Cathedral Verger

Cofebirmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A cathedral in Birmingham seeks a Verger to assist with worship services, maintain the cathedral's standards, and engage warmly with visitors. Responsibilities include preparing for services, undertaking liturgical duties, and ensuring the facility is secure and well-maintained. Candidates should be flexible with hours, including weekends and evenings, and exhibit strong communication skills. Previous experience in a similar role is advantageous. This role comes with a permanent contract and numerous benefits, including generous annual leave.

Benefits

8% Employers Contributory Pension

36 days annual leave including Bank Holidays

Qualifications

• Experience in church or similar environments appreciated.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings as required.
• Strong communication skills for engagement with visitors.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the delivery of the cathedral’s worship.
• Maintain the cathedral to the highest standard.
• Engage with cathedral users and visitors.
• Prepare the cathedral for services and events.

Skills

Liturgical duties

Team collaboration

Health and Safety awareness

Customer service

Job description

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

Principle Areas of Accountability:

• 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

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

Interviews will be held on: Wednesday 11 March 2026.