We are currently seeking two Chaperone to the Choristers to join our Safeguarding team in one of the most iconic buildings in the world, St Paul’s Cathedral.

The purpose of this role is to support the Music Department staff in their work with the Cathedral Choristers, namely Chorister rehearsals, and to support the Choristers’ wellbeing while they are engaged in Cathedral activities.

The welfare of the Choristers, who board at the Cathedral School, is the joint responsibility of the Cathedral and the Cathedral School.

The Choristers are under the care of the Cathedral School staff when on School premises and on the journey to the Cathedral. When they undertake duties in the Cathedral, they are the responsibility of the Director of Music, on behalf of the Cathedral Chapter and the School jointly. The Cathedral School provides chaperones for services and for rehearsals on the Cathedral Floor but not for rehearsals in the Choir Practice Rooms. Therefore, the holder(s) of this post needs to be available at the times shown on the Chorister rehearsal schedule and at least 10 minutes either side to ensure smooth handovers. It is also desirable that the post holder attends at least one Evensong service, at which the Choristers are singing, and one meal in school per week to enable them to get to know the Choristers and contribute to their wellbeing.

The Chaperone may be called upon to assist when the Choristers are involved in Choir duties in a venue outside the Cathedral.

• To attend all rehearsals in the Choir Practice Room, moving between activities taking place in the various rooms, being available 10 minutes before and after the rehearsal.
• To accompany the Choristers on their journey from the Cathedral to the School after rehearsals (with Music Department staff).
• To attend one Evensong service per week at which the Choristers are singing.
• To be available to support the Choristers undertaking duties at times of national importance. These can occur unexpectedly and sometimes during the school holidays.
• To ensure that Choristers are properly dressed and tidy prior to services.
• To attend one meal per week in School – breakfast/dinner/Sunday lunch.
• To build positive relationships with the Choristers and to become a point of contact for their concerns or difficulties and the enjoyment of their role.
• To deal with any unforeseen circumstances such as Chorister illness during rehearsals and to provide basic first aid and/or to liaise with school duty staff/emergency services as necessary.
• To report any child protection or safeguarding concerns immediately to either the School or Cathedral Safeguarding Leads.
• To participate in a weekly Chaperone meeting (0.5 hours), either in person or virtually.

Essential experience, knowledge and skills:

• Sympathy with the aims and objectives of the Christian Church and the Anglican tradition.
• Experience of working with children aged 7 – 13.
• Experience and knowledge of safeguarding requirements and procedures and expected to share in St Paul’s Cathedral’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• Adherence to cathedral Safeguarding Policies and willingness to attend Safeguarding training and report any Safeguarding concerns through appropriate channels.
• Clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at the Enhanced level (with Barred Lists).
• Friendly and approachable, with a good sense of humour.
• Proven listening skills and emotional intelligence.
• Confident and clear communication skills – written and verbal.
• Ability to build strong and effective working relationships.
• Ability to oversee behavioural expectations and to ensure the code of conduct is adhered to.

Desirable experience, knowledge and skills:

• Some understanding of the pattern and format of traditional Church of England worship.
• Experience and knowledge of basic first aid procedures.
• Experience of working in a school.
• An interest in music.

St Paul’s is an equal opportunities employer and holds together a very diverse set of activities and aspirations. It is the Cathedral of the Diocese of London and the seat of its Bishop, a vibrant church and an international spiritual focus, a space for worship and holiness, a place of learning, debate and challenge, a national treasure, an icon of resilience in the face of adversity, an architectural heritage centre, a partner in the City of London, and a commercial enterprise.

In addition to offering acts of worship throughout the day, St Paul’s is open for prayer seven days a week and for sight-seeing six days a week.