At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with worship services, manage the Abbey, and ensure a welcoming environment for visitors.
- Company: Join the historic Selby Abbey team in a vibrant community setting.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, opportunity to learn, and a chance to contribute to a meaningful mission.
- Other info: Great opportunity for personal growth and to make a positive impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique role that blends tradition with community engagement.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm to learn, teamwork skills, and a willingness to embrace a Christian ethos.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Selby Abbey is currently looking for a Verger to join the team 22.5 hours (3 days equivalent) per week. A church verger is a lay officer who assists clergy with the logistical, ceremonial and practical management of worship services and church buildings. They often lead processions wearing a gown and carrying a staff (virge). They prepare the altar, and ensure services run smoothly. They bridge the gap between worship preparation and building maintenance – the typical day‑to‑day activity consists primarily of responsibility of the building.
Purpose of job
To provide a friendly welcome, information and assistance to visitors at the Church. To take personal pride in ensuring that the Abbey is an attractive, welcoming and safe place to be and will be preserved for future generations. To ensure that the Abbey is maintained and cleaned to high standards. To assist in the implementation of security regulations, health and safety practices, records and equipment within the Abbey. To assist with the planning and execution of arrangements for services and events.
Responsibilities
- Act as Verger at services and civic occasions, including leading processions, worship preparation and co‑ordination with clergy regarding service needs.
- Be responsible for opening and closing the Abbey according to the typical opening pattern (10 am – 4 pm).
- Undertake a regular weekly cleaning schedule of all areas of the Abbey, internally and externally (including the Churchyard).
- Ensure a sufficient supply of cleaning materials and manage their storage in accordance with Health and Safety regulations.
- Perform and log operational checks of Health and Safety systems, manage cleaning cycles and maintain kitchen equipment and other operational elements.
- Assist in maintaining the security of the Abbey, grounds and other property.
- Handle cash responsibilities, including the daily running of the coffee shop, emptying donation boxes and handling of collection money.
- Perform physical work of daily winding the Abbey clock mechanism.
- Move chairs and other furniture for service and event needs.
- Set up and derigging staging for events within the Abbey.
- Setup and operate live‑streaming and music for services and events.
- Work in confined spaces and at heights.
- Provide basic First Aid as and when required (training provided).
- Act as the on‑duty fire marshal during normal operational hours.
- Liaise between volunteers and clergy/churchwardens.
- Work alongside the Operations Manager to arrange scheduling of contractors.
- Liaise with contractors working in/around the Abbey.
- Complete any other related duties as requested by clergy, churchwardens, or operations staff, as appropriate.
Personal qualities
- Work collaboratively in a team of clergy, lay staff and volunteers, and independently under pressure.
- Carry out demanding tasks of a physical nature (e.g. setting out chairs) within an agreed timescale while maintaining a courteous manner with staff, visitors and other users.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrate personal integrity, reliability, discretion and responsibility.
- Comfortable working in a Christian environment.
- Have a sense of the value of well‑ordered worship and its contribution to the Abbey’s wider ministry and mission.
- Be able to see a task through to its conclusion, including carrying out routine tasks to a consistently high standard.
- Remain flexible to respond positively and appropriately to new opportunities and challenges.
- Have a sense of humour.
Essential criteria
- Experience as a verger or the enthusiasm to learn and develop the required skills.
- Prepared to work a rolling shift pattern, including weekends and bank holidays.
- Capable of valuing and supporting volunteers who work in the Abbey and providing a welcoming face to all visitors.
- Willingness to work alongside the Christian ethos of a Church community and place of worship.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft programmes and email systems to understand event instructions.
Desirable criteria
- Preference may be given to candidates with a range of practical DIY skills.
CLOSING DATE 21/06/26
Verger in Selby employer: Selby Abbey
Selby Abbey offers a unique opportunity to work in a historic and vibrant environment, where you can contribute to the spiritual and community life of the church. As a Verger, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values teamwork and personal growth, with opportunities to develop your skills in a meaningful role. The Abbey is committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for visitors while preserving its heritage for future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Verger in Selby
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
✨Join Social Impact Networks
Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at Selby Abbey. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re still in uni, tap into career services that may have exclusive listings for part-time roles in nonprofits. They often host job fairs or info sessions where you can meet representatives from organisations like Selby Abbey directly. It’s a great way to make an impression beyond your CV!
✨Check Out Online Opportunities
Websites like Idealist or CharityJob specifically showcase part-time positions in the nonprofit sector. Make sure to check these regularly while keeping an eye on Selby Abbey’s own job listings on our website. Being proactive here can put you ahead of the curve!
We think you need these skills to ace Verger in Selby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Verger at Selby Abbey, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the Verger, customise your documents to fit the vibe of Selby Abbey. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at Selby Abbey
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Selby Abbey. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with Selby Abbey's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
