Night Porter

St Chad’s is a distinctive, independent college within Durham University. A separate registered charity with its own governing body, its origins date back to 1904 when it was created as a Church of England foundation to enable the ordination of clergy from poorer backgrounds. Today it is a vibrant and progressive academic community, home to over 600 students, including 150 postgraduates. St Chad’s welcomes students and staff of all faiths, cultures, nationalities, and educational backgrounds. Its ethos is friendly, traditional, and forward-looking.

St Chad’s historic buildings are situated on a World Heritage Site, adjacent to Durham Cathedral. Students and staff live and work side by side, sharing the life of a multigenerational and interdisciplinary scholarly community. The College has a strong tutorial system and is one of very few colleges to have academic research staff based within its community. St Chad’s students are high achievers, regularly securing the highest academic results among the Durham colleges. Outside undergraduate term‐time, St Chad’s runs a full programme of commercial events and conferences.

St Chad’s is committed to delivering the highest possible standards of service to all its stakeholders, and we are now looking to appoint a part-time Night Porter who will work 24 hours per week (8 hour shifts) as part of a small team who provide 24/7 Reception cover. It is expected that the post-holder will be willing to cover for absences within this team given reasonable notice (e.g. to cover annual leave or sickness absence). St Chad’s is committed to delivering the highest possible standards of service to all its stakeholders, and the role of Night Porter is a key front facing post in ensuring this objective is maintained across the College.

This is a permanent position with an hourly rate of pay of £12.71

The role encompasses four key areas of responsibility - **Reception, Security, Maintenance and Portering**. All post-holders are expected to adopt and promote a flexible approach to working, and be willing to cover for absences given reasonable notice, and to undertake any or all of the tasks outlined below regardless of their designated shift. By nature of the role all post-holders are expected to be competent in working under mínimal direct supervision within the designated local remit and liaising where necessary with the appropriate College/Duty Officers and staff.

General Responsibilities

1. Ensuring the general safety and security of all students, staff, and visitors who may be impacted upon by the operations of the College

2. Being vigilant for and alert to student welfare issues, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times

3. Being aware of and complying with all College policies and statutory requirements relating to fire, hygiene, health and safety, accident / incident reporting and security in order to care for yourself and others

4. Identifying and reporting any issues which affect or may cause risk to the Health and Safety or malfunction of the premises, in order that remedial actions may be carried out

5. Ensuring all necessary steps are taken to safeguard College property, goods and assets

6. Conducting oneself in a manner which at all times promotes a positive image of the College.

7. Being flexible and undertaking any non-specified tasks related to the nature of the role and appropriate to the post.

Specific Tasks & Duties:
**Reception Duties**

Reception is the main focal point for all residents, guests and visitors and will be the initial contact point in the event of an enquiry, incident, or problem. The Reception Porter is expected to provide front-line cover by undertaking duties and tasks - some of which involve operating and maintaining computerised systems - that will include:
1. Being available to receive and respond to all enquiries either in person or by telephone in an informative, efficient and courteous manner

2. Dealing with commercial enquiries and guests, including guest/enquiry registration, guest check-in/out, and receipt of payment, meet and greeting of conference/meeting guests

3. Receiving and issuing bedroom and common keys, whilst maintaining key cupboards / signing-out lists, and issuing replacement keys in the manner laid down by the College

4. Receiving payments for general sales items (e.g. tickets for meals, souvenirs, etc) either by cash, cheque, or automated credit/debit card transaction; keeping records of stock and cash accurately, and where required balancing takings at the end of each shift

5. Maintaining paper and computerised record and information systems in the prescribed manner including for example: resident lists; arrival and departure reports; and maintaining notice-boards and general communication systems

6. Facilitating effective communications with customers, colleagues, and external contacts and authorities; ensuring that complaints and follow-up procedures are handled efficiently and co