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We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Overview

Job holders within this Group Profile will provide religious and pastoral care of prisoners and staff in their own faith tradition and have an understanding/ knowledge of other differing faiths.

Characteristics

Typical tasks associated with this Group Profile include:

• Act as faith advisor in the establishment providing advice, pastoral care and spiritual welfare to prisoners, staff and their families as requested
• Facilitate and deliver opportunities for worship 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 part of the provision of available and accessible chaplaincy care at all times
• Plan and lead worship and prayer / faith specific meetings
• Provide pastoral care to prisoners and help to provide support and bring resolution to crisis situations where required
• Nurture Chaplaincy volunteers in their contribution
• Work collaboratively with other Chaplains and Managing Chaplain on the maintenance and provision of facilities for worship and prayer
• Ensure your prison community is aware of relevant religious events and coordinate establishment support for these
• Be proactive in forging links with their local faith communities and other agencies, as relevant and consider ways in which these communities/agencies may become involved in mentoring prisoners on release
• Participate in developing ways for improving and achieving targets As required, undertake and ensure that all relevant administration, data collection and analysis including relevant targets are collated
• Be part of the organisation and delivery of Faith Awareness Training for staff
• Undertake Diocesan Ministerial Reviews, where appropriate
• Provide appropriate support to the establishment in the absence of the Managing Chaplain
• Actively support the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) process

Job Descriptions relating to this Group Profile

• Chaplain : Anglican Ordained Bishop, Priest, Deacon, Religious Brother/Sister, Church Army Evangelist, Reader (as set out in Canon E4 of the Canons of the Church of England or direct equivalent in other Anglican provinces)
• Chaplain : Christian Chaplain – Ordained Priest or Free Church equivalent
• Chaplain : Christian Ordained Deacon Religious Brother Sister Lay Person
• Chaplain : Free Church Non Ordained Deacon or lay Person
• Chaplain : Free Church Ordained
• Chaplain : Hindu
• Chaplain : Humanist
• Chaplain : Muslim
• Chaplain : Roman Catholic Ordained Deacon Religious Brother Sister Lay Person
• Chaplain : Roman Catholic Ordained Priest
• Chaplain : Sikh
• Chaplain : Buddhist
• Chaplain : Jewish
• Chaplain : Orthodox
• Chaplain : Pagan
• Chaplain : Quaker
• Chaplain : Rastafari
• Chaplain : Roman Catholic Priest Deacon Brother Sister Lay Person
• Chaplain : Spiritualist
• Chaplain : Christian Science
• Chaplain : Chaplain

Essential Experience

Must complete specific training to hold the qualifications required for area of specialism outlined on the relevant Job Description.

Faith Eligibility Requirements (January 2020)

Buddhist:

• Be a committed Buddhist living by a moral standard of at least that of the Five Precepts and meditate regularly.
• Display a competent understanding of Buddhist teaching and practice.
• Have demonstrable knowledge of Buddhist schools other than the one to which you belong and be willing to help and encourage interest in, and practice of those schools, when required.
• Have endorsement by the Prison Service Buddhist Faith Adviser* (Evidence required before appointment).

Anglican:

Ordained Bishop, Priest or Deacon

• Be an ordained member of the Anglican Communion (or of churches that are part of the Porvoo Agreement).
• Have formal endorsement in the form of the licence of the Diocesan Bishop. Or

Reader, Religious Brother/Sister, Church Army Evangelist

• Be a Reader (as set out in Canon E4 of the Canons of the Church of England or direct equivalent in other Anglican provinces).
• Be a Religious sister or brother, Church Army Evangelist or other appropriately qualified or licensed minister in the Anglican tradition, subject to agreement from the Anglican Bishop to HM Prisons.
• Have formal endorsement in the form of the licence of the Diocesan Bishop.

All must have:

• signed the Church of England documentation on mutual flourishing or Church in Wales equivalent;
• demonstrable knowledge of Anglican theology and religious practice; and
• formal endorsement from the HMPPS Anglican Faith Advisor confirming eligibility and suitability.

Christian Science:

• Chaplains should be members of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts.
• Chaplains should be class taught students, by an authorised teacher of Christian Science.
• Chaplains should be active members of a Christian Science branch church or society.
• Chaplains should be endorsed by the Christian Science Prison Chaplains Committee

Free Church:

• 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’.

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.
• Non-ordained Chaplains will have completed a level of study in a theological or biblical discipline which enables them to be recognised by their denomination as a non-ordained minister.
• 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.)
• Required qualifications for Prison Chaplains. All Free Churches Chaplains will be expected to hold a formal recognised qualification in theology or religious study, normally to UK University undergraduate Diploma standard.
• Requirement for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). In order to maintain endorsement by the Free Churches Faith Advisor all chaplains will be required to demonstrate regular continuing 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

Hindu:

• Be a committed and practising Hindu.
• Display a competent understanding of Hindu teaching and practice.
• Have demonstrable knowledge of Hindu philosophy and rituals.
• Have relevant practical experience.
• Have endorsement from HMPPS Hindu Faith Adviser* (Evidence required before appointment).

Humanist:

• Have a cohesive system of values or beliefs but which do not self-classify as religious. These should be serious, genuinely and sincerely held, and worthy of respect in a democratic society.
• An ability to articulate the values and beliefs above.
• Have received formal endorsement from the Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network.
• Maintain their accreditation with the Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network.
• An ability to create a safe and supportive environment without judgement.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, particularly building rapport through conversation, active listening, and communication with a wide range of people.
• Ability to accompany people through times of transition.
• Ability to recognise one’s on limitations and if necessary refer to someone more appropriate.
• Understanding of appropriate boundaries and ability to work within them
• Humanistic counselling skills (empathy, UPR, attentive listening, questioning, reflecting, etc.
• Ability to reflect on one’s own performance and feedback.
• A commitment to providing pastoral support as a means of improving wellbeing.
• Capacity to give full attention to someone in need of support, to see beneath the surface situation and engage more deeply with the humanity and spirituality within.
• Ability to be non-judgemental, empathetic and compassionate in dealings with people.
• Awareness of one’s own humanity and spirituality in order to accompany someone exploring deep questions of meaning and identity.
• Willingness to work with a diverse range of people.
• Willingness to accept advice and criticism.
• Understanding and respect for the need for confidentiality in dealings with people.
• Perseverance to overcome adversity.
• Robustness in unfamiliar environments.

Jehovah’s Witness:

• A minister for Jehovah’s Witnesses must be an appointed elder.
• Have a formal nomination from the body of elders of the congregation where he is an appointed elder.
• Have formal endorsement by the prison service faith advisor for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
• Measure up to the Scriptural qualifications found at 1 Timothy 3:1-10; Titus 1:5- 9; 1 Peter 5:2, 3 and display them to a consistent and reasonable degree.
• Have a thorough understanding of the beliefs, teachings and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses and is committed to living by the Bible’s moral values and standards.
• Have been trained and have experience in pastoral care and have demonstrated effective communication and social skills.
• Have formal endorsement by the HMPPS Faith Advisor for Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Jewish:

• Be an ordained Rabbi,

Or

• In lieu of ordination, be a committed, practising and knowledgeable Jewish lay person.
• Have endorsement from HMPPS Jewish Faith Adviser* (Evidence required before appointment).

Muslim:

• Hold a recognised qualification in Islamic Studies at ‘Alimiyyah / Graduate level

Or

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of Islam at an equivalent level
• Be proficient in Tajweed (correct pronunciation of Arabic)
• Have demonstrable knowledge of the different schools of thought and denominations within Islam and be willing to help in, encourage interest in, and facilitate practice of those schools and denominations when required by different segments of the congregation.
• Formal endorsement by the candidate’s faith community – through HMPPS Muslim Adviser in Chaplaincy and Faith Services (i.e. Chaplaincy Headquarters) (evidence required before appointment).

Orthodox:

Ordained Priest or Bishop

• Be an ordained priest or bishop of the Orthodox Church in Communion with the See of Constantinople, and/or Antioch, Jerusalem, Alexandria.
• Will normally need to have been in Holy Orders for a minimum of three years. Have formal endorsement in the form of the certificate of Ordination of a Bishop, Metropolitan or Patriarch. *(Evidence required before appointment or approval from HMPPS Faith Advisor subject to agreement from Orthodox Advisor to HMPPS/ Orthodox Bishop’s Pastoral Committee).

Ordained Deacon, Subdeacon, Religious Brother/Sister/ Reader

• Be an Ordained Deacon, Subdeacon, Reader or monastic or be qualified by the Bishops for this ministry.
• Have formal endorsement in the form of the certificate of Ordination or qualification from a Bishop, Metropolitan or Patriarch. *(Evidence required before appointment or approval from HMPPS Faith Advisor, subject to agreement from Orthodox Advisor to HMPPS/ Orthodox Bishop’s Pastoral Committee.)

Pagan:

• Proven membership of an eligible grove/coven/group.
• Referenced or evidence based training within the Pagan community.
• Theologically competent in the Pagan tradition.
• Formal endorsement from the HMPPS Pagan Federation Faith Advisor confirming eligibility and suitability.

Quaker:

• Be a Member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in good standing.
• Have demonstrable in-depth knowledge of Quaker faith and practice. It is desirable although not essential that candidates will have completed the Equipping for Ministry course at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre.
• Have formal endorsement by the candidate’s faith community – through HMPPS Quaker Faith Adviser.

Rastafari:

• Must be a committed Rastafarian.
• Must demonstrate a high level of consciousness towards the principles of Rastafari.
• Must have a high tolerance and flexibility when working with the various members of the Rastafari family.
• Must have a general understanding of all the Rastafarian Mansions/Houses.
• Must have the endorsement of the HMPPS Rastafari faith advisers.

Roman Catholic:

Ordained Priest

• Be an ordained priest in the Roman Catholic Church.
• Formal endorsement in the form of recognition from the appropriate Diocesan Bishop or Religious Superior and formal agreement to work in a specific diocese by the local Diocesan Bishop (Evidence required before appointment).

Or

Ordained Deacon, Religious Brother/Sister/Lay Person

• Be an ordained Permanent Deacon, a Religious Brother or Sister or a suitably qualified lay person of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Formal endorsement in the form of recognition from the appropriate Diocesan Bishop or Religious Superior and formal agreement to work in a specific diocese by the local Diocesan Bishop (Evidence required before appointment).

All must have:

• completed formally recognised theological formation; for a Priest or Deacon in a major seminary or equivalent as prescribed by The Code of Canon Law and for a religious or lay person a theological qualification that, as the minimum, equates to the CCRS;
• formal agreement from the local diocesan bishop to minister in those prisons located within his Diocese; and
• formal endorsement from the HMPPS Roman Catholic Faith Advisor confirming eligibility and suitability.

Sikh:

• Must be a Baptised Sikh (i.e. has completed Amrit Initiation).
• Must hold a Degree/Diploma in Sikh theology or show practical demonstration of reading, reciting and translating Sikh scriptures.
• Must have demonstrable knowledge of Sikh history and commitment to adhere to the Sikh Code of Conduct (“Akal Takht”).
• Must be proficient in Punjabi.
• Formal endorsement from the Sikh Faith Advisor confirming eligibility and suitability.

Spiritualist:

• Must have passed the required prison chaplain training as set by the Spiritualists’ National Union (which is the governing body for Spiritualism),
• Must be approved/endorsed by the SNU’s Ministers Administration Committee.

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing.
• Managing a Quality Service.
• Making Effective Decisions.
• Leadership.
• Working Together.

Essential Experience

Chaplains are required to meet the Faith Eligibility Requirements for their chosen faith as outlined within the Group Profile.

All Faiths

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh

Technical Requirements

Must complete specific training to hold the qualifications required for area of specialism outlined in the Faith eligibility requirements (listed within the Group Profile)

Unsocial Hours Working.

This role requires working regular unsocial hours. Unsocial hours are those hours outside 0700 – 1900hrs Monday to Friday and include working evenings, nights, weekends and Bank / Public holidays.

Salary

£37,126 - £38,909 Pro rata

Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on ‘modernised’ terms in their current post or onto ‘unmodernised’ MoJ terms if they are on ‘unmodernised’ terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Standard working hours for this post are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid.

If you are a current NPS employee, this vacancy may be available on a Loan basis for up to 2 years. Applications are invited from suitable qualified staff.

The Loan/Secondment is subject to the approval of the selected candidate’s Business Unit, which should be obtained before confirmation of appointment.

Benefits

Annual Leave

• The holiday year runs from 1 March. If you work a non standard work pattern your leave entitlement may be expressed in either hours or days as appropriate. Leave entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis and you will be advised of your actual entitlement on appointment. If you were appointed internally and your leave was previously calculated in days, this will continue to be the case.

Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays

• You are entitled to 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public and privilege holidays. These hours are added to your annual leave allowance. There is a requirement to work some public and bank holidays subject to your shift pattern and the operational needs of the establishment

Pension

• The Civil Service offers a choice of two pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Work Life Balance

HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) is keen to encourage alternative working arrangements. Work life balance provides greater opportunities for staff to work more flexibly wherever managers and establishments can accommodate requests to do so. HMPPS offers flexible working subject to completion of a satisfactory probationary period and NVQ

Season Ticket Advance

• After two months’ service, you’ll be eligible to apply for a season ticket advance to purchase a quarterly or longer-period season ticket for travel between home and your place of work

Childcare Vouchers

For any moves across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers

Training

HMPPS is committed to staff development and offers a range of training and development opportunities, including areas such as Equality and Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention and Anti Bullying Programmes

• There are opportunities to access promotion programmes and HMPPS provides a variety of training appropriate to individual posts

• All staff receive security and diversity training and an individual induction programme into their new roles

Eligibility

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

• All external candidates are subject to 6 months probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within HMPPS

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

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

• To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm) or e mail [email protected]);
• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team ([email protected]);
• To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.