Working at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens

The Bishop’s Palace: Our Commitment

The Bishop’s Palace is dedicated to equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion. We value the strengths that a diverse workforce brings to our organisation and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.

Join Us

If you are excited by the prospect of helping shape the future of one of Somersets most iconic historic sites,  we would love to hear from you. Become part of a team that celebrates heritage, fosters community, and believes in making a lasting difference.    

Step into history—and help us write the next chapter.

Events Manager

Full time (37hrs pw)
Salary: £28,000 – £30,000pa  

The Role:
We are recruiting for an exciting position as our Events Manager.     The Events Manager will have oversight of both Public and Private events and be responsible for the events budget and returning a profit.    The Events Manager will design, deliver and lead on all public events to ensure all visitors have a fantastic experience.   They will work alongside the Weddings Coordinator to ensure each private event is also delivered to a high standard.    You will develop and deliver a dynamic public events programme which celebrates this historical site, entices new visitors to explore, and engages our regular visitors.   Working alongside the Visitor Team Manager you will support the Visitor Experience Team, acting as Duty Manager on a rota basis

Key responsibilities  will include:

• Overseeing the current events programme, leading on planning, delivery and breakdown, and ensuring these are part of a compelling offer to potential supporters
• Taking responsibility for site safety when acting as Duty Manager
• Managing the Events budgets
• Working with our Wedding Co-ordinator to ensure that all aspects of Weddings & Private Functions are delivered to a high standard
• Developing and managing an annual strategy for public events that widens community engagement and access, and returns a good profit
• Overseeing the events programme

 The nature of this role will require flexibility around the hours which will vary depending on the event schedule.   Working hours will include weekend and some evening working.  Hours will be worked on a rota basis. 

Who are we looking for:
We are looking for someone who is confident and creative to join the team.  You will be eager about bringing events to life, turning concepts into engaging experiences, and will be someone who is keen to be given the chance to devise and implement their own ideas.   From planning through to delivery, your eye for detail and passion for event management will ensure each event leaves a lasting impression.    You will have excellent customer service skills coupled with clear organisational skills and self-motivation.   At least one-years management/supervisory experience within the heritage/tourism sector, with a proven record of event budget management.   Experience of Duty Management and knowledge of health and safety on a public site plus excellent ICT skills and ideally some knowledge of ticketing/till systems. 

How to Apply
Please send a CV along with a Cover letter to [email protected] 
Applications will only be considered with a cover letter included.

Full details of the role can be found:  Events Manager

Applications should be received by 12noon Sunday 24 August 2025. 
Interviews will take place on Tuesday 2 or Wednesday 3 September 2025.

Anticipated start date for this role:   Early October 2025

Fundraising Coordinator

Part time (15hrs pw)
Salary: £9,910pa  (FTE: £24,444)

As a not-for-profit heritage attraction, The Bishop’s Palace is committed to preserving its legacy for future generations and providing meaningful experiences for everyone. The Bishop’s Palace is managed by the charity, The Palace Trust.  Our organisation is driven by dedicated staff and volunteers who share a passion for local heritage, community outreach, and the transformative power of cultural engagement.

Are you ready to make a difference at one of Somerset’s most treasured heritage sites? The Bishop’s Palace is seeking a proactive, resourceful Fundraising Coordinator with excellent administrative skills to help us build a sustainable future through inspired fundraising and impactful donor engagement. This is a unique opportunity to join our committed team and play a vital role in supporting our charitable mission.

The Role: 
As the Fundraising Coordinator, you will be assisting with delivering a dynamic fundraising strategy that supports the Palace’s ongoing projects, restoration works, educational programmes, and community initiatives. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across all departments, volunteers, trustees, and external partners to nurture relationships with diverse stakeholders.

You will oversee the administration of all aspects of fundraising, from research and bid-writing to stewardship and reporting, ensuring our fundraising activity is creative, compliant, and achieves ambitious targets. You will champion our story, inspire support, and contribute to the Palace’s vision of being a welcoming, sustainable, and thriving place for all

Key responsibilities  will include:

• Support the development and delivery of The Palace Trust fundraising plan
• Coordinate donor communications, acknowledgements and stewardship activities
• Assist with planning and delivering stewardship events and fundraising campaign activities
• Maintain accurate, up to date records of fundraising activity, contacts and income
• Prepare reports for funders and ensure the terms of any grants or donations are met
• Liaise with colleagues, volunteers and trustees to maximise fundraising opportunities
• Research fundraising prospects
• Assist CEO in fundraising-related correspondence
• Ensure fundraising activities conform to the highest standards of regulations and procedures
• Represent The Bishop’s Palace at meetings, events, and networking opportunities to promote our work and help grow our supporter base.

Who are we looking for:

Essential Skills & Experience:

• At least 1-year’s experience in an administrative role
• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong written and verbal communication skills,
• Outstanding organisational abilities with keen attention to detail
• Proficient using Microsoft Office
• Self-motivated, resilient, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable:

• Knowledge or experience of heritage or charitable organisation
• Understanding of fundraising regulations and ethical standards.

How to Apply
Please send a CV along with a Cover letter to [email protected] .  Applications will only be considered with a cover letter included.

Full details of the role can be found:  Fundraising Coordinator

Applications should be received by 12noon Wednesday 10 September 2025. 
Interviews will take place on Thursday 18 September 2025.

Anticipated start date for this role:   Mid October 2025

Cleaner

Part time – 7- 12 hours (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
£12.60 per hour  

The Role:

We are recruiting a cleaner to join our team.    You will join the Property Team who look after the site and will be responsible for ensuring that the public areas of The Bishop’s Palace are clean and welcoming to the public.

Main duties will include:
Clean, sanitise and restock toilets/restrooms
Sweeping, vacuuming, mopping in the Palace building, offices and meeting rooms
Cleaning, dusting, polishing and waste removal across public areas and offices
Notify Property Manager of deficiencies or repairs required
Carrying out / assisting with Deep cleans as per cleaning schedule

Hours would be worked over 3 days per week, averaging 2 – 3 hours per day.     Hours to be worked either before 10am or after 4pm.   There will also be additional hours available throughout the year.  

 Who are we looking for:
To join our team you will have:
Ideally some experience working as a commercial/office cleaner
Good interpersonal and communication skills
High level of attention-to-detail and take pride in your work
Good organisational abilities and use your initiative
Ability to work unsupervised and deliver quality work
Positive and approachable manner.

How to Apply
Please send a CV along with a Cover letter to [email protected] 

Full details of the role can be found:  Cleaner

Applications will be considered as received and shortlisted applicants invited to interview.

Start date for this role:   August 2025

Casual/Bank Chef

Casual Hours – kitchen over during holidays or additional support for events
Pay depending on experience – per hour  

The Role:
We are looking to add some casual cover/ bank Chefs  to join our small kitchen team.    The Chefs we are looking for would work on an ‘as and when Basis’  and work as part of the  kitchen team to produce exceptional food cooked to order.   This would be perfect for a Chef who is looking to share their knowledge and experience with a new generation, whilst helping out and benefiting a charity at the heart of Wells.

This role offers the best work/life balance as hours will be on a casual basis.   Rotas are planned in advance so you will have notice of workdays.  We are looking for several chefs who are happy to be called upon  and added to the rota to cover holidays, sickness, days off or to add additional support during high season or events.    

The Bishop’s Table offers breakfast, brunch and lunch in the busy café.    The team work day shifts, generally 8am until 4.30pm.  The café is open from 9.30am until 5.30pm daily with occasional evenings for special events.       Our Kitchen team are responsible for creating menus, ordering and all health, safety and hygiene to ensure an efficient smooth-running kitchen.      We are open year-round and part of a busy, historic visitor attraction so welcome both tourists and regular local customers.

Who are we looking for:
We’re looking for Chef with at least 3 years’ experience in a busy kitchen producing fresh food to order.       

This might be working 1 or 2 shifts per month or covering one of the chefs’ holidays so could be 8 days out of 14.    Shifts could be a full day, or additional cover for a summer lunch time. 

You must be a team player, be enthusiastic about creating and producing seasonal menus, be willing to learn and share learning. 

Qualifications / Skills:
Ideally our Chef would have NVQ L1 or 2 or City and Guilds 7061/7062.  
At least 3 years’ experience as a chef in a fast-paced kitchen
Willing to share skills and experience
Excellent communication skills and ability to place orders and maintain kitchen paperwork.

How to Apply
Please send a CV along with a Cover letter to [email protected] 

Full details of the role can be found:  Bank / Casual Chef

Applications will be considered as received and shortlisted applicants invited to interview.

We reserve the right to close any vacancies early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested in any of the above roles, please submit your application as early as possible.

Employee Benefits

You will be working for an independent charity whose main aim is to share, preserve and protect the 800-year Bishop’s Palace, with its medieval buildings, moat and spectacular gardens. We reinvest in the team and the site and work with local community groups and organisations as part of our community engagement.    

• We are a real living wage and a Disability Confident employer.
• We provide an induction and training plan for each employee from day one.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Wellbeing support and access to the organisational Employee Assistance Programme
• A positive, supportive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment
• Family-friendly policies
• Staff social events
• Free admission for yourself and a guest ticket
• Free event tickets and staff discounts
• Opportunity to join the Palace Trust Pension scheme (min of 12% basic pay contribution)
• Opportunity to support the local community through volunteer days
• The chance to make a meaningful impact in the preservation and celebration of local heritage