About The Role
HMP Thameside is seeking a committed Anglican Christian to join its multi-faith Chaplaincy Team as a Sessional Anglican Chaplain.
This is a varied and rewarding ministry, providing opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of prisoners and staff through worship, prayer, Bible study, pastoral care and spiritual support. You will minister within the Anglican tradition while working collaboratively with colleagues from other faiths and providing compassionate pastoral support to people of all faiths and none.
Prison chaplaincy is a distinctive form of ministry. We are looking for someone who can build appropriate relationships with prisoners, including those with complex needs and challenging backgrounds, and respond to people with compassion and without judgement. You will become part of a team sharing both the pastoral and practical responsibilities of providing an accessible chaplaincy service within the prison.
Previous prison chaplaincy experience is not essential. We would welcome someone with a genuine calling or heart for this ministry who is willing to learn, undertake appropriate training and develop within the role.
This is an explicitly Anglican ministry and applicants must meet the relevant Anglican eligibility and endorsement requirements. Appointment is subject to the necessary pre-employment checks, security vetting and clearance. Anglican requirements also include appropriate diocesan DBS clearance and up-to-date safeguarding training.
If you have a heart for sharing Christ’s love through worship, pastoral care and practical ministry, we would be delighted to hear from you.
The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults through the use of the Safer Recruitment practice guidance. This role is subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.
The Sessional Anglican Chaplain will contribute fully to the life and work of the Chaplaincy Team. Responsibilities will include:
– Planning and leading Anglican worship, prayer and faith-specific meetings.
– Facilitating Bible study, religious programmes and other opportunities for Christian faith development.
– Providing pastoral, spiritual and religious care to prisoners, staff and, where requested, their families.
– Offering appropriate pastoral support to people of other faiths and beliefs and those of no faith.
– Supporting prisoners experiencing crisis or particular pastoral need.
– Contributing to the provision of accessible chaplaincy care within the prison.
– Working collaboratively with other chaplains and supporting the work of chaplaincy volunteers.
– Contributing to the wider statutory, pastoral and administrative responsibilities of the Chaplaincy Team.
– Supporting relevant prison processes, including Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT), where required.
– Maintaining appropriate records and completing relevant administration.
– Working with the wider Anglican and faith community where appropriate.
– Taking responsibility for personal spiritual health and development through prayer, study and appropriate development.
We are looking for someone who:
– Has a mature Christian faith and a calling to, or heart for, prison ministry.
– Has demonstrable knowledge of Anglican theology and practice.
– Is able to lead worship and prayer and provide sensitive, appropriate pastoral care.
– Is compassionate and non-judgemental, with the ability to work with prisoners who may have complex needs and challenging backgrounds.
– Is a team player, willing to share in the wider responsibilities of the Chaplaincy Team.
– Is comfortable working within a multi-faith environment and providing pastoral support to people of all faiths and none.
– Communicates clearly and relates well to a wide range of people.
– Is flexible and adaptable, recognising the sometimes unpredictable nature of prison ministry.
– Is organised and capable of maintaining good records.
– Is willing to undertake prison-chaplaincy training and learn within the role where previous prison chaplaincy experience is limited.
Anglican eligibility
Applicants will ideally be an ordained Anglican priest. Applications may also be considered from an Anglican Deacon, Reader, Religious Brother or Sister, or Church Army Evangelist, subject to meeting the relevant eligibility requirements.
Applicants will in due course require formal endorsement from the HMPPS Anglican Faith Adviser, appropriate diocesan licensing/endorsement, diocesan DBS clearance and up-to-date safeguarding training. A recognised qualification in theology or religious study appropriate to ordination/licensing and relevant practical experience in worship, group work and pastoral care are also required.
Equal Opportunities
The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME) and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.