Job description
Location
High Wycombe
Contract Type
Permanent
Salary Range
£27,396 - £30,619
Hours per week
37
Closing Date
09/06/2023
Ref No
1075
Full Time - Permanent - High Wycombe
Salary - £27,396 - £30,619
Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.
BNU continues to experience rapid growth in student numbers, making us one of the fastest-growing higher education providers. This is an exciting time to join the University as our significant estates’ development programme gets underway, and we prepare to embark on our new University Strategy.
The Multi-Faith Co-ordinating Chaplain oversees a team of volunteer Chaplains to provide pastoral care for staff and students in a diverse community, fostering spiritual support in fresh and innovative ways, serving students of various faiths and those of no faith commitment. The post holder will work as a member of the student wellbeing team to assist in co-ordinating areas of practical support offered to students on a flexible basis and lead on projects such as Foodbank and Bucks New Usage.
What we offer:
- a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & a set amount of closure days between Christmas and New Year, dependent on when they fall each year.)
- training & development support opportunities
- contributory pension scheme (defined benefits scheme)
- discounted gym membership to the on-site gym
- a range of staff discounts with major retailers.
If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.
For further information about this role please contact Jill Austen at [email protected].
All applications are to be made in full and online. The University operates an anonymized shortlisting process and therefore any uploaded CVs or supporting documents must not include your name and personal details.
Closing Date: 9 June 2023
Interview Date: W/C 19 June 2023
If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
At Buckinghamshire New University equality of opportunity and diversity is at the heart of all we do and fully integrated into our values. Our aim is to create an inclusive environment where everyone thrives and feels a sense of belonging. We are committed to diversity and welcome applications from different backgrounds and experiences.
Buckinghamshire New University is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.
The University is also committed to achieving the Race Equality Charter.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Chaplain and Interfaith Adviser
Directorate: Directorate for Student Success
Grade: E
Location: Based High Wycombe but travel to other campuses will be required
Hours: 37
Responsible to: Head of Students and Wellbeing
Responsible for: Volunteer Interfaith Chaplains
Job Purpose:
The Chaplain and Interfaith Adviser will coordinate and oversee the strategic and operational development of the Chaplaincy and Interfaith Advice team at BNU. They will work closely with the Directorates of Student Success and of Human Resources at the University, on initiatives which support student and staff wellbeing. They will work within the network of support for students and staff offered by the University to support and guide the Chaplaincy and Interfaith Advice team to carry out a range of activities and projects.
To offer pastoral care to all university students and staff.
To promote understanding, advice and support among people of different faiths and none.
To promote equality and diversity and an inclusive working environment.
To coordinate the interfaith volunteer network ensuring that all faith positions, including holding no faith beliefs, are recognized and celebrated in the university community.
Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:
- Recruit and coordinate the team of interfaith volunteer chaplains reflecting the diversity of the University.
- Develop a Chaplaincy and Interfaith Advice strategy in conjunction with the Head of Students and Wellbeing and Student Hub manager
- Be a visible presence on campus and establish effective links with colleagues across the university and faith communities in the University’s different localities.
- Provide appropriate spiritual guidance to students and staff of all faiths and no faith where necessary
- Provide appropriate pastoral care to any student or staff member regardless of their religion or belief, including those with no belief
- Advise university colleagues on matters relating to faith, religion, spiritual matters as appropriate
- Develop and deliver an interfaith calendar of events celebrating the diverse culture of BNU.
- Contribute to team meetings, university events e.g. Open Days and other student events
- Organise/lead national/community events where appropriate
- Support and contribute to ongoing community projects
- Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices
- Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
E – Essential D = Desirable A = Application T = Test I = Interview
Education, Qualifications & Training
E / D
Means of Testing
A degree or equivalent level qualification in a relevant area, for example: community and youth work, pastoral theology, education etc.
E
A
A Chaplaincy qualification.
D
A
Knowledge & Experience
E
To have the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to work as a Chaplain in an Interfaith environment
E
A/I
An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the Higher Education environment
E
A/I
An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, faiths relevant to the University
E
A/I
Experience of managing a team
E
A/I
Understanding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and its application in Interfaith settings
E
A/I
community including those of no faith
E
A/I
Evidence of work specifically in the field of Chaplaincy and Interfaith settings: education, healthcare, prison etc
E
A/I
Skills
E / D
Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools
E
A/I
Ability to represent the university in the wider environment.
E
A/I
Ability to offer spiritual and pastoral care.
E
A/I
Ability to relate to people of all faiths and beliefs including those holding no faith.
E
A/I
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
E
A/I
Strong leadership and team-building skills
E
A/I
Ability to develop and deliver training
E
A/I
Ability to remain calm, professional and caring in challenging situations.
E
A/I
Special Requirements
E / D
Travel between campuses
E
I
Some out of hours work may be required
E
I
BBF (Top 3 key behavioural categories most applicable to the role)
Working together
Engaging with wider context
Delivering excellent service