Dovedale House - Ilam, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2AZ
A unique mission and ministry opportunity amidst a spectacular environment, to offer a Christian welcome and hospitality to the many users of Dovedale House.
The Opportunity:
A Warden is sought for Dovedale House Youth Retreat Centre situated in the idyllic village of Ilam within the Peak National Park. The house, grounds and ancillary buildings, managed by the Mercian Community Trust, are currently used by both religious and secular, self-catering groups, predominantly during weekends. Our intention is to develop and expand the house’s use, especially during weekdays, for school groups as part of our strategy of enabling discipleship and strengthening connections between our churches and schools. We are seeking someone who can combine front of house duties with a coordinating role for cleaning and maintenance. Administration around enquiries and bookings is provided by the Diocesan Office.
The Warden will:
- welcome guests and hold welcome briefings.
- work collaboratively with the maintenance and administration teams.
- replenish consumables and coordinate a local cleaning team.
- keep the chapel in a usable, clean condition.
- provide an emergency, on-site contact.
- help build good relationships with the local, rural community.
- be naturally hospitable and caring, having a sense of adventure with a relaxed openness and a genuine interest in people.
- demonstrate commitment to delivering customer satisfaction.
- be inclusive and open to all forms of spirituality and wellbeing.
- show initiative and be prepared to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in as and when required.
Accommodation:
The on-site, recently refurbished, staff house is offered as the Warden’s accommodation. Its ground floor has a living room and utility room whilst the first floor has a bath/shower room with WC, a kitchen/diner (complete with white goods) and three bedrooms. The Trust will pay the basic outgoings (water, electricity, council tax and insurances) and keep the accommodation in good repair. Assistance will be provided towards the cost of relocation.
The Warden role is being offered for a minimum of 12 months and would suit someone with a source of income, possibly a pension, wishing to contribute to the house’s ministry of hospitality whilst its mission is further developed.
The appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS clearance.
Closing date: 18 July 2025
Familiarisation and interviews: 24 and 25 July 2025
For an informal conversation about this role, please contact The Revd Prebendary Terry Bloor (Chair of the Mercian Community Trust) by email
For more information about Dovedale House see our website
This role is a post to which an occupational requirement under paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010 applies, the requirement being that the postholder is a practising Christian.
To apply, please complete the application form and recruitment monitoring form and return them to Clare Beavon: