Volunteering expectations
Volunteering expectations
Our volunteer agreement is a clear statement of what a volunteer can expect from us, and what we hope for from you as a volunteer with us.
Volunteer agreement
The Chapter welcomes you as a valued member of the St Paul’s Cathedral community. In becoming a volunteer, you join over 500 people who together work to support our mission of enabling people in all their diversity to encounter the transforming presence of God in Jesus Christ. Across the Cathedral we welcome those of all faiths and none and expect that all our people will be in sympathy with, and in their work support, our Christian aims and mission.
As an iconic visitor attraction, you should be aware that we permit photography and videography to take place outside and within the Cathedral (apart from during services). Please therefore be aware that you may appear in images taken by our visitors.
Further details of our mission, purpose and values are set out below.
Your role profile(s) accompanies this volunteer agreement.
We will
- do our best to make your experience with us enjoyable and rewarding
- treat you fairly and with respect and dignity according to our mission statement and values
- ensure you understand your role and know how to perform it
- manage your contribution including providing induction, ongoing development and keeping you up to date on relevant issues
- make sure you have a named contact who will support and encourage you
- consider your opinions on your role and keep you informed on any changes to it
- make your environment as safe as possible
- provide you with necessary training to undertake your roles
- respect your privacy and protect your personal information
- respond to concerns or complaints as outlined in our policies.
We ask you to
- act according to our mission and purpose, treating colleagues and visitors fairly, speaking and behaving with respect, and recognising the needs of individuals
- respect and help us to deliver our ‘WREN’ values, listed below
- adhere to our commitment to diversity and equality
- be tolerant of each person’s differences, whether staff, volunteer, clergy or visitor
- act with integrity and work together with other volunteers, staff and Ministers, sharing knowledge and information with them when necessary and appropriate, reporting any concerns or complaints in a timely manner
- work safely within agreed practices and read and follow handbooks, policies and procedures relevant to the Cathedral and your role
- follow instructions given to you by Cathedral staff
- dress appropriately for your role
- learn and perform your role(s) to the best of your ability according to the role profile
- meet the time commitments you have chosen and let your staff and/or volunteer team lead know if you are unable to attend
- attend or complete required training, which may be outside your usual time for volunteering
- respect Cathedral confidentiality, including in contact with the media. This will include adherence to our social media policy.
This agreement is not intended to be a legally binding contract between us, and neither of us intends any employment relationship to be created now or in the future. If either party feels that the agreement is no longer mutually beneficial, the agreement will be reviewed and after discussion may be brought to an end.
Our mission
St Paul’s Cathedral seeks to enable people in all their diversity to encounter the transforming presence of God in Jesus Christ.
Our purpose
The Cathedral is a community of worship and mission with a particular role in supporting the Bishop of London in her work across the diocese and beyond. We are above all a living Christian church, inspired by the love of God in Jesus Christ to offer welcome, prayer and learning. Together, we are entrusted with the outstanding building and the iconic dome, the fruit of human skills offered to the glory of God. We will curate and fashion the building on behalf of current and future generations as a sign of hope for all. We will bring together all our resources to make a tangible difference to people’s lives, shaping policy and attitudes to tackle social injustice, specifically in the area of young people’s mental health.
Our values
Welcoming – We all offer a warm inclusive welcome to everyone: our colleagues, volunteers and each one of our visitors.
Responsible – We are people of integrity, each responsible for part of the whole of the Cathedral’s work, looking after the Cathedral for the next generation.
Engaging – We seek to engage everyone in our mission, at the Cathedral, within London and across the world.
Nourishing – As a community we work together in a learning environment, aiming for the highest possible standards in everything we do whilst acknowledging that we cannot do everything.
Volunteer with us
Join our sociable and supportive community of volunteers and be surrounded by incredible architecture, history, collections and faith in the heart of the City.
Volunteering FAQ
Have a question about volunteering for us? From time commitments to accessibility, find your answers here.