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- Tasks: Lead and manage the Chapel Royal, ensuring a vibrant worship and music experience.
- Company: Join Historic Royal Palaces, caring for iconic sites like Hampton Court Palace.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous pension contributions, annual pay reviews, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a historic setting, welcoming all to worship and music.
- Qualifications: Must be an ordained priest with 10+ years of licensed ministry experience.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to enhancing visitor experiences.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us: Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world: the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, the Banqueting House, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle. Hampton Court Palace is one of the most iconic and famous buildings in the world. It welcomes in excess of 700k visitors each year and is home to approximately 300 staff, acting as headquarters to Historic Royal Palaces (HRP). The Chapel Royal is the spiritual heart of the Palace – a place of worship for visitors, staff and a regular congregation. The Chapel Royal is part of the ecclesiastical household of His Majesty The King.
About the role: Following the retirement of the current incumbent, we are looking for a dedicated Chaplain to lead and manage a busy team working to ensure the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court is a thriving place of worship and music.
- You will be experienced in leading, managing and developing a team of staff and volunteers and will hold responsibility for ensuring the Chapel is effectively run.
- You will be responsible for delivering a programme of regular worship and of special events, within the expected format of the Book of Common Prayer and the Authorised Version of the Bible.
- You will work with teams across Hampton Court to provide an exceptional visitor experience, ensuring the Chapel is a friendly and welcoming space for all.
- You will support the Music Director to promote and sustain the music and choral tradition of the Chapel Royal, working in partnership with the Choral Foundation.
- You will be an active Chaplain to the Palace community, including visitors, staff and residents, those of all faiths and none.
- You will work to grow the congregation so it thrives and survives, and to broaden the audiences that benefit from the Chapel and its music.
- You will ensure the appropriate and consistent use of the Chapel Royal with other Chapels under the King’s Household.
About You: You will be an ordained priest within the Church of England with at least 10 years experience of licensed ministry. You will be experienced in leading traditional services according to the Book of Common Prayer 1662 and in conducting choral liturgical services. We are looking for an excellent leader and communicator who will work to ensure the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court remains a thriving place of worship and music at the heart of the Palace. You will be passionate about welcoming everyone, about broadening audiences and about making the Chapel and its music more accessible to all. You’ll also be excited about the opportunity to be part of the Historic Royal Palaces team, and to work with staff across the organisation to integrate the Chapel into the overall visitor experience. You will be highly experienced in working with a complex range of stakeholders, demonstrating high emotional intelligence and the ability to effectively navigate wide ranging interests. You’ll also have strong experience in leading, motivating and developing a team of staff and volunteers.
Benefits: Generous Employers Pension Contributions, Annual Pay reviews & Bonuses, Critical Illness Cover & Life Assurance, Family friendly policies and benefits, Staff discounts and membership to all palaces. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. A DBS disclosure is required to enhanced level.
Closing date: 16th February 2026. Interviews: 2nd/3rd March 2026. If you have any difficulties with your application, please email recruitment@hrp.org.uk.
Chaplain of HM Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace employer: Historic Royal Palaces
Contact Detail:
Historic Royal Palaces Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chaplain of HM Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the church community and those connected to Historic Royal Palaces. Attend events, engage on social media, and don’t be shy about asking for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet with anyone from HRP or the Chapel Royal, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the mission of the organisation. Share your vision for how you can contribute to making the Chapel a welcoming space for all.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the history and significance of Hampton Court Palace and the Chapel Royal. Familiarise yourself with their traditions and current initiatives. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can enhance the visitor experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Historic Royal Palaces team. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Chaplain of HM Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about being part of the Chapel Royal and making it a welcoming space for everyone.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leading services and managing teams. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their skills in a way that aligns with our mission at Historic Royal Palaces.
Be Personable: Remember, we’re not just looking for qualifications; we want to know about you as a person! Share your approach to community engagement and how you plan to connect with visitors and staff alike.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Hampton Court Palace.
How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Royal Palaces
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Chaplain at Hampton Court Palace. Familiarise yourself with the Book of Common Prayer and the traditions of the Chapel Royal. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing volunteers. Think of specific examples where you've successfully motivated a group or navigated complex stakeholder relationships. Highlighting your emotional intelligence and communication skills will be key to demonstrating your fit for this role.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Accessibility
Since the role involves welcoming a diverse congregation, be ready to share your thoughts on making worship more accessible. Discuss any past initiatives you've led that broadened participation or enhanced the visitor experience. This will resonate well with the values of Historic Royal Palaces.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the Chapel's future, its community engagement strategies, and how you can contribute to its mission. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
