Appointment of a
Lay Clerk (Tenor)

Living and telling the Good News of Jesus

www.bathabbey.org

Role Details & Responsbilities

Job Title Lay Clerk (Tenor)

Reports to Director of Music

duties may be varied from time to time after
consultation by the Director of Music and
the Abbey Leadership Team.

Rate of Pay £4505.52pa which includes a
payment of £732.60 in respect of contractual
holiday entitlement.

Hours 9 hours a week (typically 3 sessions a
week, each of 3 hours duration). 37 weeks of
the year between September and July based
on the academic school year, making a total
of 111 rehearsals and services.

Holiday Entitlement 60 hours per annum –
36 hours to be taken outside of the school
term.

Background Bath Abbey is a major centre
for Christian worship, a leading venue for
tourism and cultural events, and a treasured
part of Britain’s heritage. It lies at the heart
of Bath, occupying a central place in the
celebration of worship, special events and
the life of this unique and elegant World
Heritage city. There are two treble choirs at
Bath Abbey – a boys choir (aged 8-14) and a
girls choir (aged 11-18) and the 12 Adult Lay
Clerks support these children with the Alto,
Tenor and Bass parts.

Overall purpose of the post The principal
duties of a Lay Clerk are to take part in the
services and concerts detailed under
‘Main Duties and Responsibilities’ below,
which include all necessary rehearsals. The

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Main Duties and Responsibilities
1.  To sing as part of the Abbey Choir at

Evensong on Thursday (and one Tuesday
per month instead of Thursday), and on
Sunday at two services: Choral Eucharist
and Choral Evensong.

2.  Additional duties include the Advent
Carol Service, the festival of Nine
Lessons and Carols, the sung Eucharist
on Christmas Eve, and services on Ash
Wednesday and during Holy Week.
3.  To sing in concerts, broadcasts and

recordings as required which will attract
additional fees.

General Responsibilities
1.  Maintain the vocal standards required by
the Director of Music, and as appropriate
to being part of a choir. This includes
preparation before rehearsals and
services.

2.  Uphold and adhere to the Abbey’s values,
its policies and procedures, and its code
of conduct.

3.  Attend safeguarding and other training

courses as required by the Abbey.
4.  Any other appropriate duties that the

Director of Music, Rector, or clergy may
require from time to time.

Person	Specification	&	Application	Details

•  The ability to work well within a team
•  Approachable, open, and honest
•  Dedicated, conscientious, and hard

working

Desirable
• A communicant member of the Church of
England

Application
To apply please send a full CV and covering
letter of no more than one side A4 page
which explains why you are a suitable
candidate. Please include the details of
two references one of whom should be a
musician who can speak about your musical
ability.  References will only be taken up
once an offer has been made.

Please send your CV and letter to Huw
Williams, Director of Music at the following
email address: hwilliams@bathabbey.org

Deadline for applications:
Friday 14 November 2025

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience
Essential
•  Demonstrate a high level of musicianship,
ability, and experience as a choral singer

•  Excellent ability in sight-reading
•  Demonstrate a high level of experience
and stylistic awareness in singing music
across the choral repertoire

•  Capable of singing up to two Sunday

choral services and weekday Evensongs
with limited rehearsal time

•  To be in sympathy with worship in the

Church of England.

Desirable
•  Education to degree standard
•  Experience working in a cathedral/church

music environment

Skills and Abilities
Essential
•  Good organisational and interpersonal

skills

•  Excellent team working skills, with the

ability to work collaboratively

•  A sound and flexible vocal technique
•  Ability to keep up with correspondence in

a professional manner

Work-related personal qualities
Essential
•  Punctual, reliable, with a positive

outlook, and integrity

•  A person who is stimulated by the high
expectations of those around them
•  Flexibility in response to changing

circumstances and a positive approach to
innovation

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Address
 Bath Abbey
 Abbey Office
 9 Kingston Buildings
 Bath BA1 1LT

Contact
 office@bathabbey.org
 01225 422462