Vacancies

Please see below our current vacancies:

As one of the most rapidly expanding Cathedral Music Departments in the UK, Derby Cathedral is looking to extend its musical provision to grow new choirs in other churches in the Diocese, to establish a community choir for adults with little or no music reading ability, and to grow the Music in Schools Programme to reach a greater number of children across Derbyshire. Derby Cathedral is committed to the professional development of its team and attendance at regular training and conferences is offered and encouraged.

 

Main Duties of the Post

– Deliver outstanding whole class singing sessions to schools at primary level on the Music in Schools programme.
– Maintain excellent relationships with colleagues at the Cathedral, our stakeholders, Headteachers and all school teams.
– Assist and support with the Cathedral Choirs and any newly established Parish-based choirs, ensuring that pathways are developed to allow children from the classroom to take their singing further.
– Ensure that termly reports are written to demonstrate that we are offering the very best provision to pupils on the Music in Schools Programme.
– Attend regular full team and Music Department meetings.
– Contribute to the continued development of the Music in Schools
– Programme and the wider development of the Cathedral Music Department.
– Take an active responsibility for continued professional development, through attendance of conferences and courses, as required.

 

Please submit your application using the application form and provide a personal statement (max. 1000 words). Applications should be received by email to alexander@derbycathedral.org no later than noon on Monday 29 June.

Interviews are likely to take place on the week commencing Monday 13 July and will include the delivery of a short whole class singing session and interview. If you are invited for interview, you will be asked to produce evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK. This position is offered subject to two satisfactory references and a DBS check at enhanced level.

 

Download the Information Pack here: Information Pack for Choral Director for Schools
Download the Application Form here: Application Form
Application deadline: Monday 29th June 2026

The successful candidates would join a pool of Alto, Tenor or Bass Deputy Lay Clerks to cover services when one of our regular Lay Clerks is unavailable, or on such occasions as extra singers are needed. We are also seeking Soprano Deputy Lay Clerks to sing for midweek funerals or occasional services. Deputy Lay Clerks are engaged on a self-employed basis and are paid by the service at the end of each month on receipt of an invoice.

 

Main Duties of Deputy Lay Clerks

– To sing Alto, Tenor or Bass with the Cathedral Choir for services, concerts, broadcasts, tours or any other event as required OR to sing Soprano with the Lay Clerks for services
– To prepare all music to the highest standards in advance of rehearsals
– On occasion, to be willing to undertake solo work as required
– To ensure that any safeguarding training is undertaken, and to pass on any safeguarding concerns without delay

 

Please submit your application using the application form and provide a personal statement (max. 1000 words). Applications should be received by email to alexander@derbycathedral.org at any time. Once the application form has been received, should we wish to invite you to interview and audition, you will be required to prepare a solo piece and undertake several passages of sightreading.

The solo piece could be an aria from an oratorio or passion, a song or an extended solo section from a choral work. You will also be asked some questions about safeguarding. This position is offered subject to two satisfactory references and the completion of a Confidential Declaration Form.

 

Download the Information Pack here: Information Pack for Deputy Lay Clerk
Download the Application Form here: Application Form

The main duties of Chorister Supervisors are to provide support and care for the Choristers, Junior Choral Scholars and children involved in music at Derby Cathedral. The successful candidate(s) would join a team of Chorister Supervisors, line managed by the Director of Music.

 

A few of the main duties of the Chorister Supervisor include:

– Supervise choristers for rehearsals, services and any other event both inside and outside the Cathedral
– Ensure that choristers arrive and depart the Cathedral safely
– Ensure that the register is completed
– Alongside other Music Department staff, ensure that the very best pastoral support is provided to choristers
– Ensure the wellbeing of choristers is upheld at all times, and that appropriate care is given in the event of chorister illness
– Build positive relationships with chorister parents
– Act as a supervisor for other Cathedral Choirs and children visiting the Cathedral for musical events, e.g. Junior Choir and Music in Schools Programme
– Set up chorister refreshments and games
– Ensure that all safeguarding concerns are passed on without delay
– Assist with the laundry of robes

 

Please submit your application using the application form and provide a personal statement (max. 1000 words). Applications should be received by email to Alexander Binns, Director of Music at alexander@derbycathedral.org by noon on Monday 29 June.

Successful candidates will be invited to interview in the week commencing Monday 13 July. This position is offered subject to two satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS clearance. For an informal conversation about this role, please also contact the Director of Music via email.

 

Download the Information Pack here: Information Pack for Chorister Supervisor
Download the Application Form here: Application Form

 

Application deadline: Monday 29th June 2026

Derby Cathedral is seeking an experienced and motivated leader to join our team as Head Verger. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced manager or team leader, whether from a cathedral, church, heritage setting, hospitality or operations, to play a central role in the life of one of Derby’s most significant institutions. As we prepare for the 100th anniversary of becoming a Cathedral in 2027, this is a transformative moment in our story. The Head Verger will play a key part in helping shape this next chapter.

 

The Head Verger leads our dedicated team of Vergers and Facilities staff, ensuring the smooth, safe, and dignified running of all worship, events, and day‑to‑day operations within the Cathedral. Working collaboratively with clergy, colleagues, and volunteers, the role helps maintain Derby Cathedral as a place of prayer, welcome, hospitality, and excellence. From major civic services and liturgical festivals to school visits, daily worship, and events, the Head Verger ensures high standards, exceptional care for the building, and a warm welcome for everyone who walks through our doors.

 

We welcome applications from current Vergers or Deputy/Head Vergers, or experienced leaders from other sectors who bring strong people management, operational oversight, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality visitor or public‑facing experiences

 

Above all, we are looking for someone who can:

 

  • Lead, motivate, and support a small team
  • Work collaboratively and calmly in a busy environment
  • Offer excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Embrace and uphold the Cathedral’s values, mission, and Christian context

 

Full training in the liturgical and ceremonial aspects of the role will be provided. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the mission, welcome, and daily rhythm of Derby Cathedral at a time of growth, renewed vision, and exciting development projects. You will join a supportive, collaborative team committed to excellence, inclusion, and hospitality.

 

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Jessica Kilmurray, Head of Operations, on 01332 341201 or email jessica@derbycathedral.org

 

Download the Information Pack here: Information Pack for Head Verger
Download the Application Form here: Head Verger – Application Form

 

Application deadline: Sunday 14th June 2026

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Derby Cathedral,

18-19 Iron Gate,

Derby,

DE1 3GP

Call: 01332 341201

Email: office@derbycathedral.org

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Registered Charity Number: 1207768.

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