At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide spiritual guidance and support to prisoners and staff, facilitating worship and meditation.
- Company: Join the HM Prison & Probation Service, committed to inclusion and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of others while nurturing your own spiritual growth.
- Qualifications: Must be an ordained member of the Anglican Communion or equivalent with relevant endorsements.
The predicted salary is between 37417 - 37417 £ per year.
Role Overview
The job holder will work with colleagues to ensure the delivery of PSI 05/2016 Faith and Pastoral Care for Prisoners or its successor policy framework and also the broader work of chaplaincy in delivering faith and non‑faith‑based courses. Will contribute to the process by which the Governor and Chaplain General/Head of Faith Services are assured that these policies are being delivered. The job holder will engage with and build contacts with their own faith/belief community towards aiding the resettlement of offenders. Takes responsibility for one's own spiritual health and development, allowing time for private prayer/reflection, study and retreat. This is a non‑rotational, non‑operational job with no line management or supervisory responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Provide guidance on their faith/belief system in the establishment, providing advice, pastoral care and spiritual welfare to prisoners, staff and their families as requested, liaising with their Faith and Belief Adviser (FBA) or other FBA as appropriate.
- Plan and lead worship/meditation, prayer and faith/belief specific meetings. Be part of the provision of available and accessible chaplaincy care at all times.
- Facilitate and deliver opportunities for worship/meditation, study and religious programmes. Work collaboratively with other Chaplains, the Managing Chaplain, volunteers and external groups on the maintenance and provision of facilities for worship/meditation and prayer.
- Contribute towards the development of local policy, procedures and practice.
- Provide pastoral care to prisoners and help to provide support and bring resolution to crisis situations where required. Provide mentoring and personal support for other chaplains and volunteers including following incidents.
- Nurture Chaplaincy volunteers in their contribution.
- Work with the Official Prison Visitor (OPV) Liaison Officer in promoting the scheme within the prison, ensuring all prisoners are aware of it and to assist where required OPV volunteers.
- Ensure their prison community is aware of relevant faith/belief events and coordinate establishment support for these. Acquire and distribute appropriate faith/belief literature, artefacts and materials.
- Contribute to training programmes and materials for staff and volunteers. Be part of the organisation and delivery of Faith Awareness Training for staff.
- Represent the chaplaincy team at establishment meetings, committees etc. in the absence of the Managing Chaplain.
- Actively support the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) process.
- Attend relevant boards/meetings and actively contribute either as chair or team member.
- With the agreement of the Managing Chaplain and establishment senior management team and as required, take on additional roles (e.g. Family Liaison Officer, Family Services single point of contact, volunteer coordinator etc.).
- Be proactive in forging links with their local faith/belief communities and other agencies, as relevant and consider ways in which these communities/agencies may become involved in supporting prisoners on release.
- Participate in developing ways for improving and achieving targets as required, undertake and ensure that all relevant administration, data collection and analysis including relevant targets are collated.
- Assist in Probation Approved Premises (APs), with offenders on release into the community, those serving community sentences or other HMPPS funded community initiatives by agreement.
Qualifications
Chaplains are required to meet the faith/belief eligibility requirements for their chosen faith/belief as outlined within the Group Profile. Be an ordained member of the Anglican Communion (or of churches part of the Porvoo Agreement) and normally have been in Holy Orders for a minimum of three years, with formal endorsement in the form of the licence of the Diocesan Bishop. Or be a Reader, Religious Brother/Sister, Church Army Evangelist, or other appropriately qualified or licensed minister in the Anglican tradition, subject to agreement from the Anglican Bishop to HM Prisons, with formal endorsement in the form of the licence of the Diocesan Bishop. All candidates must have signed the Church of England documentation on mutual flourishing or Church in Wales equivalent, demonstrable knowledge of Anglican theology and religious practice, formal endorsement from the HMPPS Anglican Faith and Belief Adviser confirming eligibility and suitability, and Diocesan DBS clearance and up to date safeguarding training.
Nationality Requirements
- UK nationals
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Changing and Improving
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
Hours of Work
If part time, hours to be confirmed. If full time: 37 hour working week.
Benefits
- Salary £37,417 per annum.
- HM Prison & Probation Service contributes £10,839 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
- Access to learning and development.
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance.
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.
- Annual Leave.
- Public Holidays.
- Season Ticket Advance.
Reader in Nottingham employer: Church of England
As a Reader within the HM Prison & Probation Service, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises spiritual welfare and personal development. The role offers competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme and access to continuous learning opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of prisoners and their families in a dynamic environment. With flexible working options and a commitment to diversity, this position is ideal for those seeking a rewarding career in chaplaincy.