Job Introduction
We are looking to recruit Ceremony Officers to support on an ad hoc basis, to cover leave and periods of additional workload. This position is an annualised contract of 36 hours per year.
The purpose of the role is to conduct and register civil marriages and civil partnerships at approved premises, buildings, and churches, and deliver other non-statutory ceremonies including naming, renewal of vows and commitment ceremonies. To carry out statutory duties to ensure all ceremonies are conducted legally and couples receive a personalised service to meet their requirements to the highest standard.
Starting salary for this role is BCP Band 6 SCP FTE £31,525 pro rata for 36 hours per year
This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.
Internal colleagues are also normally appointed at the bottom of the band, unless moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band is the same they can be appointed to the existing pay point.
Learn more in our ‘More than just a job’ brochure on our careers site.
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Main Responsibilities
- Conduct and register civil marriages, partnerships and other celebratory ceremonies in line with defined procedures, so that ceremonies are delivered in accordance with statutory requirements. This will include ceremonies at various locations.
- Communicate with couples in advance of their ceremony to confirm arrangements, making any required last-minute changes to scripts, and give couples reassurance regarding their ceremony.
- Co-ordinate with approved premises staff and other key parties on the day to ensure that all ceremonies run smoothly in line with the couple’s wishes and meet all legal requirements.
- Carry out ceremony registration tasks including interviews, making sure the couple are coherent and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, checking evidential documents and escalating any legal or complex issues, including any suspicions that may arise, and providing statutory advice where required.
- Undertake all administrative duties related to conducting and registering marriages and civil partnerships, including processing financial transactions and issuing certified marriage documents, to ensure that the service runs smoothly and remains compliant.
- Collect and return ceremony files, and store in the necessary safe location each day.
The Ideal Candidate
- Experience of delivering registration services and ceremonies.
- Knowledge of the work practices, processes and procedures relevant to registration services.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory requirements.
- Ability to communicate in a polite and courteous manner, using empathy and deal sensitively with people in stressful and emotional circumstances.
- Ability to manage own workload.
- Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy
- Meticulous documentation and handwriting skills
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chrissi Rowley (01202 123635 - chrissi.rowley@bcpcouncil.gov.uk) or Richard Painter (01202 128968 - r.painter4@bcpcouncil.gov.uk)
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
Please note this position is subject to The Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Regulations 1968 and therefore subject to the following disqualifications for appointment:
Disqualifications for appointment
5. Notwithstanding the provisions of regulation 4, no person shall be qualified for appointment—
(a)to any registration office—
(i)if he has been declared bankrupt and has not subsequently obtained his discharge, or if he has made any composition or arrangement with his creditors and has not subsequently paid his debts in full or obtained a certificate of discharge;
(ii)if he has been dismissed from any office by the Registrar General and the Registrar General does not consent to the appointment;
(iii)if he is, or has been during the 12 months preceding the date on which the appointment is to take effect, a member of the council or of a committee of the council having duties in relation to the appointment of registration officers;
(iv)if he is an officer or servant, other than the clerk or deputy clerk, of a local authority employed by them in the performance of duties relating to their functions as a burial authority;
(v)if he holds any office as authorised person, secretary (for marriages) of a synagogue or registering officer of the Society of Friends;
(vi)if he is a minister of religion, a medical practitioner, a midwife, an undertaker or other person concerned in a burial or cremation business, a person engaged in any business concerned with life insurance, or a person engaged in any other calling which would conflict with or prevent the proper performance in person of the duties of the office for which he is a candidate;
(b)as superintendent registrar, if he holds office as a registrar or any deputy registration office;
(c)as registrar, if he holds office as a superintendent registrar or is a coroner.
At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work.
We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.
From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need.
It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here: Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council
At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.
Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP
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Basic DBS
BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.
