Chapter Clerk

1. JOB PURPOSE

The Chapter Clerk is the chief lay executive responsible for implementation of the decisions and directions of Chapter and the efficient operation of its activities.

The role involves active support to the Chapter's decision-making processes by way of sound advice and wise counsel.

The role includes liaison with the Companions and Officers of the Order of the Garter and high-level planning of state ceremonial events and coordination between all elements of the College of St George and the Royal Household.

2. JOB CONTEXT

The College of St George was founded by Edward III to pray for and support the Sovereign and, thereby, the whole land. Daily Prayer has been offered by the College in unbroken succession through the centuries.

At the heart of the College is St George's Chapel, the spiritual home of the Knights of the Garter, where daily worship continues to be offered at least three times a day.

The College also includes St George's School (with approximately 300 pupils, about 20 of whom are Chapel Choristers), St George's House (a centre for consultations bringing people together to discuss matters of moral or ethical significance to make the world a better place), a Library and set of Archives increasingly used for research, the Military Knights of Windsor, and various departments including the Music Department, with its world-class Choir.

The Clergy and Chapel of St George were granted exemption from Provincial and Diocesan authority by the Pope in 1352, and this direct relationship with the Sovereign was maintained at the Reformation in the form of the Chapel's Royal Peculiar status. As such, it is an independent, self-financing institution responsible for the maintenance of St George's Chapel and its surrounding buildings making up approximately one quarter of Windsor Castle.

Discreet, prudent but determined fundraising is an important and ongoing task mostly undertaken by others and the Chapter Clerk actively supports that work.

Well over 1 million people visit St George's Chapel and its shop in the Cloisters each year. As the Chapel is within the walls of Windsor Castle the visitors' care and welcome is coordinated between St George's and Royal Collection Trust.

3. ORGANISATIONAL CHART

The Dean and Canons of Windsor

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_Chapter Clerk .

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2 Chapter Office Staff Capt. of Lay Stewards Virger Clerk of Works Accounts All depts

4. MAIN DUTIES

• Engagement with, support to and advice for, the Dean and Canons (Chapter).
• Effective operation of the Chapter's activities, with particular responsibility for:
  • HR, safeguarding, legal, health & safety, data protection, security, tourist, retail and media matters (working closely with professional advisers); State, royal and ceremonial occasions (including Garter Services) within St George's Chapel usually in liaison with Buckingham Palace (working as appropriate with the Dean); communication within the College, including editing the Chapel's weekly newsletter.
  • Coordination of non-liturgical events, such as concerts, within St George's Chapel.

The Chapter Clerk is also:

• Chapter Secretary, a Director and Company Secretary of St George's Chapel shop, Company Secretary of The Foundation of the College of St George and the US Foundation. The main contact for one fifth of the parishes for which the Dean and Canons of Windsor are patrons.

5. DECISION MAKING

Though all significant matters of decision, especially in relation to policy, flow through Chapter, the Chapter Clerk is required to show initiative in all areas of delegated responsibility (see Section 4) and to provide a sound lead in them, as well as contributing mature advice to Chapter and to College staff and members on all dimensions of the College's life.

There is a considerable level of autonomy to the post, with the majority of the work being unsupervised; but there is proper accountability to the Chapter and the work can be subject to wider scrutiny whether in terms of paperwork and systems, the law, media coverage, an event backfiring, staff dissatisfaction etc.

6. WORKING CONTACTS

• Close working relationship with the Dean as Dean of College and Chair of Chapter, Register of the Order of the Garter and Senior Domestic Chaplain to The King.
• Close working relationships with the Canons as Canons of Windsor and members of Chapter and in their Chapter Offices (and, thereby, the departments they oversee) and other distinctive roles.
• Daily contact with personnel throughout the College.
• Frequent contact with Windsor Castle staff (maintaining an effective operational relationship with the Castle Superintendent in particular), the Companions and Officers of the Order of the Garter, the Royal Household, Royal Collection Trust, police and local authorities, the Earl Marshal's office, Eton College, Windsor Festival, the Attingham Trust, Church of England National Safeguarding team, Lambeth Palace, Lord Lieutenants association etc.

7. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Personal qualities of integrity, selflessness, kindness and the ability to make good and constructive relationships are key, as is the need to be in full sympathy with the College's life and purpose, its ministry and mission.
• The skills to work well in a team, providing leadership as appropriate, are necessary, along with good interpersonal skills.
• Wide administrative and managerial experience are vital, together with media handling skills.
• The ability to work under pressure and with discretion, to be flexible and accessible, responsive and resourceful.

To apply please send a covering letter, CV and application form to Ms Andra Rigby

(PA to the Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, Dean of Windsor)

no later than 30 April 2025

First round interviews will take place on Tuesday 13 May 2025.

Second round interviews will take place on Wednesday 28 May 2025.

Interviewees will be given an opportunity to view the accommodation.