It’s an exciting time to join the Diocese of Blackburn, St Tees and the University of Lancaster. This role has emerged from a growing partnership between Blackburn Diocese, Lancaster University and St Tees.

We are seeking a new Anglican Chaplain who will both be a bridge between the University and the Church and offer sanctuary spaces within the University. The new Chaplain will be well supported as part of St Thomas’ and University Chaplaincy teams, and this will be complemented by wider Diocesan support so that they and their ministry can flourish.

• Lead the provision of Anglican Christian ministry within Lancaster University and support the Chaplaincy at the University of Cumbria.
• Engage in holistic mission, including by providing pastoral care to staff and students of all faiths and none and signposting to specialist University services as necessary.
• Re-establish a regular Anglican Christian worshipping community within the University.
• Nurture and support links with Christian organisations, especially student-led Christian associations operating through the Lancaster University Students’ Union, hearing the student voice and developing services that is responsive to their needs.
• Develop and lead on specific projects to enhance the overall work of the Chaplaincy eg student drop-ins or celebrations, staff support groups
• Support the Christian vocational development of Lancaster University staff and students.
• Work collaboratively as part of both the Chaplaincy and wider Student Wellbeing Services teams signposting to advice and guidance for staff members in their mission to support student mental health and wellbeing.
• Be an integrated active member of the St Thomas’ ministry team.
• Build bridges between the University and the Church, especially the local churches of Lancaster.
• Support the University priorities through participation eg in Graduations, student celebrations, Open Days, Freshers’ Week, Carol services etc
• Supporting the work of the wider Chaplaincy team in planning, development and reflection
• Undertake offices of funerals and weddings as required
• An active member of local and regional chaplains in the higher education community, sharing good practice and evaluating interventions for adoption at Lancaster University.
• An active member of the Lancaster University Chaplaincy Management Committee advancing the strategic and operational aims of the Chaplaincy Trustee Board, reporting progress, issues and risks as appropriate.
• Abiding by all University policies and training with respect to issues such as Prevent, Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Mental Health Awareness

Genuine Occupational Requirement

• There is an occupational requirement for the post-holder to be a practising Christian, and a member of the Anglican Church, in accordance with Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.

Enhanced DBS

• This post will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check

Qualification

Essential

• An Anglican Priest
• Completion of a pre and post ordination theological training programme within a Church of England context.
• Evidence of continuing professional and self-development.

Experience

Essential

• A Priest of good standing who takes genuine delight in their own call to service and lives it out in a way that can be a role model to others.
• Some experience (e.g. a placement) of chaplaincy in an educational setting.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to network, collaborate and readily build trust with a diverse range of people and organisations to create communities with a shared purpose
• Able to exercise a high degree of personal initiative in organising their own work
• Ability to organise and publicise events and programmes.
• Well developed administrative skills
• A good working knowledge of Microsoft IT packages such as teams, Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

Personal

Essential

• A person who is loyal to the inheritance of faith revealed in the Scriptures, who is excited by the Gospel and articulate in communicating the saving news of God in Jesus Christ.
• A person of prayer who is serious and disciplined about their own formation in Christ.
• Someone who takes real delight in the breadth of the Church of England with a genuine appreciation of the Five Guiding Principles and the willingness to work in diverse cultural and theological contexts.
• A person who can flourish in an Evangelical worship setting, is secure in their own tradition and willing to work beyond it to support staff and students of other faith background and traditions and none.
• Someone who can play a constructive role as part of a wider parish and multi-faith chaplaincy team.
• A team player who displays advanced relational and emotional intelligence and can work well with those they differ from.
• An enthusiast who can inspire others.
• A heart for Christian service and hard work.

Other

Essential

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
• Willing to travel both within the Diocese and beyond.
• Full Driving licence and use of car for work purpose.

For a full job description and person specification, please refer to the attached recruitment pack.

For an informal conversation about this position, please contact The Revd Mark Bradford - mark@st.tees.org.uk

St Thomas’ Church, also known as St Tees, has been a strong Evangelical church community in the heart of the city of Lancaster since the 1840s. It has seen revival in many decades, and ministers within and without the city and university communities. St Thomas’ is committed to being a church which is a welcoming home, where God is at the centre, being deeply rooted, in Christ, the church and in our city, being radically compassionate, sharing God’s love to all of his world and being generously sent, in the power of His Spirit. This includes a thriving youth and children’s work and a large staff team. There are different branches to the work at St Tee’s including a family life centre, a work with asylum seekers and an eco church initiative. There are many students among the regular members of the church.

Lancaster University was established in 1964 and is consistently in the top 15 universities in British league tables. It is a popular research-intensive university with an outstanding international reputation that has 5 campuses across the globe and the Lancaster campus at Bailrigg attracts students from all over the world. It is one of only 6 collegiate universities in the UK with 9 colleges supporting students with pastoral and social support.

Outline of Terms and Conditions

Employer: You will be employed by St Thomas Lancaster Parochial Church Council

Salary: £35,000 per annum

Hours: This is a full-time role based on a 6 day working week, but the post holder may be required to work additional hours as to meet the reasonable requirements of the role.

Location: The post holder will be based at the University of Lancaster and St Thomas, Lancaster. The nature of the role requires occasional travel around the diocese, and sometimes beyond. A smartphone and laptop can be provided to assist remote working.

Pension: : Pension Scheme,10% employer contribution 2% minimum employee contribution. Membership of the Clergy pension scheme is available via a salary sacrifice.

Annual leave: The full-time entitlement is 30 days (not including statutory bank holidays). The holiday year runs from 1 January to 31 December.

Probationary period: The appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

Notice Period: During the six-month probationary period two weeks’ notice is required on either party. Thereafter you will be required to give three months’ notice should you wish to resign.

Expenses: Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Relationship with the University: It is a condition of employment that the Chaplain retains the good will of the University to perform their duties.

Right to work: The post-holder must have the right to reside and work in the UK.

Diversity - The Diocese of Blackburn believes that diversity enables us to thrive and develop and is committed to race equality, welcoming applications from UK Minority Ethnic/ Global Majority Heritage backgrounds

The Diocese of Blackburn is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.