Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Be a vibrant Christian presence at the University, engaging with students and staff.
- Company: Join the Church of England Birmingham in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and accommodation provided.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and collaboration within a diverse community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through faith and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Must be an ordained priest with a passion for student ministry.
The predicted salary is between 34950 - 34950 ÂŁ per year.
The Anglican Chaplain will serve as a visible, confident, and pastorally grounded Christian presence within the University of Birmingham. Rooted in the worshipping life of St Bartholomew’s (Old Church) and operating from the Multi‑Faith Chaplaincy Centre at the heart of campus, the Chaplain will embody a ministry of prayer, proclamation, service, and hospitality; nurture intellectual and spiritual growth among students and staff; contribute to the flourishing of the university community through pastoral care, public engagement, and collaborative chaplaincy.
The Chaplain will be the Bishop of Aston’s nominee for appointment as a Recognised Chaplain, with all accompanying university privileges and responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities- Mission, Discipleship, and Formation: Lead a confident and prayerful Anglican presence across campus, engaging students and staff with warmth, integrity, and intellectual curiosity. Develop a mission‑shaped strategy that integrates worship, discipleship, and engagement with academic life. Create and support accessible opportunities for exploration of Christian faith marked by hospitality, depth, and clarity. Encourage and resource the Christian student community, including support for faith societies and emerging leaders. Foster theological literacy and engagement with Scripture in ways that strengthen Christian witness in academic contexts. Provide visible presence amongst the student and staff communities – comfortably stepping outside of the chaplaincy building.
- Pastoral and Spiritual Care: Offer pastoral care to staff and students of all faiths and none. Maintain a welcoming, safe, and confidential ministry within the Chaplaincy Centre. Establish rhythms of prayer, intercession, and worship in partnership with Chaplaincy colleagues. Support those discerning vocation to Christian leadership, public service, or ministry.
- Advocacy, Culture, and Public Engagement: Act as a thoughtful and constructive Christian voice within university conversations. Build positive relationships with university leadership, schools/faculties, Student Services, Wellbeing, and the Guild. Participate in governance structures relevant to chaplaincy, helping shape its development. Represent Christian perspectives in campus debates and public forums with grace and confidence.
- Partnership and Collaboration: Work collaboratively within the Multi‑Faith Chaplaincy team, contributing to shared initiatives and respectful dialogue. Build links with teaching and research centres, including the School of Philosophy, Theology & Religion. Engage with the University of Birmingham Chaplaincy Trust and utilise resources responsibly for student and staff wellbeing. Maintain strong and supportive relationships with Church of England parishes involved in ministry to the university. Participate in local, regional, and national chaplaincy and student mission networks. Foster unity amongst Christian groups on campus. Establish positive working relationship with the University of Birmingham Anglican Chaplaincy Trust.
- Student‑Facing Parish‑Based Ministry (St Bartholomew’s): The parish‑based element of the role will normally equate to two days per week (including Sundays). Serve as part of the ministry team at St Bartholomew’s, contributing to its worshipping life and mission. Support the parish in developing sustainable student engagement, including midweek discipleship and welcome. Preach, preside, and participate pastorally in Sunday worship.
The Chaplain’s rootedness in St Bartholomew’s is foundational to this model of chaplaincy. The parish provides a worshipping community for spiritual nourishment; a base for forming and sending Christian students in partnership with the Chaplain; partnership, accountability and integration into the wider parish mission; practical support including office space, resources, and team collaboration. The Chaplain will be an integral member of the parish team while maintaining clear accountability for university‑based responsibilities through the Director of Mission.
Council of Reference (Proposed)To ensure transparency, shared confidence, and healthy relationships with a range of stakeholders, a Council of Reference will meet three times per year. Its purpose is advisory rather than operational.
Membership May Include:- Director of Mission (Chair)
- Incumbent of St Bartholomew’s
- A representative from the University of Birmingham Chaplaincy Committee
- A representative from the Birmingham Anglican Chaplaincy Trust
- Two parish clergy from churches with significant student ministry (to reflect breadth)
- One chaplain from another HE institution
- The Anglican Chaplain (in attendance; not chairing)
- To provide wisdom, feedback, and accountability in the development of the chaplaincy.
- To ensure positive and collaborative relationships across differing perspectives.
- To review emerging opportunities and challenges in the chaplain’s ministry.
- To affirm and support the Chaplain’s wellbeing and professional development.
- Ordained priest in the Church of England (or a church in communion).
- A prayerful, reflective minister with a love of learning and deep commitment to student ministry and mission.
- Ability to minister within the liturgical and theological tradition of St Bartholomew’s.
- Demonstrated competence in leading public worship.
- Proven ability to communicate Christian faith clearly and joyfully across diverse environments.
- Clear evidence of working effectively and sensitively within culturally, socially and religiously diverse communities, showing mature pastoral judgment in complex environments.
- Demonstrates pastoral sensitivity, safeguarding awareness, and the ability to relate well to people at all stages of faith.
- A collaborative team member able to build constructive relationships across the university and parish.
- A self‑starter able to work independently while remaining accountable.
- Commitment to working within the safeguarding parameters of University of Birmingham and the University of Birmingham chaplaincy.
- The post is subject to enhanced DBS check with Barred List check, satisfactory references and completion of relevant Safeguarding Training.
- Experience in chaplaincy or student ministry.
- Academic or theological research experience.
- Ability to navigate cultural and intellectual diversity with creativity and grace.
- Experience using digital and social media for mission.
University office base: Office provision, IT and admin support is provided by Birmingham University in St Francis Hall Multi‑faith Chaplaincy Centre, with dedicated space for corporate worship and fellowship. Working expenses: The University of Birmingham Anglican Chaplaincy Trust contributes towards the Chaplain’s working expenses in ministry to the University. Parish office space and worship resources will be provided by St Bartholomew’s Church. St Bartholomew’s PCC is responsible for covering parish‑based costs. Ongoing oversight and ministerial support from both the parish and diocesan mission team. Reflective Pastoral Supervision: Regular participation in confidential Reflective Pastoral Supervision is strongly recommended for clergy engaged in pastoral ministry. This is available at no cost through the Birmingham RPS scheme. MDR: Ordained ministers licensed by the Bishop participate in Ministerial Development Review and Continuing Ministerial Development.
Terms and Conditions- Employer: Birmingham Diocesan Board of Finance (BDBF)
- Reports to: The Director of Mission and will have day‑to‑day supervision from the Incumbent of St Bartholomew’s
- Location: The role will be based out of St Bartholomew’s Church, Edgbaston
- Hours: Full‑time (5 days, 35 hours per week) funded for a fixed term of 5 years.
- License: Licensed by the Bishop of Birmingham for 5 years.
- Salary: ÂŁ34,950 per annum
- Pension: Membership of the CofE Clergy Pension Scheme
- Accommodation: For the better performance of the duties of the post, the postholder will be required to live in provided accommodation (currently a 4‑bedroom town house in Selly Oak with small garden and car‑parking, conveniently located to Birmingham University Selly Oak and Edgbaston campuses.)
- Annual Leave: Five weeks’ annual leave per calendar year plus Bank Holidays plus 3 additional Diocesan Discretionary Days.
As this post involves the delivery of ordained Anglican ministry within the University of Birmingham, including being rooted in the worshipping life of St Bartholomew’s (Old Church), the post carries a genuine occupational requirement for the postholder to be an ordained priest within the Anglican Communion.
Closing date for applications: 6th May 2026
Interviews to be held in person: 20th May 2026
Anglican Chaplain to the University of Birmingham employer: The Church of England
Contact Detail:
The Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Anglican Chaplain to the University of Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the university community! Attend events, engage with students and staff, and be visible. This will help you build relationships and show your genuine interest in their lives.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t shy away from social media! Use platforms like Instagram or Facebook to share your thoughts on faith and community engagement. It’s a great way to connect with students where they are.
✨Tip Number 3
Collaborate with other chaplains and faith groups on campus. Joint events can attract a wider audience and foster a sense of unity among different communities.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Anglican Chaplain to the University of Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives that relate to the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Anglican Chaplain position. Show us why you're the perfect fit!
Show Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for student ministry and chaplaincy in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about engaging with the university community and fostering spiritual growth.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can review your application efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Know Your Faith and Community
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Anglican beliefs and practices, as well as the specific needs of the University of Birmingham community. Be prepared to discuss how your faith informs your approach to pastoral care and engagement with students and staff.
✨Showcase Your Pastoral Skills
During the interview, share specific examples of how you've provided pastoral care in diverse environments. Highlight your ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and how you’ve supported their spiritual journeys, regardless of their faith.
✨Engage with the University’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with the university's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the academic and spiritual growth of the community, and how you envision integrating worship and discipleship into university life.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Emphasise your experience working in teams and building relationships across different groups. Discuss how you plan to collaborate with other chaplains, student societies, and university staff to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.