Karen - Education and Family Learning volunteer

Education and family learning volunteers play a lively and active role in the Cathedral with their primary responsibility focused on taking booked educational or family groups on a guided tour around the Cathedral or leading. activities with those groups. Our volunteers also contribute to planning and preparation for school visits and other activities. The role is very varied, working with all ages from pre-school right up to those in further education. Children and young people can be guaranteed to keep you on your toes so volunteers need to be creative, flexible and good communicators. Karen has wonderful experience in this area from her profession in teaching and her current role as Schools’ Adviser for the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education.

Supervision: Education and Pilgrimage Officer

Time commitment: Individual sign-up; on a rota basis

 Purpose and function:

To provide a warm welcome and lead and assist with educational visits and family learning activities.

 Role profile:

• Skills and experience in imparting information to groups of children in a thought-provoking and engaging manner
• Experience of the teaching profession is an advantage 
• Volunteers will also need sensitivity to the Christian setting we are working in and will be expected to sensitively introduce and involve children to this and deepen spiritual engagement with the Cathedral as part of their visit
• A positive, friendly, helpful and flexible attitude, recognising the needs of different learners and the other users of the Cathedral space
• A willingness to learn in order to attain an excellent grasp of the history, life and purpose of the Cathedral
• Able to operate as part of a team and to follow instructions
• Able to use initiative and judgement.

 Duties:

• To take booked educational or family groups on a guided tour around the Cathedral or lead activities with those groups
• To contribute to advanced preparation for school visits and other activities when required
• To be prepared for the visit programme and to arrive at least half an hour before the time of the tour/visit for any briefings and set-up needed
• To discuss, share and evaluate visits and activities with the volunteer team and Education and Pilgrimage Officer
• To contribute to other aspects of the Education programme at the Cathedral through sharing ideas, planning and delivering; including offering hospitality and refreshments to those who visit.

 Requirements:

• Completion of an enhanced DBS check through Christ Church Cathedral
• Read and follow the Christ Church Cathedral Volunteer Safeguarding Guide
• Complete Church of England Safeguarding Training – Basic Awareness and Foundation modules
• Read and sign the Volunteer Agreement
• Provide the names and addresses of two referees
• Complete the training programme and attend an initial session to observe a school visit and/or a family activity
• Complete induction training which will include Health & Safety, Fire, Security as appropriate for the role
• An understanding of and empathy with the operations of a working Cathedral and to be in sympathy with the aims and purpose of the Anglican Church
• You may be required to attend additional training sessions as the role progresses.

 BENEFITS:

• Becoming part of a passionate and dedicated team
• Active participation in the life of the Cathedral
• Excellent training, including occasional access to experts and specialists
• Skills and CV development.
• Social engagement with other volunteers facilitated through organised events during the year
• Playing an important role in helping facilitate the Cathedral’s work with children and young people
• Priority booking to services such as Nine Lessons & Carols
• Free entry to the Christ Church site at any time (when open) with family or friends
• 10% discount in the Christ Church shop.

Find out more about all the volunteer roles available at the Cathedral.