The church of St. Andrew, Newgate Street sits at the geographical centre of Newcastle City.
As a Grade 1- listed building and ‘the oldest church’ in the city it has consequently been a focus for worship and fellowship of one kind or another for over 900 years. Today, we remain at the heart of city life. Apart from the large footfall (owing to Newcastle United football stadium and two Universities on our doorstep) there are many local and international visitors, tourists, pilgrims, and historians paying regular visits for a variety of special celebrations or services. We are home to Northumbria Deaf Mission and a City Centre Chaplaincy which respects all faiths, equally supporting those who belong to no particular faith group but ask for help. Our aim is to provide a warm welcome, safe space, and all who seek an oasis of calm in our busy city.
The Church of England is committed to promoting a safe environment and culture for children, young people and vulnerable adults. Anyone appointed to this role will be expected to work within the relevant safeguarding policies and procedures, and to attend all required safeguarding training.
Role description
Main purpose of the role
The Verger Caretaker is part of a small team that is essential to the daily operations and worshipping life of the Church and its visitors. The clue is in the word ‘caretaker’ as S/he routinely looks after and cares for the church building internally and externally including the care and maintenance of its fabrics, reporting any areas of concern to Churchwardens and Vicar. S/he prepares for services, setting up for events, carrying out light cleaning and maintenance.
What the role involves. You will be expected to:
- Maintain flagpole on the church tower.
- Carry out fire alarm checks and be a person on call for the fire and security alarms.
- Carry out repairs and maintenance according to your qualifications and experience.
- Support the activities of the church by ensuring facilities are clean, tidy and ready for use.
- Provide support for our volunteer teams within the church and chaplaincy e.g. staging and to step-up into the steward role when required.
- Person on call/point of contact for staff and volunteers in the church.
- Perform caretaking duties to move, set up and take down furniture for events and services.
- Involvement in liturgical services including practical set ups for regular acts of worship, baptisms, weddings and funerals.
- Any other duties as required.
- Be responsible for the good maintenance of the Vestry and Outer Vestry area.
- Ensure that appropriate heating is provided for events and services in accordance with agreed protocols.
- Oversee the audio, lighting and security (CCTV) equipment/alarms in the church.
- Oversee the opening and closing of the church and church hall for special occasions.
- Attend meetings for your support, guidance or supervision.
- Be aware of and comply with all relevant safeguarding requirements.
- Know how to respond to and report any safeguarding concerns or allegations.
- Maintain safeguarding and Health & Safety standards at all times.
- Be sympathetic to the aims and ethos of the Church of England.
- Take care of the churchyard/grounds maintaining Health & Safety especially concerning pathways, access gates, litter and leaves.
- Monitor/oversee the Community Fridge.
- Undertake any other reasonable tasks requested by the Churchwardens, Vicar or other authorised person to allow the efficient running of the church.
When and where you will be doing it
Weekday Verger Caretaker Monday to Friday - 1000 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Occasional weekends by agreement.
- These are core hours (30hrs) but in addition, overtime is available by mutual agreement. Working hours may be flexible subject to operational requiremen.ts. Flexibility to move hours is required to cover church activities, concerts, our Patronal Festival (St. Andrew’s Day, 30th November) and Holy Week.
Disclosure and Barring Service check: An enhanced check is required for both child and adult workforces.
To whom will you be responsible: Churchwardens and Vicar.
Safeguarding training requirements: The following safeguarding pathways will need to be completed:
- Basic Awareness
- Foundation
Support you will be given: Support from the Churchwardens and Vicar. Support from the Parish Administrator/Office Manager. Training. This role is subject to a three-month probationary period.
Other information:
- This will be an annualized hours contract at £12.50 per hour.
- 30 days holiday to include bank holidays (pro-rata).
- Pension Scheme.
- Full terms and conditions of employment are described in the Written Statement of Particulars of employment.
- Car parking on site available if required.
- Uniform/protective clothing provided.
Person Specification
(Knowledge, skills, experience, personal attributes, qualifications or other requirements)
This role requires someone who :
- Has a flexible and conscientious approach to work.
- Pays attention to detail and is well organised.
- Has the ability to work effectively and collaboratively as a member of a small team (essential).
- Understands and maintains appropriate boundaries of confidentiality.
- Has good communication skills.
- Builds good relationships with tact and sensitivity.
- Is approachable and empathetic.
- Is punctual.
- Is willing to develop skills and to engage with training.
- Treats everyone with respect and dignity.
Is physically able to cope with the role - there is a lot of furniture to move, and leaves/litter to tidy, collect and bag, and the need to visit the church tower/roof – therefore physical fitness is essential.
Additional Information
The following information is relevant to everyone who has a role in the church.
Promoting a Safer Church
Everyone must read and have access to the Church of England’s safeguarding policy statement entitled Promoting a Safer Church.
Training
Everyone must undertake training that is relevant to the role. Most safeguarding training can be completed online via the Church of England’s Safeguarding Training Portal. However, face-to-face training will be provided to anyone who can’t access the online portal.
Safeguarding training needs to be refreshed every three years.
Policies and Procedures
Everyone must read and comply with any relevant policies and procedures that have been approved by the PCC.
Appications to fathermike@nccc.me.uk
Closing date 3 February 2025