Bournemouth Gateway Club
Site Assistant / Caretaker
Job Description
We are looking for a reliable and practical Site Assistant / Caretaker to help keep Bournemouth Gateway Club safe, clean, secure and well maintained. This varied role includes routine site checks, minor maintenance, basic grounds and gardening tasks, facilities support and reporting repairs or hazards. The role will suit someone who is organised, trustworthy, flexible and able to work independently while knowing when to ask for advice or support.
Job Title
Site Assistant / Caretaker
Reports To
Trustees and Service Manager
Job Purpose
To assist in maintaining a safe, clean, secure and well-maintained environment for building users, visitors and the wider community.
The postholder will support the day-to-day operation of the site by carrying out routine checks, minor maintenance, basic grounds and site upkeep, facilities support and relevant health and safety checks. The postholder will identify and report defects, hazards and maintenance requirements to the Service Manager or Trustees and assist with the safe and effective operation of the premises.
The role requires a practical, reliable and flexible approach, with the ability to work independently and use initiative while recognising when matters need to be referred to the Service Manager, Trustees or an appropriately qualified contractor.
Salary
£15.00 per hour
Working Hours
The role is expected to average approximately 3 hours per week, with a minimum of 1 hour per week for regular checks and other essential duties. Duties will be prioritised according to operational need and the time available.
Additional hours may be offered where required for operational, maintenance or site-related needs and will be paid at the normal hourly rate.
Flexibility to attend the site outside the scheduled hours may occasionally be necessary for emergencies, repairs, inspections, contractor access or other site-related duties. Where attendance outside normal hours is required, this will be treated as additional paid working time.
There is no expectation that the postholder will be continuously available outside their agreed working hours unless a separate arrangement has been agreed.
Key Responsibilities
1. Security and Site Management
Open and close buildings as required for occasional hires, meetings, events and activities.
Carry out regular security and condition checks of the premises.
Check that doors, windows, gates and other access points are appropriately secured.
Check that alarms and other security systems are appropriately set when required.
Act as an emergency contact for emergency situations and alarm activations when required.
Alarms are monitored and initial call-outs are attended by an external monitoring company. Where appropriate, the postholder may be contacted to attend the site or assist in resolving the situation.
Monitor access to the site and report any suspicious activity or security concerns promptly.
Report security defects, damage, vandalism or other concerns to the Service Manager or Trustees.
2. Maintenance and Repairs
Undertake minor maintenance and repair work within the postholder’s skills and competence, including basic plumbing, decorating, carpentry and general handyman duties.
Carry out routine visual inspections of buildings, grounds and equipment.
Identify and report defects, hazards, damage and maintenance requirements.
Carry out minor remedial works where appropriate and within the postholder’s competence.
Assist contractors working on site and report progress or any concerns regarding work undertaken to the Service Manager.
Provide access to contractors and assist with site arrangements where required.
Recognise when work requires specialist knowledge, equipment or qualifications and refer such matters to the Service Manager or Trustees.
3. Health and Safety
Support the Trustees and Service Manager in maintaining appropriate health and safety standards and compliance with relevant requirements.
Carry out or assist with routine fire alarm, emergency lighting and call point testing, where trained and authorised to do so.
Assist with site-specific risk assessments where appropriate and report identified risks to the Service Manager.
Maintain clear fire exits, emergency routes and access routes.
Report accidents, incidents and near misses promptly in accordance with site procedures.
Assist with emergency evacuation procedures where required.
Carry out routine visual checks of the premises and report hazards or unsafe conditions.
Follow appropriate safe working practices, including manual handling, lone working and the use of tools and equipment.
Use gardening and grounds maintenance equipment, including strimmers and similar tools, only where trained, competent and authorised to do so, and in line with relevant risk assessments, manufacturer’s instructions and site procedures.
Before carrying out gardening or grounds maintenance tasks, consider hazards such as uneven ground, sharp tools, moving equipment, ejected debris, noise, vibration, weather conditions and risks to building users, visitors or members of the public.
Maintain appropriate records of relevant checks and inspections. These records are held online, so basic computer skills are necessary.
4. Cleaning and Grounds Maintenance
Maintain the cleanliness and general appearance of external areas, within the time available for the role.
Undertake litter picking and appropriate waste disposal.
Carry out basic grounds maintenance, including weeding, sweeping pathways and keeping external areas safe and presentable.
Report hazards such as damaged paths, fallen branches, unsafe surfaces or other external risks.
Assist with maintaining the community garden, including basic planting, watering, tidying, seasonal upkeep and reporting any hazards or maintenance concerns.
Provide gardening support as required, including assembling and maintaining raised planters, strimming grass, moving plants and carrying out other practical garden-related tasks within the postholder’s skills, training and competence.
Carry out gardening and grounds maintenance tasks safely, following relevant risk assessments, site procedures and training. This includes using tools and equipment safely, taking manual handling precautions and using suitable personal protective equipment where required.
Monitor site supplies and arrange or report replenishment requirements as appropriate.
Assist with general site tidiness where required.
5. Facilities Support
Set up rooms, furniture and equipment for meetings, events and activities.
Return rooms and equipment to an appropriate condition following use.
Move and handle equipment safely and in accordance with appropriate manual handling procedures.
Support deliveries and assist with stock management.
Assist with routine visual inspections of plant and equipment and report any defects or concerns.
Assist with the preparation of the premises for occasional hires, activities and events.
Provide practical support to building users and visitors where appropriate.
6. Records and Administration
Maintain accurate maintenance, inspection and site-check records, primarily using online systems.
Record defects, repairs, incidents, checks and other relevant site information as required.
Use BrightSafe and other relevant systems following appropriate training and instruction.
Report outstanding maintenance issues and follow up where requested.
Maintain confidentiality and handle information appropriately.
7. General Duties
Work flexibly to meet reasonable operational and maintenance requirements, within the agreed hours.
Provide a helpful, professional and courteous service to building users, visitors, contractors and members of the community.
Work cooperatively with the Trustees, Service Manager, contractors and other relevant personnel.
Maintain a professional and responsible approach when working independently or when lone working.
Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role.
8. Safeguarding
Promote the safety, dignity, privacy and wellbeing of all people using the premises, including adults with learning disabilities.
Follow the organisation’s safeguarding policies and procedures and complete any safeguarding training required for the role.
Remain alert to concerns relating to abuse, neglect, exploitation or inappropriate behaviour and report any concerns promptly to the designated safeguarding lead or Service Manager in accordance with organisational procedures.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries when interacting with building users, visitors and service users.
Respect individuals’ privacy, dignity, independence and right to be treated fairly and with respect.
The postholder is not expected to provide personal care or direct support to service users unless this is specifically agreed as part of their role.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Practical experience relevant to the role, such as caretaking, facilities management, maintenance, cleaning, grounds maintenance or a similar practical role.
Good practical DIY and general maintenance skills.
A good understanding of basic health and safety requirements and safe working practices.
The ability to work independently, organise tasks and use initiative.
Good communication skills and the ability to deal appropriately with building users, visitors and contractors.
Good organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
A reliable, trustworthy and responsible approach to work.
Flexibility to respond to reasonable operational requirements, within the agreed hours and arrangements.
The ability to recognise the limits of their own skills and competence and seek advice or assistance when required.
Desirable Criteria
Basic computer literacy and confidence using online systems. Training and support will be provided for BrightSafe.
A recognised health and safety qualification, such as a Level 1 or Level 2 Health and Safety in the Workplace qualification.
Experience working in schools, residential properties, community facilities, commercial premises or a similar environment.
Experience working with or assisting contractors.
Experience of basic grounds maintenance or gardening.
Experience carrying out routine premises or facilities checks.
Relevant practical, maintenance or trade qualifications.
Typical Working Conditions
The role will involve:
Working both indoors and outdoors.
Undertaking practical maintenance, cleaning and grounds-related duties.
Manual handling and moving furniture or equipment.
Working with basic tools and equipment.
Occasional access to areas that may be uneven, confined or difficult to access.
Occasional additional hours for urgent repairs, inspections, maintenance activities, contractor access or emergencies.
Lone working where appropriate and in accordance with the site’s lone-working procedures.
Working occasional evenings or weekends where required for building hires, activities, emergencies or other operational requirements.
Appropriate training, instruction and information will be provided for duties requiring specific knowledge or competence, including relevant health and safety procedures, site systems and BrightSafe.
The postholder will not be expected to undertake work requiring specialist qualifications, technical competence or statutory certification unless appropriately trained, qualified and authorised to do so.
Employment Terms
Hourly Rate: £15.00 per hour
Normal Hours: Variable, with a minimum of 1 hour per week and an expected average of approximately 3 hours per week.
Additional Hours: Additional hours may be offered where required for operational, maintenance or site-related needs. These hours will be paid at the normal hourly rate and will be subject to operational requirements and agreement.
Place of Work: The site/premises managed by the organisation.
Reporting: The postholder will report to the Trustees and Service Manager and will be expected to raise significant maintenance, health and safety, security or operational matters promptly.
Training: Appropriate training and instruction will be provided for relevant duties and site procedures. The postholder will be expected to undertake required training and follow the organisation’s policies and procedures.
Lone Working: Lone working may be required. The postholder must follow the organisation’s lone-working procedures and report any concerns regarding their safety.
Emergency Attendance: The postholder may occasionally be contacted outside scheduled working hours in relation to emergencies or alarm activations. Any time spent attending the site or carrying out work will be treated as paid working time at the normal hourly rate. The external alarm monitoring company will attend initial alarm call-outs in the first instance.
Role Boundaries
The postholder is expected to carry out routine checks, minor maintenance and practical site duties within their skills, training and competence.
The postholder should refer to the Service Manager or Trustees any matter that:
requires specialist or professional expertise;
presents a significant health and safety risk;
requires specialist equipment or qualifications;
involves significant expenditure or a contractor;
cannot safely be resolved within the postholder’s competence; or
requires a decision or authorisation beyond the postholder’s responsibilities.
The role does not carry overall responsibility for the organisation’s statutory, health and safety, financial or premises management obligations. The postholder supports the Trustees and Service Manager in fulfilling these responsibilities by carrying out appropriate checks, reporting concerns and undertaking agreed practical tasks.
To apply, please send your application by the advertised closing date.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted with details of the next stage of the process.
If you need this information in a different format or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments, please contact us before applying.
