Job Overview
Sherborne Schools Group is seeking a trustworthy and committed Custodian. The primary responsibility of the Custodian team is to support the security and welfare of the pupils, staff, residents and visitors to the Sherborne Boys site. The Custodian team provides a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and benevolent service to all members of the School community contributing to a safe and respectful environment.
While their primary place of work will be the Boys School, the postholder will also be expected to contribute to and support initiatives across the wider Sherborne Schools Group. From time to time, they may be required to work at other schools or sites within the Group to meet the needs of the business.
The Custodians are often the first point of contact for any visitors and create the tone and first impressions of the School. The Custodian role covers security (including CCTV operation), key and electronic access control, visitor reception, event support, incident response, parking, and post management.
Core Responsibilties
- School security, including management of the electronic pass database and key register (with Estates Department).
- Parking control, including management of School car parks and parking permit database.
- Out of hours contact, incident response and support to Senior Team critical incident control.
- School front of house and visitor reception (in conjunction with Reception team).
- Regular patrols, both on foot and by vehicle, of the Sherborne Schools Group estate in accordance with a patrol schedule agreed with the Head Custodian to ensure the physical security of the sites, their buildings and property.
- Operate between 0630 and 2230 hours, 7 days per week, in accordance with the shift rota, a gatehouse at The Lodge, providing a presence in The Lodge during periods agreed with the Head Custodian, and detailed in the Daily Routine document SOP 2, and provide a post collection, storage and distribution service (in conjunction with the Porters).
- In accordance with a duty rota agreed with the Head Custodian, provide from home, between 2230 and 0630 hours, 7 days per week, (as per the rota) on-call cover to attend the Sherborne Schools Group estate in response to alarm activations, incidents and emergencies, relevant to an individual’s employment contract.
- Secure the Sherborne Schools Group estate, by conducting unlock and lockup procedures, in accordance with a schedule agreed with the Head Custodian. This schedule will vary throughout the School year to take account of School holidays, Lets, Short Courses, Events and variations in the School calendar.
- Provide immediate response and take the necessary action in the event of fire / intruder alarms or unauthorised persons on site, and support to departmental and house staff during the working day and silent hours.
- Act as the initial emergency responder to maintenance issues occurring outside of working hours (4:30 PM – 8:00 AM). Assess and manage the situation before escalating to the Estates team or external contractors as necessary.
- Manage the storage and issue of keys for rooms, buildings, School and hire vehicles. In collaboration with the Estates Department, manage the School key database.
- Support Events, where extra cover is required, in accordance with flexible working arrangements agreed with the Head Custodian.
Essential Criteria
- It is essential that the post holder has a full driving license.
- Computer literate, with the ability to use M365, including email, word processing software, electronic databases, alarm systems, and CCTV packages.
- A strong security awareness; previous experience delivering security and managing CCTV is highly desirable.
- An awareness of and commitment to the relevant legislation and guidance in working practices in relation to the safeguarding of children and young people.
- Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to forge strong professional relationships with staff, pupils, parents and members of the public.
- A robust team player that leads by example and sets high personal standards.
- Highly flexible and comfortable with short notice or changing demands and with a willingness to ‘muck in’ in order to deliver the required service.
This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking a responsible position that combines custodial duties with security responsibilities. We value professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all.
Pay: £12.75 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
