About us
Careers
Winchester Cathedral encompasses over 1,000 years of history and we invite you to be part of the story...
Like all major heritage attractions, there is an awful lot going on behind the scenes. Our community of clergy, staff and volunteers support the Cathedral’s mission, preserve and maintain the fabric of the building, and provide an excellent experience for over 130,000 annual visitors.
Current Vacancies
Cathedral Virger
An exciting opportunity has become available for a part time Cathedral Virger to join us at the Cathedral, working a rota system, with one weekend off every four weeks. The working hours are 25 hours a week, on a pro rata salary of £18,534.93 per annum (£27,802.39 full time equivalent).
Working within the Virger’s Department and reporting to Custos (the Head Virger), the post holder will be responsible for facilitating high-quality liturgy and all the preparation required for it.
The closing date for this role is Thursday 10th September 2026, and interviews will be held week commencing Monday 21st September 2026.
For further information about the role, please refer to the Candidate Information Pack
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Recruitment@winchester-cathedral.org.uk. If you have any questions regarding this role, please contact Daren Gibb on 01962 857226 or 07765 063188
All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an application form prior to interview.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, including the receipt of two satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check (which includes completion of a confidential self-declaration form), and completion of Church of England safeguarding training relevant to the role.
Winchester Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
We are regrettably unable to accept applications from candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK or require sponsorship to work in the UK.
A testimonial
What it's like to work at Winchester Cathedral
“I love coming to work here every day. The Cathedral is a very special place and the warmth of staff and volunteers mean that I always feel at home as I walk around the building and Inner Close. I am very lucky that, in my role, I work with lots of people across different departments and specialisms, all of whom share the same care and dedication to making the Cathedral the wonderful and welcoming place it is.”
Ellie Swire, Curator & Librarian
A testimonial
What it's like to work at Winchester Cathedral
“One of the privileges of being a virger is getting the Cathedral all to yourself when first opening up in the morning! The day itself revolves around the regular Worship (Morning Prayer, Communion, and Evening Prayer), and preparing for these services is at the very core of our purpose. However, aside from these ‘pillars’ of Cathedral life, every day brings different challenges. We might be building a stage for a concert, working on the mixing desk to ‘produce’ our worship for an online congregation, cleaning precious metal communion plate, handling historical vestments, filling oil candles, rescuing peregrine chicks, or even cleaning toilets (just to mention a few). Whilst it is partly this variety that makes the job so enjoyable, it is the people I work with (staff and volunteers) that make it special”
Dickon Kelly, Deputy Head Virger
A testimonial
What it's like to work at Winchester Cathedral
“When I started at the Cathedral 12 years ago I thought it would be tranquil, quiet and a bit boring! How wrong I was! Looking after over 700 volunteers is a challenge but very rewarding. Over 50 different roles in the Cathedral, ages ranging from 18-93, such a diverse range of interesting, passionate and dedicated volunteers making this beautiful Cathedral come to life. From Guiding, Welcoming, Gardening and Dusting without their enthusiasm the building would not function. I am so proud to be part of this vibrant community.”
Sarah Williams, Head of Volunteers
Benefits of working here
Staff benefits
There can’t be many better locations to work. Situated in the heart of historic Winchester, the Cathedral is within easy reach of shops and places to eat, and has its own on-site cafe. The city itself is beautiful and bustling, with excellent road and rail links.
We offer excellent benefits and actively invest in developing our staff, including:
- Generous pension of 3% employee contributions and 8% employer contributions through the Church of England pension scheme
- Life Assurance
- 10% off in the gift shop and café
- Access to our Wellness programme
- Free on-site parking
Complimentary entry
Visit the cathedral for free before your interview
As a thank you for applying to work at the cathedral, we’d love to offer you complimentary entry to the cathedral.
Get a feel for the place, feel inspired by the stories of our past and meet some of our friendly staff and volunteers.
Simply request your chosen date to visit when you organise your interview with our HR team.
Safer recruitment
Safeguarding information
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
All successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks, including Safeguarding training and, where appropriate, either a basic or enhanced DBS check.
You can find out more about our Safeguarding Policy here.
Getting here
Travelling to Winchester Cathedral and Winchester Cathedral offices
Not sure how to find the building where your interview is taking place? Click here to view a helpful map.
As with many historic cities, parking within the centre is limited. Where possible we strongly advise that you make use of public transport when travelling to Winchester Cathedral/Winchester Cathedral offices. For more information about public transport, please visit the ‘Plan your Visit’ page.
Strengthening the national skills pipeline that keeps our shared heritage safe, sustainable, and open to all
Learn more
Proud members of the Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship
Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship (CWF) is a UK education charity dedicated to safeguarding heritage craft skills through high-quality training and sector partnerships. Working with 14 member cathedrals and industry allies, CWF delivers accredited pathways, CPD, and peer learning for craftspeople, supervisors, and future leaders. From stonemasonry to conservation practice, our programmes balance hands-on site work with academic rigour, aligned to professional standards.
Be part of the story…
