Cathedral Verger - Birmingham Cathedral
Cathedral Verger - Birmingham Cathedral

Cathedral Verger - Birmingham Cathedral

Birmingham Full-Time 24454 - 30568 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
T

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the cathedral's worship and ensure a welcoming experience for all visitors.
  • Company: Birmingham Cathedral, a vibrant community hub.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and contributory pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Be part of a historic institution and make a meaningful impact in your community.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for service.
  • Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal growth and development.

The predicted salary is between 24454 - 30568 £ per year.

Hours: 37 hours per week - flexibility in hours is required and hours will include some weekends.

Salary: £24,454.00 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Place of work: Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2QB

Pension: 8% Employers Contributory Pension subject to meeting auto-enrolment criteria.

Annual leave: 36 days per year, this includes Bank Holiday allowance.

This role is subject to a 3-month probationary period.

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

This role combines both aspects of a Verger, the liturgical and supporting the day-to-day operation of the cathedral. Vergers assist the Head of Operations and the Clergy team in delivering an excellent standard of liturgy, welcome and visitor experience. Vergers work as part of a wider team to help deliver a warm and welcoming greeting to all who visit the cathedral and those engaging in our programme of services and events. In addition to supporting the clergy in delivering liturgical excellence, Vergers are responsible for the care and maintenance of the building. The work includes cleaning, reporting maintenance requirements, opening, and closing the building securely, setting and resetting the cathedral for services and events and understanding the Health and Safety requirements including emergency evacuation. This role also includes some lone working.

Main Responsibilities

  • To assist in the delivery of the cathedral’s worship.
  • Present and maintain the cathedral to the highest standard.
  • To be responsible in the case of an emergency.
  • To engage with cathedral users (congregation, musicians, visitors, event organisers, etc).

A Verger will have a wide range of duties. These include, but are not limited to the following:

General responsibilities:

  • As Vergers always represent the cathedral suitable attire should be worn, alongside a name badge.
  • To work within the team of Vergers on a rota basis, under the direction of the Head of Operations. This includes covering weekends, Bank Holidays, Feast Days (including Christmas and Easter) and other important occasions, as required. Evening work is regularly included on the rota.
  • To communicate all messages and report all defects to the Head of Operations, so that the appropriate advice or action can be taken, and good lines of communication are maintained.

Liturgical Responsibilities:

  • To undertake liturgical and sacristy duties. This includes facilitating the smooth running of services and verging as required. To be dressed in cassock and verger robes as appropriate.
  • To prepare the cathedral for worship, daily activity and events and return to good order afterwards.
  • Prepare the vessels for Holy Communion and setting up for services.
  • Assist clergy in the leading of worship, reading lessons, serve and administer Holy Communion.
  • Frequently lead Evening Prayer.
  • Care for the altars, altar linen and sanctuary areas.
  • Change altar frontal according to season or festival.
  • To care for votive candle stands, orders of service and Gift Aid envelopes.
  • To carry out specialist duties, including the operation of the sound, streaming and lighting systems.
  • To complete service records and registers when the verger on duty.

More responsibilities and person specifications are included in the recruitment pack.

Closing date for applications: Monday 2 March 2026 at midday.

Interviews will be held on: Wednesday 11 March 2026.

Cathedral Verger - Birmingham Cathedral employer: The Church Of England Birmingham

Birmingham Cathedral offers a unique and fulfilling work environment for those passionate about liturgical excellence and community engagement. With a generous annual leave of 36 days, an 8% employer contributory pension, and opportunities for personal growth within a supportive team, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to the cathedral's mission of welcoming visitors and enhancing their experience. The flexible working hours, including weekends and special occasions, allow for a dynamic work-life balance in the heart of Birmingham.
T

Contact Detail:

The Church Of England Birmingham Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Cathedral Verger - Birmingham Cathedral

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the cathedral and its community! Visit Birmingham Cathedral, chat with staff or volunteers, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere. This will not only help you understand the role better but also show your genuine interest during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with people in the church community or those who have worked as Vergers before. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your liturgical knowledge and understanding of the cathedral's operations. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating a welcoming environment and maintaining the building’s standards.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your flexibility! Since the role requires working weekends and evenings, be upfront about your availability. Highlight any previous experience that demonstrates your adaptability and commitment to the job.

We think you need these skills to ace Cathedral Verger - Birmingham Cathedral

Liturgical Knowledge
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Attention to Detail
Health and Safety Awareness
Event Management
Customer Service
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Adaptability
Technical Skills (Sound, Streaming, Lighting Systems)
Emergency Response
Organisational Skills
Flexibility in Working Hours

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you're excited about being a Verger at Birmingham Cathedral and how you can contribute to our welcoming atmosphere.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience. We’re looking for skills in both liturgical duties and day-to-day operations, so don’t forget to mention any previous roles that showcase these abilities!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your key skills and experiences stand out!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our expectations there.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Church Of England Birmingham

✨Know Your Role Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Cathedral Verger. Familiarise yourself with the liturgical duties and day-to-day operations mentioned in the job description. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role.

✨Dress to Impress

Since Vergers represent the cathedral, it's essential to dress appropriately for the interview. Opt for smart attire that reflects the dignity of the position. This shows respect for the role and the institution, making a positive first impression.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as emergencies or engaging with visitors. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated problem-solving skills or provided excellent customer service. This will showcase your ability to think on your feet.

✨Show Your Team Spirit

As a Verger, you'll be part of a team, so highlight your teamwork skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Emphasising your ability to work well with clergy and other staff will show you're a great fit for their team.

Cathedral Verger - Birmingham Cathedral
The Church Of England Birmingham
Location: Birmingham

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

T
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>