Lead Chaplain
SKILLS
FULL DESCRIPTION
About The Role
This is an exciting role for the University of East London (UEL), based within Student Services, reporting to the Head of Student Services (Strategic Projects) and working closely with our Student Wellbeing team and Students’ Union.
You will be tasked both with consolidating recent advances in the Chaplaincy provision at UEL as well as discerning and developing future opportunities for Chaplaincy’s work.
You will focus on developing a good understanding of the needs of our students and staff at UEL, continuing to integrate faith into our wider wellbeing activity and establishing effective networks within the university, in the local community and with other Chaplains within Higher Education Providers.
You will have significant experience as a faith leader within your own faith or belief community and demonstrable experience of providing pastoral, spiritual, and religious care and guidance in varied settings.
You will have a mature faith and generosity of spirit which enables you to form strong working relationships with a wide range of people from different faith traditions. You will also have a good understanding of legislation that relates to responsibilities of safeguarding and duty of care in relation to the role. Your commitment to UEL’s values should be compatible with and informed by your own faith tradition.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Engage in national networks relating to faith in HE settings to maintain up to date knowledge of best practice in this area of work.
- Be the first point of contact to lead and provide specialist guidance to the university in relation to student and staff faith needs.
- Oversee and actively manage the development and of all current faith spaces, ensuring they are welcoming to all members of the UEL community
- Oversee all aspects of the management of the team of Honorary Chaplains including recruitment, supervision, and ongoing training.
- Monitor and review the Religious Observance Policy and extend/develop the policy as required.
- Foster a culture within UEL that enables all students the opportunity to seek spiritual and faith-based guidance on a wide range of issues.
- Establish a calendar of events in partnership with relevant Student Services teams and the SU relating to faith-based festivals and days of significance.
- Contribute to wider wellbeing considerations including safeguarding, and leading on faith aspects of future wellbeing strategic plans.
- Be responsible for ensuring the provision of pastoral, spiritual, and religious care to students of all faiths and beliefs, including being a member of the student and staff death response teams, providing support to impacted members of the UEL community, friends, and family.
- Provide religious advice, guidance, and support to students and staff from your faith as part of the wider chaplaincy provision.
- Be involved in key university events such as Welcome Events, Graduations, Health Gain Month, and all staff development weeks.
- Offer training to staff and students as part of the student services team.
- Ensure that all provision is delivered in line with the Equality Act (2010), and with UEL’s policy and core values.
Person Specification
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
- Educated to degree level (e.g., BA, BSc) or equivalent
- Relevant and accredited training as a Chaplain or faith leader
- In good standing with denomination or faith community
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Experience of leadership of a faith community, and the ability to flourish within a multifaith environment in which faith is not merely tolerated but celebrated.
- Experience of developing and leading teams of volunteers, and the ability to generate new ideas and recommendations for change
- Experience of providing high quality pastoral support, including those who are bereaved, vulnerable, and those who may be at risk of harm
- Demonstrable experience and knowledge of other faiths, and of inter-faith working as part of a team
- Knowledge and skills in IT literacy and familiarity with Microsoft Office and other software
- Demonstrable understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and the Equality Act (2010)
- Have excellent skills in written and verbal communication
Desirable
- Experience of working in a higher education environment
- Experience of teaching about faith and spirituality in HE setting
- Experience of using research to inform practice
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
- Commitment to providing an excellent quality of Chaplaincy service to all
- Commitment to and understanding of equality and diversity and Freedom of Speech issues within a diverse and multicultural environment
- Commitment to continuing professional development to maintain awareness of trends in the sector/subject area and acquire new skills
- Ability to establish positive working relationships with a wide range of individuals, including within the Chaplaincy and Student Services teams and with contacts in other departments and outside of the university
- Ability to work office hours (Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00) with occasional weekend work