West Kirby United Reformed Church is seeking a reliable and proactive Caretaker to help ensure our church building remains clean, well-cared for and welcoming to all who use it.
After more than 20 years of valued service, our current Caretaker is retiring. This permanent, part-time role would suit someone who enjoys cleaning to a consistently high standard and can organise their own work schedules effectively.
Role details:
- Job title: Caretaker
- Employer: West Kirby United Reformed Church Charity
- Location: West Kirby United Reformed Church (URC), Meols Drive, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 5DA
- Working pattern: 5 days per week, Tuesday to Saturday
- Hours: 15 hours per week, usually in the early morning
- Pay: £12.72 per hour, equivalent to £9,924 per annum
- Holiday: 25 days per annum plus 8 public/statutory holidays
- Reporting to: Line Manager, on behalf of West Kirby URC Finance & Property Team
About the role:
The Caretaker is a valued member of the church team who ensures the church and halls are clean, tidy and ready for use.
Duties include general cleaning, dusting and vacuuming, cleaning toilets, emptying bins, ordering and storing cleaning materials and equipment, checking rooms are left in good order and liaising with the Finance & Property team as needs arise. The role also includes weekly planning of cleaning tasks according to the hall bookings, putting bins out for collection, light laundry and periodic deeper cleaning tasks during school holidays.
The Caretaker is not responsible for the garden, heating system or undertaking maintenance and repairs to the fixtures and fittings.
This list is an indication of the main tasks to be performed. It is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities and may be subject to amendments to take account of changing circumstances.
Opportunities for additional income:
Occasionally, the Caretaker may be offered additional paid work beyond the contracted hours. Acceptance of any such work is entirely at the Caretaker’s discretion. Examples of additional work include:
- Extra cleaning during busy periods of the church year.
- Acting as steward at a wedding or funeral.
- Carrying out additional tasks for church groups or external users, such as setting out chairs.
Essential characteristics:
- Reliable, punctual and trustworthy, with respect for the church building, its contents and its users.
- A proactive and practical approach to identifying and completing tasks effectively.
- Ability to focus on the task in hand, working safely and efficiently.
- Attention to detail, with the ability to produce consistently high standards of cleaning.
- Knowledge of appropriate cleaning methods for a variety of tasks, or willingness to learn.
- Ability to plan a schedule of work and organise own time and routines effectively (initially with support). Flexibility to adapt cleaning schedules when required.
- Ability to work independently with indirect supervision.
- Good verbal communication skills and a friendly manner.
- Willingness to carry out the requirements of the role in sympathy with the Christian faith and the ethos of the church
Applicants should be aware that this job involves a significant amount of lone working, for which full training and support will be offered. You are required to take reasonable care of your personal health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your acts or omissions, and to co-operate in adhering to statutory safety regulations.
Desirable characteristics:
- Previous experience in a cleaning role in a similar environment.
- Awareness of safe use of cleaning products and the importance of maintaining a clean, safe environment, or willingness to follow relevant guidance and training.
- Understanding of the need for discretion and sensitivity in this role.
- Willingness to work occasional additional hours, where agreed in advance.
Terms & Conditions:
- Expenses actually and necessarily incurred will be reimbursed (authorised by the Line Manager, with receipts, before submitting the claim).
- Either party may terminate the appointment by giving one month’s notice at any time.
- There will be an informal review after 3 months and a probationary period of 6 months.
To apply:
Download the application form @ www.wkurc.org.uk/caretaker
For a paper copy of the application form, or an informal conversation about the role, please contact Kath Hilborne – [email protected] – 07930137041.
Please send the completed application form to [email protected] or by post to
Kath Hilborne, West Kirby United Reformed Church, Meols Drive, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 5DA.
Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 24 July 2026. Please note that, should we receive a high volume of applications, we reserve the right to close the application process prior to this date.
Shortlisting and Interviews
- Shortlisting is scheduled to take place during the week beginning 27 July 2026
- Interviews are planned for the week beginning 3 August, with some flexibility
- The start date will be in late August or early September, subject to completion of right to work, DBS and other safe recruitment procedures.
Safeguarding and checks - Any appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance in accordance with the URC Safer Recruitment and Pre-Employment Checks.
Equal Opportunities - West Kirby United Reformed Church welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds who can carry out the requirements of the role in sympathy with the Christian faith and the ethos of the church. West Kirby United Reformed Church will behave as an equal opportunities organisation and not discriminate on the grounds of gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, disability, colour, ethnic or national origin, marital status or age.
Pay: £12.72 per hour
Work Location: In person
