Verger

St Luke’s, Sydney Street, is one of London’s finest Victorian Gothic churches, serving a vibrant Chelsea parish with a wide civic and national profile. We are looking for a Verger who will be a reliable, welcoming presence at the heart of church life – someone who understands instinctively that a well-cared-for building and a warm human welcome are themselves acts of ministry.

The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults through the Safer Recruitment practice guidance. This role is subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the day‑to‑day care and presentation of St Luke’s Church, vestry, crypt and churchyard, working closely with the clergy, Parish Manager and Operations Manager to maintain the building to a high standard of cleanliness, order and readiness for worship.
• Act as verger at regular Sunday services and the full range of occasional offices—including weddings, funerals, memorials and the parish’s significant Christmas carol services—operating the sound system, lighting and live‑streaming equipment as required, and supporting clergy and churchwardens with all practical arrangements for worship.
• Ensure the church is open and welcoming to visitors, maintaining stocks of welcome materials and refreshment supplies, and providing a hospitable presence for all who come through the door.
• Handle routine building maintenance, including minor repairs, fault reporting, meter readings and ensuring security, fire safety and health and safety standards are met. Supervise contractors as dispatched and support the Operations Manager on wider property matters.
• Liaise regularly with the Parish Administrator, clergy and churchwardens, provide clear handover notes when taking leave, and undertake such other duties as may reasonably be requested by the Rector or Churchwardens.

Essential

• Reliable, punctual, trustworthy, able to work independently and to take responsibility for the building and its daily routines without close supervision.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including availability on Sundays, weekday mornings and at major festivals such as Christmas, Holy Week and Easter.
• Good interpersonal skills and a naturally welcoming manner, together with the attention to detail required to maintain a church of St Luke’s quality in a constant state of readiness.
• Some capacity for light practical and maintenance tasks.
• Genuine commitment to the Church of England’s ethos and a sensitivity to the needs and rhythms of Christian worship.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a verger, or in caretaking, facilities management or a hospitality setting.
• Experience working in a church, heritage or community building.
• Familiarity with health and safety procedures.
• Confidence in operating audio‑visual and live‑streaming equipment.

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