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. This is a permanent, part-time role of 15 hours per week, suited to someone with a practical disposition, a flexible approach to hours, and a genuine commitment to the Church of England's mission and worship.

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

The Verger is 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.

The post-holder will 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.

The Verger will 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.
Routine building maintenance falls within the role - including minor repairs, fault reporting, meter readings, and ensuring security, fire safety, and health and safety standards are met - alongside occasional supervision of contractors and support to the Operations Manager on wider property matters.

The post-holder will 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
The successful candidate will be reliable, punctual, and trustworthy, with the ability to work independently and to take responsibility for the building and its daily routines without close supervision. A flexible approach to working hours is essential, including availability on Sundays, weekday mornings, and at major festivals such as Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter. The post-holder will have 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 is required. A genuine commitment to the Church of England's ethos and a sensitivity to the needs and rhythms of Christian worship are essential to the role.

Previous experience as a verger, or in caretaking, facilities management, or a hospitality setting, would be an advantage. Experience of working in a church, heritage, or community building is welcome. Familiarity with health and safety procedures, and confidence in operating audio-visual and live-streaming equipment, would be beneficial.