About The Role
The Annunciation Marble Arch has received Development Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the “Sharing Our Future” project. We seek to appoint a Sign Language Interpreter to support the Heritage Manager and Activity Planners during the Heritage Fund Development Phase.
The “Sharing our Future” project focuses on strengthening a hub to benefit the D/deaf community with whom the Church is in dialogue. Activities have been piloted and links forged for a two-year activity plan directed towards providing skills training and other heritage activities for the D/deaf, targeting c.2,000 D/deaf people annually. The Sign Language Interpreter will play a key role in bringing together and facilitating the many tasks for the Development Phase with a particular support and collaborative role with the appointed project Activity Planner.
This aspect of the project runs alongside a plan to address issue with the building. The Annunciation Marble Arch is a large Grade II* listed building designed by Sir Walter Tapper, a leading 20thC architect. It is on Historic England’s ‘At Risk’ Register. The building is hampered by several problems and barriers. The project will make inroads into improving the church’s condition through repair and conservation of the fabric. There will be a focus on the deteriorating nave and baptistry roof, addressing windows and high-level stonework, with re-ordering and access improvements. During the Development Phase, an Activity Plan will be completed alongside design development for the Church improvements to RIBA Stage 3, Faculty, planning, and consents need to be in place, and all partnership funding will be raised or underwritten.
The Sign Language Interpreter:
The successful candidate will be required to start work in January 2026 to provide leadership for bringing together the D/deaf community for the project working with the Vicar and the Heritage Manager, who will be reporting progress regularly to the church’s PCC and Steering Group, as well as the Heritage Fund.
The Sign Language Interpreter will familiarise themselves with the Church’s current engagement with the D/deaf community and its potential to become a hub for wider activities, playing an important role in sharing information and facilitating discussions. They will provide communication support at range of meetings and events to participants with varying degrees of hearing loss, adapting their communication method to suit people, such as using notetaking, British Sign Language, spoken English and lip-speaking. The appointed person will have training in BSL, and interpretation, and be working at or towards minimum standards.
The Sign Language Interpreter should have some knowledge of the aims and objectives of National Lottery Heritage Fund Activity Plans (https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/funding/good-practice-guidance/activity-plan) or at least be prepared to familiarize themselves with this key document which will be completed during the Development Phase. Their role will be primarily integrated with the Activity Planner’s work, including consultation and pilot work.
The Sign Language Interpreter should have a knowledge of the heritage sector, and ideally places of worship, and be comfortable working in a start-up environment, being able to demonstrate experience of community engagement, as well as an understanding of and empathy with the ambitions and vision of the Annunciation, Marble Arch and the needs of a Grade II* listed building. They will have a strong commitment to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion.
The key task will be to ensure the project is delivered with a seamless overlay of the participation of the D/deaf community, working closely with all project stakeholders and partners alongside the Heritage Manager and the Activity Planners. Other teams they will occasionally work with will include the Architect-led Design Team, including Access Consultant, the Interpretation Consultant, and possibly the Fundraiser, familiarizing themselves with the aims and objectives of the entire project.
Skills and attributes
• Qualifications: Minimum BSL Level 3 qualification and registered Trainee Sign Language Interpreter (TSLI) registered with NRCPD ( https://www.nrcpd.org.uk/) .
• Facilitate Communication: Accurately interpret conversations, meetings, and other events, ensuring clear understanding between individuals using BSL and those using spoken language.
• Maintain Impartiality: Remain neutral, unbiased, and confidential throughout the interpretation process, building trust with all parties involved.
• Ensure Accuracy: Provide precise and complete interpretations of both spoken and signed messages, including the meaning, intent, emotions, and tone of the speaker.
• Adhere to Professional Standards: Follow the interpreting guidelines and protocols set by professional bodies such as the NRCPD and other relevant professional organizations.
• Cultural Awareness: Demonstrate knowledge of BSL and English, understanding industry-specific terminology and cultural nuances to facilitate effective communication.
• Professional Demeanour: Exhibit a professional attitude and excellent interpreting skills, using appropriate tone, patience, and courtesy to provide excellent customer service.
• Attend and Prepare: Attend scheduled online and face-to-face meetings, events, and training sessions, preparing by understanding the context and industry-specific terminology.
• Fluency: Fluency in British Sign Language (BSL) and English is essential.
• Professionalism: The ability to work in a professional manner, maintain confidentiality, and manage professional relationships.
• Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail to accurately capture the full meaning and nuances of the original communication.
• Adaptability: The flexibility to adapt to different environments and subject matter
• Ethical Conduct: A strong commitment to professional ethics, including impartiality, objectivity, and respect for all individuals.
If you are D/deaf and wish to apply we can offer an informal conversation about the role via zoom – and can also provide a BSL interpreter for that conversation. If someone wishes to apply via BSL in a video recording, we will accept that form of application. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates and whose backgrounds are currently under-represented in the heritage sector. We are an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone and there shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex and gender, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation.
Equal Opportunities
The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME) and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.