Warden of Spiritual Accompaniment
SKILLS
FULL DESCRIPTION
The Bishops of Blackburn and Lancaster seek an experienced Spiritual Director to serve as Warden of Spiritual Accompaniment, overseeing, supporting, and developing the ministry within the [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk]. The role is part-time, with flexible hours and administrative support. Responsibilities include overseeing spiritual accompaniment, ensuring safeguarding, promoting the ministry, training spiritual accompaniers, and managing a budget.
ROLE DESCRIPTION FOR WARDEN OF SPIRITUAL ACCOMPANIMENT
The Bishops of Blackburn and Lancaster seek an experienced Spiritual Director (lay or ordained) to serve as Warden of Spiritual Accompaniment, to oversee, support, and develop the ministry of spiritual accompaniment within the [Employer hidden].
Hours: 10-16 hours a week, flexible, with administrative support from the Growing Leaders Team.
Remuneration: Non-stipendiary with reasonable expenses covered including for travel, overnight stays and annual retreat (a paid-for 8-day retreat each year)
Person Specification
Someone with experience of being a Spiritual Director and who is in regular receipt of Spiritual Direction/Accompaniment themselves
Someone who demonstrates a commitment to their ongoing Spiritual Formation
Evidence of accountability in formation and discernment
Evidence of public ministry within the Church of England
Key Tasks
• Introductions
To enable an administrative system such that details & descriptions of Spiritual Accompaniers on the Diocesan list are available for those interested to receive spiritual accompaniment for their own selection, with clear guidelines for discerning whether the fit is right after an initial meeting
• Safeguarding
To ensure that safeguarding, confidentiality and GDPR codes of practice are adhered to by Spiritual Accompaniers
• Promotion
To liaise with those responsible for vocational and discipleship training and formation programmes, raising awareness and take-up of Spiritual Accompaniment, discerning and promoting vocations to this ministry
• Training
- To develop and co-ordinate an eight-session training course at least annually, for the training of spiritual accompaniers, in order to normalize the offering of this ministry by the clergy and laity of the [Employer hidden]
- To enable continuing developmental training for those currently offering spiritual accompaniment two to three times a year.
• Supervision of Spiritual Accompaniers
To review, resource and oversee arrangements for Supervision of Spiritual Accompaniers, ensuring availability, access, good practice, and take-up including an annual cycle of individual appraisals with all Spiritual Accompaniers on the diocesan list
• Consultation
To consult with the advisory group to discern best ways to promote and model good practice in the training, support, recruitment, supervision, pastoral care, and appraisal of Spiritual Accompaniers with due regard to, and vigilance in, matters relating to Safeguarding Code of Practice
• .Reporting
- To meet regularly as appropriate with line manager, the Assistant Archdeacon for Clergy Wellbeing
- To provide an annual report for Diocesan senior team
• Budget
To manage a budget that reflects an aspiration to normalise the ministry of Spiritual Accompaniment as a key component in supporting:
- wellbeing and resilience
- spiritual growth
- active discipleship.
• Wider Support
To attend the annual Growing Leaders team retreat day
Meet annually with the Bishop of Lancaster
Key relationships
Growing Leaders Team, esp Claire Beattie, Events Coordinator (for administrative support)
Assistant Archdeacon for Clergy Wellbeing (line manager)
Chaplain, Whalley Abbey
Spiritual Directors Network Advisory Group
Bishop of Lancaster
Making Disciples Team
For an informal conversation about the role and/or to register interest in being considered for the role, please contact Canon Neil Kelley on [contact hidden].
Expressions of interest should be received by 30th April 2026.