Department: Facilities
Salary: £12.88ph (To be reviewed in September 2026)
Location: Central Hall, Southampton, SO14 1NF
Hours: 3pm – 7pm Monday to Friday
Contract term: 1 Year
Closing date: Monday 24th August 2026 (Interviews might be on a rolling process and therefore the application process may close early)
About us
New Community Ventures is the trading subsidiary of New Community Network, the charity that owns and operates Central Hall Southampton.
Home to a 750 capacity auditorium, Central Hall is one of Southampton's leading event venues, hosting a wide range of live entertainment, concerts, conferences and community events throughout the year. The venue regularly welcomes high quality artists, touring productions and corporate clients.
New Community Network is a Christian charity with a passion for serving communities both locally and internationally. Through our venues, projects and partnerships, we seek to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities.
Role summary
The Caretaker plays a vital role in ensuring Central Hall remains a safe, welcoming and well presented venue for customers, tenants and visitors. We are seeking a proactive, practical and positive individual who takes pride in their work, enjoys solving problems and is willing to go the extra mile to maintain high standards. The successful candidate will be self motivated, energetic in their approach and able to identify and address issues before they become problems. The role is primarily based Monday to Friday, 3.00pm–7.00pm.
Key responsibilities
- Act as a keyholder for the venue, undertaking opening and closing procedures and ensuring the building is secure at all times.
- Take a proactive approach to identifying maintenance issues, building improvements and potential health and safety concerns, taking appropriate action where required.
- Liaise with the events team to prepare their rooms and event spaces for meetings, conferences and other activities, including the movement and setup of furniture and equipment. This role requires the ability to safely lift and move items up to 20kg.
- Respond promptly and professionally to maintenance and repair requests, demonstrating a positive and solutions focused approach.
- Carry out routine compliance checks in line with organisational policies and statutory requirements. This may include emergency lighting, fire alarm testing, visual rigging inspections, fire extinguishers and water hygiene (Legionella) checks.
- Undertake general building maintenance, including basic plumbing, carpentry, decorating and repair work.
- Carry out painting and decorating tasks to maintain a professional, welcoming and well-presented environment.
- Ensure the venue is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness, carrying out routine cleaning duties as required.
- Diagnose and complete minor repairs to equipment and facilities where appropriate.
- Monitor and adjust heating and air conditioning systems to ensure a comfortable environment for building users.
- Arrange the visits of third party contractors when required.
- Demonstrate a courteous, professional, energetic and practical approach when interacting with customers, visitors, contractors, colleagues and building users.
- Utilise digital systems and software to manage tasks, communications and records. A working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook and Word, is essential, with Microsoft Teams experience desirable.
- Liaise effectively with venue clients, contractors and suppliers, building positive working relationships and providing excellent customer service.
- Adhere to all health and safety policies, procedures and risk management practices to help create a safe environment for staff, visitors and contractors.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the role.
Person specification
Essential
- Experience in caretaking, facilities management, maintenance or a similar role.
- Practical skills across a range of maintenance disciplines, including basic plumbing, carpentry, general repairs and fault finding.
- Experience in painting and decorating, with the ability to maintain a high standard of presentation throughout the venue.
- Good understanding of health and safety practices, including writing Risk Assessments.
- Ability to work independently, use initiative and proactively identify issues before they escalate.
- Positive, enthusiastic and reliable approach to work, with a willingness to go the extra mile when required.
- Ability to build positive relationships with customers, contractors and colleagues.
- Basic IT literacy, including Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to undertake manual handling duties, including lifting and carrying up to 20kg.
Desirable
- Experience within a multi-use venue, school, church, community facility or events environment.
- Knowledge of statutory compliance checks and building safety requirements.
- Experience using Microsoft Teams.
- Basic knowledge of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
- First aid certificate
Ethos and values
Whilst this role does not require the postholder to hold Christian beliefs, we would expect the successful candidate to be supportive of, and sympathetic to, the values, mission and charitable objectives of the Church. The postholder should be able to work within this ethos and contribute positively to the welcoming, inclusive and positive environment we seek to provide for all who use our facilities.
Application method
Via Indeed only with a CV and cover note
You must provide a cover letter or details relating to why the role would suit you when applying (within the additional details section of the Indeed process). Unfortunately applications without these details will be automatically rejected.
Selection and appointment
Selection decisions will be made on merit, with candidates assessed against the knowledge, skills, experience and competencies required for the role.
Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references, verification of the right to work in the UK and an enhanced DBS check.
Please do get in touch if you have any questions or require further details. Email [email protected]
Pay: £12.88 per hour
Application question(s):
- To what level are your decorating skills (basic, moderate or expert)?
- Do you have a CV and cover letter/note to upload?
- What is your main "trade" skill?
Work Location: In person
