This is a new post designed to support the Engagement offer at Westminster Abbey as it enters a new phase of development. The post-holder will be joining the department, formed in 2022 to deepen visitor engagement with Westminster Abbey. The team has been trialling different ways of engaging new audiences and wants to develop this further in line with Abbey strategies.
This role will enable a regular programme of activity for family audiences to the Abbey, helping them to engage on a deeper level with the Abbey as a church and heritage site. They will also support tours and activities when they are booked on relevant days which deliver against our community programmes.
Key Responsibilities
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Deliver engaging Saturday activities for families, including setting up seasonal activities, preparing materials and supporting a positive visitor experience.
- Supervise and support volunteers involved in the delivery of family activities and engagement programmes.
- Welcome community groups undertaking guided or self-led visits and deliver guided tours that meet the needs of different audiences and comply with health and safety requirements.
- Support family trails and activities, including restocking materials and gathering evaluation data to help inform their ongoing development.
- Assist with the delivery of Family and Festival Days, including supporting activities taking place on Saturdays and, where required, on other days of the week.
- Support the wider Adult Engagement programme, including delivering scripted tours and assisting contractors providing accessible tours for audiences who may face barriers to accessing the Abbey.
About you
- A confident and effective communicator, with the ability to engage verbally with a wide range of audiences.
- Experienced in delivering public events and/or community programmes, ideally within an arts, heritage or cultural setting.
- Have an understanding of informal learning and community engagement, and enjoys finding ways to connect with different audiences.
- Work well collaboratively as part of a wider team, building positive relationships with colleagues across different departments.
- Can respond calmly and professionally to situations as they arise, while providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for visitors.
- Appreciate the Abbey as a living church and worshipping community, is committed to its values and to diversity, and can communicate sensitively with people of all faiths and none.
Working Hours
These are 12 hours per week, the post holder will work on Saturdays, and limited hours on a Monday. The full-time equivalent hours are 40 hours per week.
Onsite Arrangements
As a working church and a major visitor attraction, being present on site allows our teams to deliver exceptional experiences and maintain the unique atmosphere of the Abbey. Working on site each day is the default expectation for all staff to promote collaboration and connection.
Annual Holidays
The full-time holiday entitlement is 33 days per annum, including recognised public holidays.
Training
On-site training will be provided in all aspects of the job. Any further training needs will be assessed through the probation period and in annual appraisals.
Staff Discount
All employees receive a 20% discount on purchases from the Westminster Abbey shop and a 30% discount on purchases from the take-away catering outlets.
Pension Scheme and Life Assurance
All employees can join a Group Personal Pension plan, where the minimum employee contribution is 3% and the maximum employer contribution is 9% (as determined by the level of the employee contribution). You will be auto-enrolled into our qualifying workplace pension scheme after 3 months, if you meet the eligibility criteria.
All employees are covered by death-in-service life assurance, whether or not they choose to join the pension scheme.
Season Ticket Loan
A season ticket loan is offered after completion of the probationary period, repayable over 10 months.
Safeguarding
Westminster Abbey is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk. To prevent them from harm, we undertake appropriate checks (including the relevant level of criminal record check) on staff and volunteers and require them to complete relevant safeguarding training. This post requires a enhanced level criminal record check.