Volunteer Chaplain in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle University is seeking to appoint a Volunteer Chaplain to join its Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Service, part of Student Health and Wellbeing Services. This voluntary role supports the University’s commitment to an inclusive, respectful and diverse community, providing pastoral, spiritual and wellbeing support to students and colleagues of all faiths, beliefs and life stances.

Chaplains work collaboratively within a multi-faith and belief-inclusive team, contributing to the University’s wellbeing provision, safeguarding culture, and values-led approach to care. The Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Service is open to everyone at Newcastle University, regardless of faith, belief, religion or worldview. It provides listening support, spiritual care, crisis response, signposting, and community engagement across the University.

Chaplains are integrated into the wider Student Health and Wellbeing Service and work closely with professional services, academic colleagues, and external partners to support wellbeing, dignity and respect. Support and training will be available including:

• A structured induction into Student Health and Wellbeing Services
• Ongoing support from the Faith and Spirituality Support Coordinator
• Access to training relevant to safeguarding, wellbeing and pastoral care
• Administrative and facilities support appropriate to the role

To express interest please apply by uploading a short statement outlining your interest and availability, evidence of recognition or support from your sponsoring organisation and relevant experience in pastoral, spiritual or wellbeing support. A DBS clearance is required for this role.

Key Accountabilities

As a Volunteer Chaplain, you will:

• Provide pastoral and spiritual support to students and colleagues
• Offer a listening, non-judgemental presence, respecting diversity of belief and identity
• Work inclusively within a multi-faith and belief-inclusive chaplaincy team
• Engage with the University community through agreed outreach and wellbeing activity
• Contribute, where appropriate, to serious welfare matters and crisis response
• Maintain appropriate records in line with university policies
• Follow safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection, dignity and respect, and health and safety policies
• Attend chaplaincy meetings, supervision and agreed training
• Work in partnership with Student Health and Wellbeing Services

Chaplains do not use the role for proselytising, coercion, or denigration of other beliefs or life stances.

The Person (Essential) Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Are formally recognised or endorsed by a faith, belief or philosophical body or sponsor
• Have experience in pastoral, spiritual or wellbeing support
• Can work respectfully within a diverse, inclusive university environment
• Understand boundaries, safeguarding, and confidentiality
• Can commit time regularly to the chaplaincy role
• Are willing to undertake required training and DBS clearance

Applicants must be supported by a sponsoring organisation or individual appropriate to their tradition. Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.