Winchester College Fishing Club
Winchester College Fishing Club was set up in 1910 and, since the Second World War, has been managed by means of a full time River Keeper. The four miles of fishing is now run as a recreational facility for the men in the school by way of the Fishing Club, which currently has around 60 members. It also provides an opportunity for members of staff to fish, as well as accommodating the Old Wykehamist Fishing Club.
The position of Head River Keeper involves managing the running of the river, the water meadows and the canal. The river, managed as a fishery, is a way to show care of the river and also to fit in with criteria the Itchen is given under its SAC (Special Area of Conservation) status. The meadows are currently managed in part by the College, with a view to entering the north section into a Stewardship Agreement. The canal is managed primarily for rowing, carried out by the College’s Rowing Club, but also in agreement with the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and English Nature. The fishery also contains a small Brown Trout farm for the purpose of re-stocking the river.
The position of Assistant River Keeper is to assist the Head River Keeper in the day to day duties involved in running the river, canal and water meadows; and to be responsible for fish welfare and security on an alternate weekend basis.
Duties and Responsibilities
Personal Specification
Terms of Service
Start Date
As soon as possible
Hours of work
Such as are necessary for the running of the fishery but not less than Monday – Friday 8.00am. – 4.30pm.
Weekends and Public Holidays: On an alternate weekend basis to ensure the security of the river, fish farm and surrounding grounds. To ensure the canal is kept at a suitable level of water for rowing and that it is kept safe and navigable through the College grounds. To report any findings of problems or wrong doings to the Head River Keeper.
Salary
Circa £17,500 (gross) per annum and will be paid monthly, to your specified bank account in 12 equal payments. Salary levels are reviewed on the 1st September annually.
Holidays
The College leave year runs from 1st September to 31st August. The post holder will be entitled to the statutory 28 days holiday per annum which includes bank holidays. Bank/Public holidays occurring during term time are deemed normal working days. All leave must be taken with the prior agreement of the Line Manager.
Generally, staff are discouraged from taking holidays during school holidays as the major work load is when the College properties are empty, some exceptions being made when staff have school age children.
Uniform
Certain items of uniform will be provided, including polo shirts and sweatshirts. All items must be kept clean and in good repair; laundering will be the responsibility of the individual.
Probation and Notice Periods
The first four months of employment will be a probationary period. During this time conduct and performance will be reviewed. The College may extend the probationary period if it is deemed to be required. During the probationary period the notice required to terminate employment will be one week (by either the employee or employer). The notice will increase upon the successful completion of the probationary period.
Pension and Life Cover
On employment, employees will be auto-enrolled into the College’s pension scheme according to legislative thresholds. Those who are not eligible for auto-enrolment may still elect to join the College’s pension scheme. Initially, when joining the College’s pension scheme, employees will become a member of the College’s Group Personal Pension Plan (GPP). For this Plan, known as Tier 1, the employee contributes 5% and the employer 3%.
After nine months’ membership of the Tier 1 plan employees may opt to join Tier 2, which is also a Group Personal Pension Plan and the contributions are 5% from the employee and a 9% contribution from the College. Employees in Tier 1 automatically qualify for a Life Cover of 2 times salary. On entry to Tier 2 Life Cover changes to 4 times salary.
Enhanced Disclosure and other Pre-employment checks
Winchester College is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children at the school. Therefore, this appointment will be subject to a successful Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check. This will provide details of convictions, reprimands, warnings, cautions and bind overs as per the DBS filtering guidance. A policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, and information about DBS filtering, is available upon request from the HR Department if required. The college may approach previous employers to seek relevant experience or qualifications, in addition to obtaining references provided by the candidate.
Data Protection Statement
Winchester College collects and processes relevant personal data as part of its everyday operations and is obliged to process it in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.
The school is the Data Controller of this data under the Act and is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office; its registration number is Z5751669.
Any queries about this policy or how personal data is processed by the school should be referred to the Data Protection Liaison Officer.
