Candidate Information PackHead Verger 2025www.carlislecathedral.org.ukDear ApplicantThank you for your interest in joining the team at Carlisle Cathedral. For 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. As the seat of the Bishop of Carlisle, weare a sign of unity, committed to deepening our life of prayer and worship while embracing new ways to build asustainable 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 toinspire and uplift all who we encounter.Our team comprises approximately 50 staff members and over 180 volunteers. Each year, we welcome more than150,000 visitors from around the world. Through a diverse programme of worship, events, and communityengagement, we invite everyone to be part of the Cathedral’s ongoing story.This Candidate Information Pack contains details about the role, our mission, purpose, values and vision, and whatmakes working at Carlisle Cathedral such a unique and rewarding experience. We are seeking committed individualswho share our values and enthusiasm for contributing to this special place.The Chapter—the Cathedral’s governing body—is looking to appoint an energetic and experienced Head Verger.This key role leads a small team of vergers who support the daily life of the Cathedral, working closely with theChief Operating Officer, Canon Precentor, clergy, staff and volunteers to ensure the smooth and secure running ofall worship and events.IntroductionWe hope you find this information helpful and look forward to receiving your application.Yours FaithfullyEdith McColganChief Operating OfficerMichael EverittInterim Dean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 PurposeReporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Head Verger is responsible for leading the Vergers’Department in the day-to-day operations of the Cathedral. They also work closely with the Canon Precentor whoacts as the Cathedral’s strategic lead on matters relating to worship and liturgy, with the Property and EstatesManager and with the Head of Commercial Activity and Events and Diary Officer.The Head Verger ensures the highest standards are upheld in the practical arrangements for all services and events,as well as in the Cathedral’s function as both a place of worship and a visitor attraction. They also play a key role insupporting the Cathedral’s commercial activities.The Head Verger works collaboratively with all front-of-house teams and volunteers to deliver an exceptionalwelcome to everyone who enters the Cathedral—whether they are attending a service, visiting as a tourist, arrivingas part of a school trip or pilgrimage, or participating in a major event. Our goal is for each person to have a positiveand inspiring experience.The Head Verger must consistently demonstrate the highest standards of conduct—being punctual, professional inspeech and behaviour, and adhering to all standing instructions and policies.Duties and ResponsibilitiesWe are seeking a Head Verger to join our team. The Head Verger responsibilities are set out below:To plan and supervise preparations for all Cathedral services, including seating plans, bell ringing, and furniturearrangements.To ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for both routine and special services.To play a key role in the logistical management of special services (e.g., Installation of Canons, Ordinations, civicceremonies), liaising with the Canon Precentor and other staff as appropriate.www.carlislecathedral.org.ukRole PurposeDuties and Responsibilities (cont.) The Head Verger responsibilities are set out below:To attend or delegate attendance at planning meetings (eg Diary Meeting, Advanced Services and EventsMeeting, Team Meetings) held by internal and external bodies.To attend or delegate attendance at rehearsals and brief the vestry team accordingly.To oversee the care of service and hymnbooks, vessels, altars, and vestments.To work with the Chapter's Safeguarding Lead to ensure the Cathedral is a safe space for vulnerable individuals.To ensure the verger team provides a compassionate and attentive front-of-house presence.To advise on repairs or replacements and manage laundry arrangements for robes.To work in partnership with the Property and Estates Manager on matters related to security, fire safety, andhealth and safety.To oversee the cleaning and care of the Cathedral and associated spaces, including Fratry Hall, Undercroft,Weston Room, Priors Tower, kitchen, toilets, and Cathedral Office rooms.To supervise contractors (as appropriate) ensuring safety and security.To manage and be responsible for the key issuance.To maintain a professional presentation of the Cathedral, including tidiness and updated notice boards.To ensure regular security checks and maintain a visible staff presence across the site.To act as the main point of contact for alarm call-outs.To liaise with the local counter-terrorism officer and ensure compliance with the risk assessment and plan, incoordination with the COO and Property and Estates Manager.To ensure all accessible areas are safe and hazards are reported.To maintain fire safety equipment and ensure its appropriate use in emergencies.To act as a First Aider and maintain certification.To manage building evacuation and emergency procedures.To be responsible for opening and unlocking in the morning, and closing and locking-up at night.To oversee general maintenance and minor repairs of the Cathedral and ancillary buildings.www.carlislecathedral.org.ukRole PurposeDuties and Responsibilities (cont.) The Head Verger responsibilities are set out below:To cover other department members when necessary.To liaise with internal departments and manage communications (emails and phone messages).Team Leadership & AdministrationTo manage departmental rotas.To supervise and appraise staff.To oversee annual leave planning.To manage departmental budgets.Key RelationshipsChief Operating Officer Canon PrecentorDean and Residentiary Canons Visiting Clergy Chapter Safeguarding LeadProperty and Estates ManagerHead of Commercial Activity Visitor Experience ManagerHead of CollectionsLine management of relevant volunteers (e.g. side persons, flower rota etc)www.carlislecathedral.org.ukPerson SpecificationQUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCEEssentialPractical, preferably current/recent,experience of caring for and day to dayrunning of a major church, cathedral orsimilar type building.Working knowledge, and interest in, thedevelopment of worship and liturgy.Knowledge of the security and maintenanceneeds of a public building.Experience of line management andsupervising a team. Good working knowledge of health andsafetyGood working knowledge of the MicrosoftOffice SuiteIT literate, including email.DesirableFamiliarity with the Church of England’s ethosand structures.Preferably current/recent experience ofverging and sacristy craft in a cathedral/churchenvironment.Previous experience working in a worshipcontext with the Church of England Health and Safety QualificationVergers’ DiplomaFirst Aid Qualification/CertificateFire Training Qualification/CertificateManual lifting and handlingExperience of overseeing on-site contractorsThe Head Verger must demonstrate a strong commitment to the Christian values and ethos that shape the life andwork of the Cathedral. This includes an understanding of, and respect for, the complexities and sensitivities of aunique ecclesiastical institution. The postholder should recognise the Cathedral’s primary purpose as a place ofworship and be dedicated to supporting its spiritual mission.They must also uphold and actively implement the Cathedral’s safeguarding policies, ensuring the protection ofchildren and adults who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or harm. A compassionate and respectful approach to allindividuals, particularly those who are vulnerable, is essential.The ideal candidate is likely to demonstrate all or most of the following:www.carlislecathedral.org.ukPerson SpecificationThe ideal candidate is likely to demonstrate all or most of the following:SKILLS & ABILITIESEssentialExcellent organisational skills, with an ability to plan, prioritise and meet deadlines.Strong leadership and management skillsAbility to listen well and be able to act as first point of contact for members of the public visiting theCathedral. Team PlayerGood knowledge of relevant Health and Safety Regulations and how to apply them to the cathedralenvironmentAble to reach all areas of the cathedral and associated buildings without assistance, including usingsteps and ladders, carry heavy loads and do such physical work as is required. This regularly includesmoving, setting up and storing a considerable amount of chairsThe capacity to plan, implement and monitor an agreed budget.Understand how to welcome and understand the needs of regular worshippers and visitorsAbility to operate and maintain technical equipment used for amplification andlivestreaming/recording of services, or aptitude and willingness to train in this.Able to perform well in a busy environmentBe an ambassador for Carlisle Cathedral. PERSONAL QUALITIESEssentialAn empathy and excitement for the Cathedral’s purpose, vision and priorities, in sympathy with theChurch of England and Carlisle Cathedral’s mission and valuesWilling to engage in all aspects of the cathedral’s life.Excellent interpersonal skills, a welcoming approach and the confidence to deal with people from allwalks of life.Able to work effectively as part of a small team but also independently and willing to take theinitiative and get things done with a positive ‘can-do’ approach.Ability to work collaboratively across the wider Cathedral teamAble to multitask, deliver within deadlines and work with attention to detail.Adaptable and flexible in your approach to workPresent a calm and friendly disposition Ability to work unsociable hours, including weekends and evenings. Ability to uphold and conform to the requirements of the Cathedral’s Safeguarding policies. www.carlislecathedral.org.ukPerson SpecificationThe ideal candidate is likely to demonstrate all or most of the following:COMPETENCIESEssentialManaging and leading teamsCommunicationTeam working Flexibility and adaptableProblem-solving and initiativePrioritisationSelf-motivationwww.carlislecathedral.org.ukTermsPermanent, Full Time£26,500 - £27,500 (1.0FTE) per annum plus accommodation. The postholder will be required tolive in a property within The Cathedral Precinct for the better performance of his/her duties.Accommodation (unfurnished) will be provided rent free because of the occupationalrequirement of this role. The occupier is responsible for all payments regarding electricity, gas,and telephone services. Note: Council tax will also be paid for by the Cathedral, unless this isdeemed as a second home for the successful candidate. Should the property be deemed asecond home, the occupier will be liable to pay half of the amount due for council tax. Relevantadvice will be taken at the time to ensure any discounts/payments are correct.Cathedral Office, West Walls, Carlisle. CA3 8UF. On site working is recognised to be essential, in ordinary times, to achieve the effectiveoperation of the Cathedral’s financial activities. The successful candidate will be expected to beoffice based one day a week subject to the cathedral diary.Full-time employees 28 days (pro rata for part time) plus 8 English public holidays, the dates tobe agreed with the COO, and to take account of the needs of the Cathedral.    40 hours (normally over 5 days per week). This post brings with it the need for considerableflexibility and includes weekend and evening work. The working pattern is managed through aRota system in order to ensure 7 day per week cover by the Vergers Team.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. All staff are entitled to 50% off any hot drink from the café at any time during opening hours,whether you are at work or not. Staff are also entitled to a 10% discount on all purchases fromthe Cathedral Gift Shop. To obtain your discount, staff must show your ID badge. Thesediscounts aren’t available on sale items or in conjunction with any other offers.www.carlislecathedral.org.ukContractSalary andaccommodationLocationAnnualHolidayHoursPensionCafe / ShopDiscountwww.carlislecathedral.org.ukTermsCarlisle 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.ukOffer 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.ukTo apply, please send: An application formA Recruitment Monitoring Form Please note the Cathedral cannot accept CV’s alone, though you are welcome to include one with your application if you wish. To:Elinor Tredgett, HR Officer - hr@carlislecathedral.org.uk Via email – hr@carlislecathedral.org.uk marked ‘Job Application: (HEAD VERGER)’Closing Date Sunday 9 November at 23:59thInterview DateWeek commencing 17 November 2025thApplication Process and Interviewwww.carlislecathedral.org.ukFurther InformationCarlisle 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