Why Work for us: Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)

Would you like to be an important part of someone’s special day?

Being part of a special moment in when couples say ‘I do’ both rewarding and a privilege. No two ceremonies are ever the same which will ensure a varied and exciting working environment. We are looking to recruit a passionate and customer focussed ceremony officer to support us in delivering ceremonies to our couples that are unique and memorable.

As a ceremony officer, you will register and deliver marriage and civil partnership ceremonies at the Register Office and at licensed venues across the City. You may also provide non-statutory ceremonies including Renewal of Vows and Naming Ceremonies, along with officiating at British Citizenship ceremonies.

This is a contract to work 300 hours during the course of the year. You will be required to work 4 weekdays and 1 Saturday or Sunday per month. Working hours will vary, with just a few hours on some days, whilst others may require a full day’s work. We provide ceremonies seven days a week with the majority taking place across Fridays and Saturdays. Work is rostered up to 6 weeks in advance but can be subject to change at short notice. April to the end of October are our busiest periods and the working hours will be heavier during this time.

During the first 2 months, hours will be concentrated to ensure consistent training can be undertaken.

Have you got what it takes?

We are seeking an individual who possess the following:

• A good level of education including Math’s and English, GCSE or equivalent
• Strong IT skills and experience using a range of platforms and applications.
• Essential skills to be able to understand a variety of situations which require tact and diplomacy when dealing with the public.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ideally with some public speaking experience.
• A professional manner and appearance.
• A flexible approach to working arrangements, patterns and office base.
• The ability to work within a legal framework with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work within tight timeframes

In return, we will offer you:

Full training will be provided, most of which will be conducted on site, face to face. You will be buddied up with an experienced ceremony officer throughout the training period and will also have a team of friendly colleagues to help and support you. There will be regular assessments and 1-1’s to provide you with feedback throughout your training. A technical assessment will be done at the end of the probationary period.

If you would like to be part of someone’s special day, then we would love to hear from you.

For further information about this role please view the attached job description and contract guidance.

Additional Information:

• This post is designed to fit around the demand for ceremonies. Applicants will need to be flexible and committed to working Fridays and Saturdays, as well as offering flexibility throughout the rest of the week.
• We are recruiting for one x 300 hours per annum contract. The hours will be split over 12 months. During our busy periods you will be expected to work a higher proportion of the contracted hours as opposed to during the quieter periods. (Currently April to October is our busiest period).
• Current pay rate is £12.79 per hour.
• Working weekends will be paid at a weekend enhanced rate, in line with our pay and allowances framework.

The successful applicant will need to be available for induction and training during June and July 2023.

Contact details for informal discussion:

For further information and details regarding the position please email registrars@southampton.gov.uk and mark your email ' Ceremony Recruitment'.

The supporting statement section of the application form must be completed unless there are specific criteria questions for you to evidence against. Applications are shortlisted against the essential and desirable criteria found within the job description for the post. Please refer to the job description when completing your application form and evidence how you meet the required criteria/questions. A CV on its own will not be considered.

Unfortunately we are not able to accept applications that are made through a third party agency. We cannot guarantee that any correspondence sent from third party agencies will be responded to. To ensure your application is received please apply online at www.careers.southampton.gov.uk

Recruitment contact details: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk

To apply for the position please select the 'Apply for this job' button at the bottom of the page.

We are proud to be #DisabilityConfident and support fair recruitment practices. Find out how you can get involved at gov.uk/disability-confident