Guides are a key point of contact for many visitors to the Cathedral who wish to learn more about the history, architecture and liturgical context of this magnificent building. The guides provide organised, time specific tours of the building to visitors. They share their passion for and knowledge of the Cathedral whilst effectively engaging with each group they guide, providing an entertaining, warm, informative and pleasant experience for visitors. Guided tours are offered to groups including: tourists, international language schools, specialist teams, historical groups and pilgrimage groups. Prospective Guides are expected to participate in comprehensive training prior to taking up their role. The training focuses on the Cathedral, its worshipping life, history and architectural heritage, presentation skills and on customer relations. Guides are expected to continue to develop their knowledge once in post and to attend further training events from time to time.
Volunteer Profile
• Enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the Cathedral, its purpose and its history.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, including the ability to speak clearly and with
an engaging manner with a wide variety of individuals, including those for whom English is not their
first language, young people and visitors with specific needs.
• A positive, friendly, helpful attitude.
• Willing to undertake training and to contribute to the training of new Guides and Stewards.
• Able to use initiative and judgement.
• Ability to speak another language (desirable but not essential).
• British Sign Language trained (desirable but not essential).