Chaperone in Islington

Westminster Abbey is looking for a Chaperone to support the St Margarets Choristers on a part-time, zero-hours basis. Working closely with the Director of Music, Music Coordinator and wider music team, the successful candidate will help ensure the safety, wellbeing and effective supervision of choristers during rehearsals, services and breaks.

The role includes:

• Preparing choristers for rehearsals and services
• Maintaining attendance records
• Liaising with parents and guardians
• Providing support when unexpected situations arise
• Ensuring that each chorister leaves safely with an agreed adult or in accordance with the appropriate permissions

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience of working with groups of young people
• Communicates confidently and appropriately with children and adults
• Remains calm and responds effectively in unexpected situations
• Is organised, reliable, welcoming and able to work well as part of a team
• Demonstrates patience, discretion and a strong commitment to confidentiality
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• Has an interest in cathedral music and the musical and liturgical life of Westminster Abbey

Applicants should hold a relevant qualification or have equivalent experience in a similar role. A valid first aid qualification and an existing chaperone licence would be advantageous, although training and support may be provided. The successful candidate must be willing to apply for a chaperone licence through their local authority where required.

Westminster Abbey is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check and complete relevant safeguarding training.

Working Hours for Cover Chaperone Required:

St Margarets Church, part of the Westminster Abbey Music Department, is seeking a Cover Chaperone to work occasional shifts as required during term time. The Cover Chaperone will work as part of a team looking after the St Margarets Choristers, a new choir for girls aged 11-17. Hours of work will be agreed in advance with the Director of Music, St Margarets, and will be based on the choirs term-time schedule.

The Cover Chaperone will need to be available, where possible, to provide cover for the following sessions:

• Sundays: 2.45 pm to 7.15 pm
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 3.45 pm to 6.45 pm

Chaperones are required during term time, which broadly follows this pattern:

• From the second Sunday in September to Christmas Eve
• From the second Sunday in January to Easter Day
• From the Sunday two weeks after Easter Day to the second Sunday in July

With at least a seven-day break at each half term. Exact term dates and cover requirements will be confirmed in advance. There may also be additional events outside the normal schedule, such as concerts and carol services. The Cover Chaperone may be asked to provide cover for these events, subject to availability.

About The Department:

Westminster Abbey has one of the few fully professional choral foundations in the world, with a historic musical tradition and an international reputation. At its heart is the Choir of Westminster Abbey. Comprising some thirty boy choristers and twelve professional adult singers (known as Lay Vicars), the Choir plays a central role both in the daily choral services in the Abbey and in the many royal, state and national occasions that take place there.

The Abbey's director of music and head of the Music Department holds the role of Organist and Master of the Choristers. The permanent music staff also includes the Sub-Organist, Assistant Organist, and Organ Scholar, together with the twelve Lay Vicars, Director of Music and Music Coordinator of St Margarets Westminster, and a team of part-time singing teachers and chaperones.

In addition, the department maintains an extensive register of approved freelance singers who sing as deputies with the Abbey Choir, and draws on the services of a wide range of external musicians, technicians, and specialist consultants. The Music Department's General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of the department, supported by the Music & Chorister Recruitment Coordinator and the Music Projects Assistant.

The core function of the Music Department is to provide choral and organ music at all services and public events in the Abbey, and to ensure that the music performed in and associated with the Abbey is of the highest possible standard. In addition, the department is responsible for the Abbey Choir's programme of extra-liturgical activities, including concerts, recordings and tours, and for the musical training of the Abbey Choristers, all of whom are educated at the Abbey's unique Choir School. The department shares with the school responsibility for the recruitment and selection of new choristers.