Free Church Chaplain

The successful candidate will work with other colleagues to ensure the delivery of Prison Service Specifications as required and also the broader work of the multi-faith chaplaincy team in delivering faith and non-faith-based courses.

The successful candidate will engage with, and build contacts with their own faith community towards aiding the resettlement of offenders, will provide for the religious care of prisoners and staff in the faith tradition including sacramental provision as appropriate and pastoral care for all as required, irrespective of faith or tradition.

To provide specific pastoral care and religious instruction to those prisoners registered as Free church/Christian and Roman Catholic. Job holders will also be required to meet the pastoral needs of people of other faiths/beliefs and none.

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

Facilitate and deliver opportunities for worship both sacramental and non-sacramental, study and religious programmes
Contribute towards the development of local policy, procedures and practice
Provide mentoring and personal support for other chaplains and volunteers including following incidents
Be always part of the provision of available and accessible chaplaincy care

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder.

What you'll need to do the role

All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post

All external candidates are subject to 12 months probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probation period within HMPPS

All staff are required to declare whether they are a member of a group or organisation which the Prison Service considers to be racist

All Free Church chaplains are trained faith practitioners in their own communities. They are accountable to, and accredited by an eligible denomination as listed on the Free Churches Group website. They will either:

Be a minister (lay or ordained) of a Free Church denomination which is a member of the Free Churches Group, or
Be a minister (lay or ordained) of a Free Church denomination which is listed by the Free Churches Faith Advisor as an 'Additional Denomination'.
listed by the HMPPS Free Churches Faith and Belief Adviser as an 'Additional Denomination'.

Denominations listed as an "Additional Denomination" will satisfy all of the following:

have a distinctive Free Church theology;
be national members of either Churches Together in England or Cytun;
have formally requested inclusion on the 'Additional Denomination' list;
have agreed to abide by the "Joint Working Protocol for Prison Chaplains" established between the Free Churches Group, Churches together in England and Cytun.

Ordained Chaplains (including ordained deacons) will have completed a formal professional formation process appropriate to their denomination which satisfies that denomination of their ability to effectively practice and fulfil the skills and competencies required of an ordained minister. Where an ordained chaplain is appointed within the first two years of their ordination then the denomination will be required to demonstrate to the Free Churches Faith Advisor the additional support to be given during this crucial stage of ministry development.
Formal endorsement of the candidate's denominational accreditation will be required from the Free Churches Faith Advisor to HMPPS .

Church leaders at a regional or national level, i.e. Moderators, Chairs, Regional Ministers etc. will be asked to provide written confirmation to the Faith Advisor attesting to the credentials, qualifications and accountability of each candidate (This evidence will be required before appointment and thereafter periodically according to HMPPS vetting policy)

Formal endorsement from the candidate's own denomination will be required via the Free Churches Faith Advisor. Senior church leaders to whom the volunteer chaplain would be actively accountable will be asked to provide written confirmation attesting to the credentials, training plan and accountability of each candidate sponsored by their denomination (This evidence will be required before appointment and thereafter periodically according to HMPPS vetting policy and will be required whenever a volunteer chaplain seeks to take up a paid chaplaincy role).

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

In order to maintain endorsement by the Free Churches Faith Advisor all chaplains will be required to demonstrate regular ongoing reflection or training contributing towards their professional development as ministers. This will be recorded and assessed on an annual basis by the Free Churches Faith Advisor.

Why Serco

A place you can make an impact: The nature of our business means you will do interesting work that matters - delivering essential services that touch people's lives.
A place you can count on: Our diverse UK-wide operations offer unrivalled opportunities to learn and develop. You'll be able to broaden your experience and apply your skills in new ways.
A place for you: We are a motivated team who will encourage you and help you to succeed. You'll have the resources you need to do your job in a diverse and supportive environment.

About Serco
At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.

By joining Serco you will have unlimited access to our Global Employee Networks - SercoInspire (Gender), SercoEmbrace (Multicultural), SercoUnlimited (Disability) and In@Serco (LGBT & Networks). Serco Employee Networks, led by colleagues who are passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
Serco benefits package
Employee Assistance Programme
A company passionate about diversity and inclusion
A safe and supportive culture
The chance to make a positive difference