LOCATION: Durham Cathedral and other locations outside the Cathedral
ACCOUNTABLE TO: The Master of the Choristers and Organist
RESPONSIBLE FOR: This post has no supervisory responsibilities.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS: Organist, Sub-Organist, Organ Scholars, Canon Precentor, Music Administrator, Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars, Choristers, Members of Chapter, Vergers, and other members of Cathedral staff and volunteers.
BACKGROUND: Durham Cathedral Choir consists of up to 48 Choristers, (boys and girls singing in alternation), 6 Choral Scholars and 6 Lay Clerks. The Choir sings the daily Cathedral services during Choir term. The Choir performs a wide, exciting and varying repertoire extending from plainsong works written in Durham eight centuries ago to works written in the last ten years, including works commissioned especially for the Cathedral. It also appears regularly in concerts, in both the Cathedral and elsewhere. The Choir also tours from time to time.
JOB SUMMARY: To sing the daily Cathedral services during Choir term and participate in additional services sometimes arranged at short notice as well as participating in the Northern Cathedrals Festival and joint Evensongs with cathedral choirs in Newcastle and Edinburgh. Lay Clerks also participate in recordings, broadcasts, and other Cathedral concerts from time to time.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. To participate in the weekly timetable of services 2. To participate in the Northern Cathedrals Festival and joint Evensongs with cathedral choirs. 3. To participate in diocesan services or concerts as directed by the Organist. 4. To participate in recordings, broadcasts and other concerts in Durham Cathedral as directed by the Organist. 5. To take an active part in the worship of the Cathedral including full support for and commitment to the Cathedral’s Christian ethos. 6. To take care of your voice
The main duties and responsibilities of your post are outlined in your job description. This list is not exhaustive and is intended to reflect your main tasks and areas of work. Changes may occur over time and you will be expected to agree any reasonable changes to your job description that are commensurate with your banding and in line with the general nature of your post. You will be consulted about any changes to your job description before these are implemented.
Health and Safety Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, whilst at work you must take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions. In addition, you must co-operate with the Cathedral on health and safety and not interfere with or mis- use anything provided for your health, safety and welfare.
Confidentiality
Staff must not pass on to unauthorised persons, any information obtained in the course of their duties without the permission of their Head of Department.
Safeguarding
This post is subject to enhanced DBS clearance and completion of a confidential self-declaration form.
Durham Cathedral is committed to safeguarding. If at any time the post-holder sees or hears anything that could suggest a safeguarding risk or has any other reason to be concerned, it should be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Officer.
Post-holder Signature: ……………………………………………………………………..
Line Manager Signature: ………………………………………………………………….
Date: ………………………………………………………………………………………….
Durham Cathedral
Lay Clerk
Person Specification
This section outlines the requirements and qualities the post-holder needs in order to fulfil the post. These are divided into ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’ criteria. ‘Essential’ criteria are those that the post-holder absolutely must have in order to do the job, i.e. the job cannot be done without those qualities. ‘Desirable’ criteria are those qualities that would be either useful, an advantage or preferable to have in order to do the job or those which can be trained to do, i.e. the job can be done without those qualities.
E/D AF/I Education
Undergraduate degree or equivalent E A Professional qualifications D A Postgraduate degree or equivalent D A
Skills/Aptitudes
Vocal expertise E A/I Excellent sight-reading E I
Knowledge/Experience
Significant Choral experience E A/I Appreciation of the importance of safeguarding and how to E I deal with safeguarding incidents according to best practice Who has a clear understanding of and commitment to the place E I of music in worship Good knowledge of Anglican cathedral repertoire D A/I Personal Attributes
Punctuality, loyalty, commitment, smartness of appearance E I Demonstrates empathy for vision, mission and values of E I Durham Cathedral Who works well in a team context, and who is committed to E A/I collaboration and team building
Circumstances
Must be willing to work flexibly to meet the requirements of the E I Choir