Cathedral Guide or Steward

Portsmouth Cathedral receives thousands of visitors, and the Guiding service is dedicated to Interacting with visitors: local, national, and global, interpreting the Cathedral for them, its Christian worship and heritage.

Stewards; Welcome visitors to the Cathedral helping direct them depending on the reason for their visit; which maybe private prayer, interest in the building and it’s history, a specific event, gathering, service or exhibition.

Guides; After detailed training and practice Guides are able to independently provide tours of the Cathedral to booked groups and also at the regular 2pm daily tour. There is no pressure to become a guide many volunteers are happy to be Stewards and not give tours.

Core Tasks

• Provide a warm welcome and customer service to all visitors to the Cathedral.

• Offering guided tours of the Cathedral, Interpreting the building to visitors, in an engaging way (after Guide training).

• Responding to any questions visitors may have about aspects of the Cathedral and its work including directing them to Cathedral staff or publications, as appropriate.

• Helping to make the Cathedral accessible to those with disabilities.

• Advise visitors of any special points to observe during visits i.e. if a service is running.

• Gentle encouragement of donations as the Cathedral does not charge entry.

About the organisation

Christian values are at the heart of all we do here at Portsmouth Cathedral however we are a team of staff and volunteers from all walks of life.  We are proud of our inclusive and diverse Cathedral, and we strive to support and uplift community through diocese-wide services and many exciting, varied events. We believe that here at Portsmouth Cathedral there is a role for all, and we hope you will come a join us!

Process:

You will need an account to register your interest for this role. Once you have registered your interest you will receive an automatic email with next steps. If you have not received this in a couple of hours, please do get in touch as it may not have registered (volunteering@hiveportsmouth.org.uk). 

You will need to respond to the "Criteria Check" email to progress with this role. 

Please check your junk email folder in case any emails end up there.  Friendly reminder that the charities/organisations emails may end up here too. 

Don't forget you can add up any volunteering hours as part of Team 100 Opportunity - Hive Portsmouth or part of the Donate 100 things challenge Opportunity - Hive Portsmouth.

Skills

• Well presented, with a friendly and approachable personality; sense of humour and can-do attitude. 

• Enthusiasm for, and willingness to, promote the Cathedral and its events and engage with people so that they experience a high standard of customer service. 

• Patience and tact are required in interactions with the public. 

• To be confident and enjoy meeting new people from all over the world.

• Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and visitors.

• Happy to work as part of a team and under the supervision of the Head Guide.

• A thirst for knowledge and a desire to share their passion on the history of Portsmouth Cathedral.

• Happy to work on their feet and in a wide range of temperatures.

• Ability to work alone and in a team.

• Aged 18 and over.

• Whilst being a practising Christian is not a requirement, volunteers should be sympathy with the ethos and aims of the Cathedral as a Christian organisation.