYWe work together for a shared purpose, caring for one another as members of the Cathedral community with “onemind and heart on the way to God”.TRUTHWe uphold honesty, integrity and humility for “the heart is illumined when it hears: God is truth”.LOVE We serve all with compassion, hospitality and kindness “to love God and our neighbour in all we do”.Our Mission, Purpose & Valueswww.carlislecathedral.org.ukOur Vision & Strategic AimsVisionBuilding on more than 900 years of prayer, worship and discipleship, to create a vibrant, sustainable futurefor our community, buildings, heritage and music to enable everyone to take their next step with God.Strategic Aims 2026-2030In addition to delivering its core purpose, Chapter has agreed the following 6 strategic aims for 2026/2030: 1.We will strengthen the Cathedral as a place of prayer and a centre of excellence in worship and mission toenable all to grow in God’s love.2.We will nurture our staff and volunteers to develop and flourish in their roles.3.We will welcome successive generations to be inspired and transformed through engagement with theCathedral and our region’s heritage.4.We will establish the Cathedral at the heart of the region’s musical and cultural landscape.5.We will develop a sustainable, holistic financial model, maximising the potential of the Cathedral’s fabric,endowment and commercial activities.6.We will deepen our relationship with the people and communities of the Diocese and county through prayerand partnership.www.carlislecathedral.org.ukHow we are organisedThe Cathedral employs a mix of full-time and part-time personnel. We have a superb variety of skills and experiencein music, administration, finance, commerce, marketing, fundraising, event-management, education, hospitality,visitor-facing activities and maintaining our historic buildings.We also have dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers, who are passionate about the Cathedral and willing to providetheir time as welcomers, guides, gift shop, events, education and heritage learning, historic collections and bellringing activities. Please see below for our current structure.Organogram www.carlislecathedral.org.ukRole PurposeThe successful candidate will be key to maintaining high standards of cleanliness across three distinct environments:Cathedral office, the cathedral building itself and the café. Reporting to the Head Verger, this role requires flexibility,discretion, and a strong work ethic to ensure all areas are kept clean, safe, and presentable for staff, visitors, and thepublic.Infection Control is a priority for the wellbeing of all staff. A clear desk policy for staff is operated in the office. Staff are responsible for cleaning their own desks. Staff are responsible for washing their own dishes and putting them in the kitchen cupboards. Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Cleaner will be responsible for:Cathedral / Café CleaningWorking with the Vergers Department:Cleaning restrooms and public areas of the Cafédaily. Sweeping and mopping stone floors and aisles. Cleaning and mopping of floors in the cafe.Dusting pews, altars, and decorative featureswith care.Assisting with post-event or service clean-up.Office CleaningClean/hoover/mop over all three floorsincluding.       - toilets (daily)       - kitchen (daily)       - outside entrance (weekly)       - laundry room to be kept clean and tidy(weekly)Replenishing cleaning products as required:       - toilet rolls / handtowels / handwash.       - cleaning product stock.Empty binsEmpty shreddersKey RelationshipsThe role reports to the Head Verger. In addition, the role will also relate closely to: Café and office staff.Vergerswww.carlislecathedral.org.ukPerson SpecificationQUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCEEssentialPrevious cleaning experience preferred, especially in public or heritage buildings. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Respectful of sacred and historic spaces Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy Good attention to detail and commitment to hygiene standardsDesirableExperience or knowledge of working within a Christian setting, with a sensitive understanding of the work of the Cathedral asa centre for worship.SKILLS & ABILITIESEssentialExcellent interpersonal skills working with people from a variety of backgrounds and abilities.Self-motivating, with the ability to meet deadlines, multi-task, and work under pressure. Ability to plan, manage, organise, and prioritise workload. Desirable Ability to be responsive and manage change. Ability to adapt behaviour to suit the individual, environment, and circumstances. Be an ambassador for Carlisle Cathedral. PERSONAL QUALITIESEssentialA team player. Excellent interpersonal and team-working skills; willing to take the initiative and get things done with a positive‘can-do’ approach.Able to multi-task, deliver within deadlines and work with attention to detail.Cheerful, positive and enthusiastic.Ability to work as a flexible and enthusiastic team member across the Cathedral, coupled with an ability to workindependently and exercise individual initiative as required. Ability to uphold and conform to the requirements of the Cathedral’s Safeguarding policies. COMPETENCIESCommunicationTeam workingFlexibility and AdaptableSelf-MotivationCommitment to work with the Christian values and ethos that inform the life and work of the Cathedral, including understanding of, andrespect and sympathy for, the complexities and sensitivities of a unique institution. The Cleaner must also understand the importance ofremaining sensitive to the Cathedral’s primary purpose as a place of worship. The postholder must endorse and implement the Cathedral’ssafeguarding policies in respect of children and adults at risk of abuse, neglect or harm.The ideal candidate is likely to demonstrate all or most of the following:www.carlislecathedral.org.ukTermsPart time, permanent In line with the National Minimum WageCarlisle Cathedral Office, West Walls, Carlisle CA3 8UF. On-site work is recognised to be essential, in ordinary times, to achieve the effectiveoperation of the Cathedral’s operations.28 days per annum plus 8 English public holidays, pro-rata for part-time staff. The dates to beagreed with your Line Manager and to take account of the needs of the Cathedral.        [10-20 Hours per week. Monday to Friday 06:30 – 10:30 or rotating 14:30 – 18:30]. Flexibility and potential for evening work may be required.After 3 months you will be automatically enrolled into the Church Workers’ Pension Scheme.Under this scheme, there is an employer’s contribution (currently 8%). Employees contribute 3%and may make Additional Voluntary Contributions to increase their pension if they wish. Carlisle Cathedral is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding andpromoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff andvolunteers to share this commitment.  Applicants must be willing to undergo a DBS check andany other safeguarding checks and training as appropriate to the post. The appointment will besubject to the satisfactory outcome of these checks and successful training.Dependent upon the receipt of two satisfactory references (present employer/professionalperson with knowledge of performance/unconnected with employment) and a successful saferrecruitment process.The post is subject to a six-month probationary period.General terms and conditions of employment as set out in the Employee Handbook, issued to allstaff on appointment. www.carlislecathedral.org.ukContractSalaryLocationAnnualHolidayHoursPensionOffer ofEmploymentReviewOtherThe job description is an operational document that does not form part of your contract of employment. It may bethat from time to time you are expected to perform tasks that may not be expressly in the job description but arenonetheless necessary in the day-to-day performance of your duties. Carlisle Cathedral reserves the right to amendthe job description as may from time to time be necessary to meet the changing needs of the organisation.www.carlislecathedral.org.ukFor an informal discussion about this role, please contact:Elinor Tredgett, HR Officer - hr@carlislecathedral.org.uk Tel: 01228 479225For any questions regarding the application process, please contact:Elinor Tredgett, HR Officer - hr@carlislecathedral.org.uk Tel: 01228 479225To apply, please send: Interested applicants should initially send an expression of interest in why they are applying for the role with a copyof their CV. The successful applicant will be required to complete a formal application prior to commencingemployment so that all pre-employment checks can be conducted.To:Elinor Tredgett, HR Officer - hr@carlislecathedral.org.uk Via email – hr@carlislecathedral.org.uk marked ‘Job Application: (CLEANER)’Closing Date Wednesday 19 November 2025 at 5pm.thInterview DateWeek commencing 24 November 2025thApplication Process and Interviewwww.carlislecathedral.org.ukFurther Information Carlisle Cathedral is an Equal Opportunities EmployerCarlisle Cathedral is committed to safeguarding & protecting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.Applicants must be willing to undergo the relevant safeguarding checks including checks with past employers and theDisclosure and Barring Service, appropriate to the post.Further information is available on our website www.carlislecathedral.org.ukOur Governance and Finance information, including a link to our Annual Report and Accounts, and our Constitutionand Statutes can be found here: www.carlislecathedral.org.uk/governance-and-finance/Cathedrals Measure 2021: www.legislation.gov.uk/ukcm/2021/2/contents