About The Role
Reports to: The Clerk
Direct reports: Porters, Receptionist and Housekeepers
Place of work: The Hall (City of London)
You are required to live in (a one-bedroom apartment is provided on site for the Beadle and his/her partner/spouse).
Who We Are
Merchant Taylors’ Company is a membership organisation whose members share a passion for community, education and philanthropy. As a result, our activities span across London and the United Kingdom where members give their time and skills as well as donate to empower and progress charities, local organisations and schools. As a community body, we support our members by providing a rich atmosphere for them to grow and expand their horizons. To meet our ambitions, we provide an engaged and driven workplace for staff to reach their full potential.
Merchant Taylors’ Company began as a medieval organisation in 1327. Once linked to the tailoring industry, we are also a grand events venue with fascinating links to London’s history and civic life to this day. We blend together our unique history with an ambitious forward-looking plan to take us into many future centuries.
Our Vision
To be a flourishing Livery company that makes a lasting difference, improving lives through education and philanthropy.
How you add value:
The Beadle is a ceremonial position rooted in medieval history playing a key role as the outward face of the Company. You’ll support the Master, Wardens, and Clerk in the conduct of ceremonial occasions, including those away from the Hall. You’ll also be is responsible for coordinating all Health, Safety and Environmental activity. You’ll lead a team which prepares the Hall for events. You will be required to work adhoc outside of core hours.
You are expected to live on site at the Hall in a one bedroom flat. Our onsite flat is for the sole use of the Beadle and their partner.
Ceremonial
- Attend external events at venues including City Guildhall, Mansion House, and St Paul’s Cathedral
- Supervise all aspects of the management of the Company’s “Apprentices”, and the conduct of the Bindings and Admissions ceremonies in liaison with the Membership Officer and Communications Manager and maintain oversight of the publications offered to new Freemen or Apprentices
- Liaise as necessary with the office of the Chamberlain of the City, and especially on matters concerning Freemen and Apprentices and the obtaining of the Freedom of the City of London
- Oversee the maintenance of the Company’s Robes and Badges
- Act as an imposing and diplomatic Toastmaster when required
- Be fully conversant with the programme of all Company activities, both within and outside the Hall on a day-to-day basis to advise the Master and Clerk, and other members of the Company, keeping the Catering Company informed as appropriate for meal planning
Security
- Be the first responder for any alarms raised or security breaches at the Hall.
- Continually work alongside the Company Surveyor to ensure the safety of the Hall, its contents, employees, and visitors
Health & Safety
- Be the Health & Safety Emergency Co-ordinator, and fulfil all the responsibilities, including record keeping, working closely with the H&S Advisor on this
- Maintain and co ordinate the Training Matrix on the dashboard ensuring all training is up to date. Organise external trainers to the hall for the specialist training
- Complete accurate and timely accident/incident investigations reporting to the HSEC and the Company.
- Take full ownership of all risk assessments, ensuring they are completed, reviewed, and updated regularly, reporting any concerns to the Health, Safety Environment Committee
- Through close and regular personal inspection and monitoring, ensure the highest standards of Hall presentation, keeping a Defects Book and insisting on thorough hygiene and cleanliness throughout the Hall.
- Communicate any health and safety concerns to staff in a timely fashion, avoiding panic and provide clear instructions as and when needed
- Ensure that health and safety issues/concerns are dealt with swiftly
- Ensure H & S inductions are carried out for all new staff
External partners/affiliates
- Be familiar with City Police and Corporation officials on official matters
- Maintain regular contact with City churches prior to Company Church Services
- Liaise as necessary with the office of the Chamberlain of the City, and especially on matters concerning Freemen and Apprentices and the obtaining of the Freedom of the City of London
- Outside core operating / working hours
- Respond to the Fire and Security alarms
- Respond to the Digitrack fridge alarm system, notifying the Facilities Manager if a fault is identified and immediate action is needed.
- Facilitate weekend access for contractors undertaking planned maintenance works, liaising with the Company Surveyor on planned works
- Check heating system/s during period of excessive low temperatures
- Check the basement drainage for flooding during period of excessive rainfall
Team Management
- Responsible for the day-to-day management of your direct reports, which includes (and not limited to) wellbeing, recruitment, health and safety, regular feedback, quarterly check-ins and training.
- Hold regular team meetings and briefings to update the team on Company and Corporate events and all other relevant information.
- Ensure that team communication is open, two-way and always respectful
- Be a model example of the service delivery you expect from your team.
- Recommend and encourage measures for improving work procedures and team performance
- Take responsibility for training and development of your team
- Delegate, manage and distribute the workload amongst those you manage
- Make sure that your direct reports are always GDPR compliant
Other duties
- For Court members, be helpful in the coordination of the use of Court bedrooms, transport arrangements and the onward billing of the same
- Ensure correct layout of rooms for Court and Company Committee meetings, and for all Company Events involving ceremony
- Assist with inquiries from the public, liaising with the Events team, including arranging guided visits to the Hall
- Attend at, and report to staff meetings as appropriate
- Occasional evening presence at Company functions, and very occasional travel to schools and elsewhere in the UK.
- Undertake watering of plants during prolonged dry periods, including weekends.
- Purchase Merchandise and carry out annual stock audit
The qualities you bring:
- Experienced in managing H&S
- NEBOSH - General certificate plus
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs including minimum grade C (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics
- IT proficient
- Have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate with a variety of different people
- Be a good listener and relay information to other staff members in a concise and clear manner
- Have a willingness to continually learn new skills
- Have excellent leadership skills
- Able to remain calm in unprecedented situations
