Westminster Abbey is looking for a Chaperone to support the St Margaret’s Choristers on a part-time, zero-hours basis.
Working closely with the Director of Music, Music Coordinator and wider music team, the successful candidate will help ensure the safety, wellbeing and effective supervision of choristers during rehearsals, services and breaks.
The role includes preparing choristers for rehearsals and services, maintaining attendance records, liaising with parents and guardians, providing support when unexpected situations arise, and ensuring that each chorister leaves safely with an agreed adult or in accordance with the appropriate permissions.
We are looking for someone who:
Has experience of working with groups of young people
Communicates confidently and appropriately with children and adults
Remains calm and responds effectively in unexpected situations
Is organised, reliable, welcoming and able to work well as part of a team
Demonstrates patience, discretion and a strong commitment to confidentiality
Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
Has an interest in cathedral music and the musical and liturgical life of Westminster Abbey
Applicants should hold a relevant qualification or have equivalent experience in a similar role. A valid first aid qualification and an existing chaperone licence would be advantageous, although training and support may be provided. The successful candidate must be willing to apply for a chaperone licence through their local authority where required.
Westminster Abbey is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check and complete relevant safeguarding training.
Working Hours for Cover Chaperone Required
St Margaret’s Church, part of the Westminster Abbey Music Department, is seeking a Cover Chaperone to work occasional shifts as required during term time.
The Cover Chaperone will work as part of a team looking after the St Margaret’s Choristers, a new choir for girls aged 11-17. Hours of work will be agreed in advance with the Director of Music, St Margaret’s, and will be based on the choir’s term-time schedule. The Cover Chaperone will need to be available, where possible, to provide cover for the following sessions:
Sundays: 2.45 pm to 7.15 pm
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 3.45 pm to 6.45 pm
Chaperones are required during term time, which broadly follows this pattern:
From the second Sunday in September to Christmas Eve
From the second Sunday in January to Easter Day
From the Sunday two weeks after Easter Day to the second Sunday in July
With at least a seven-day break at each half term
Exact term dates and cover requirements will be confirmed in advance.
There may also be additional events outside the normal schedule, such as concerts and carol services. The Cover Chaperone may be asked to provide cover for these events, subject to availability.