Chaplain

 CHAPLAINCANDIDATERECRUITMENT PACKTo apply, contact Charlie Butler, HR Officer, oncharlie.butler@stjohnsbath.org.ukA WARM WELCOME FROM OUR CEO,CATHARINE BROWNThis is a pivotal moment for St John’s Foundation - you’ll be joining us at anexciting time.We’re an organisation with more than 850 years of history, but what mattersmost right now is where we’re going next. We’re creating new almshouses,welcoming more people into safe, affordable homes, and strengthening our roleas a leader in our sector. At the same time, we’re investing in how we work -improving our systems, sharpening our operations, and making sure we’re set upto deliver well, now and for the long term.We’re also on the move.  Come April 2026, our team will be based in new officesat 1 Queen Square - a building that reflects who we are today: purposeful,ambitious and rooted in community.We’re looking for people who want to help shape what comes next at StJohn’s. We’re looking for colleagues who bring ideas, energy and care;people who are prepared to challenge how things are done, while stayinggrounded in what really matters.Our values guide everything we do. Trust - ineach other, and in the people we support.Courage - to make difficult decisions, try newapproaches and keep improving. Kindness -because how we work matters just as muchas what we achieve.If you want to be part of an organisation thatis proud of its past but firmly focused on thefuture - and where your work will make a realdifference - we’d love to hear from you.Catharine Brown, Chief ExecutiveSt John’s FoundationABOUT ST JOHN’S FOUNDATIONFor over 850 years, St John’s Foundation has been changing people’s lives,for good. As one of the UK’s oldest charities, we are proud to serve Bath andthe surrounding area. At the heart of our work is our almshouse community, where we providehousing for older adults in need. Alongside this, we run outreach services thathelp older adults in Bath and North East Somerset to live independently forlonger.With the expertise and resources we have built over centuries, we are now ableto support even more of our community, which is why we offer direct help topeople of all ages facing financial crisis. Our Crisis Programme provides peoplewith essential needs, such as beds, white goods, furniture, counselling, debtsupport and basic employment skills and training.Every aspect of our work is built upon our values of trust, kindness, andcourage, and inspired by our purpose: to change lives. For good. It’s a long-termstrategy, but we’re unwavering. After all, we’ve been around for over 850 years.ABOUT OUR CHAPELSSt Michael’s WithinThis beautiful chapel has been the site of prayer and worship since the charitystarted in 1174, and attracts many tourists and locals, as well as being a place ofpeace that is enjoyed by residents. The small Sunday congregation attracts bothresidents and some regular visitors. It is the current home to a small, gatheredmonastic community in Bath, Stillwaters, who meet once a month for worship,and we also hold regular weekly activities, run by external facilitators, andmanaged by our Good Living Team. Magdalen Chapel Originally part of a leprosy hospital, this historic chapel is home to a faithfulcongregation, growing in number, depth of faith and commitment to thecommunity. There is active lay involvement in the services and a large team ofvolunteers keeping the chapel open for four sessions every week. We regularlyhave up to a thousand people coming in during any given year. Visitors, as well asthe congregation, value this peaceful and sacred space. The character of thechapel is liberal Catholic, with a strong tradition of weekly sung holy communion.The congregation (often around 25) embraces the values of hospitality, welcomeand inclusion. The chapel is a Peculiar, situated in the Parish of Widcombe, andbenefits from the patronage and support of St John’s Foundation. Combe Park Our modern, purpose-built alms accommodation, sitting just outside the citycentre, is home to around 50 people, and has a small chapel-come-meeting roomand library. The congregation has dropped in number over the last year or so, butwe continue to serve a small and very faithful few each week, by providing aservice of Holy Communion or Evening Prayer. MOVING TO 1 QUEEN SQUAREIn 2026, St John’s staff will move into the top two floors of 1 Queen Square.Refurbished in 2022 by the Charity’s Trading Company, the House of St John’s wascreated as a flexible, welcoming space for people to work, meet and celebrate. Thebuilding is home to co-working and dedicated desks, meeting rooms, event spaces anda relaxed members’ bar. Thoughtful touches - including showers with complimentarytoiletries, Dyson hairdryers and access to a courtyard garden - make it a place designedaround people, not just desks.Because of the building’s character and setting, the House also hosts intimate weddingceremonies on Saturdays, offering couples a historic yet contemporary space in theheart of the city.As part of the move, St John’s staff will be based on the top two floors, while the lowerthree floors will continue to operate as the House of St John’s for members, clients andevents. This ensures the building continues to thrive as a shared, purposeful space.The move is about more than a change of address. Relocating to Queen Square allowsus to give up our existing offices, freeing up space to invest in new almshouses andwelcome more older people into safe, affordable homes. It’s a practical decision thatdirectly supports our charitable mission.Being based at 1 Queen Square reflects who we are today - ambitious, rooted incommunity, and focused on using our assets in the best possible way to supportpeople across Bath.JOB DESCRIPTIONJob Title: ChaplainHours/Contract Type: Sessional, 12 month fixed contract (opportunity to extend)7 x 3.5 hour sessions per week – 24.5 hours per week.2 of these are Sunday sessions – the rest are flexible.Responsible to: Head of Good LivingResponsible for: Engagement Officer – only in respect of the support for Sundays and otherservices as advised.Chaplaincy Volunteers OrganistLocation: Bath City Centre/Combe Park/Magdalen ChapelRole PurposeWithin long tradition, the Christian Chaplain plays a vital role in nurturing thespiritual life of the St John’s community and brings a living, personal faith and agenuine commitment to supporting the wellbeing of residents, staff, volunteers,trustees, and the congregation of Magdalen Chapel, of which we are the patron. The Chaplain sustains and enriches the worshipping life of our chapels andprovides thoughtful spiritual guidance and pastoral support. Working under theday to day management and guidance of the Head of Good Living, the Chaplainoffers this ministry as a guest in the lives of others - responding to invitation,honouring personal boundaries, and serving with humility and presence.Grounded in an open and inclusive Christian ethos, the Chaplain’s ministrywelcomes people of all faith traditions and none. Through a rich pattern ofworship, prayer, listening, and accompaniment, the Chaplain helps to fosterbelonging, meaning, and hope across the community, supporting St John’slong‐held purpose of changing lives for good.Key Responsibilities1. Worship and sacramental ministryThe Chaplain will lead and nurture the worshipping life of the Chapel of StMichael’s Within, The Chapel of St Mary Magdalen, and Combe Park, following therites and ordinances of the Church of England. This includes:Offering regular Sunday worship and celebrating key festivals of the Christianyear with creativity, reverence, and warmth.Leading a varied pattern of services throughout the year, including HolyCommunion on feast days, and seasonal liturgies such as Advent, Christmas,Holy Week (e.g. Maundy Thursday foot washing and the Service of Light forEaster), Harvest, and Remembrance.Supporting the distinctive traditions of Magdalen Chapel, including the deeplyvalued weekly sung service of Holy Communion, the monthly services ofMeditation & Healing, and the Sharing of Bread and Silence and others asrequired. Leading major annual occasions such as the Civic Service attended by theMayor and Corporation of the City of Bath.Conducting funeral services for St John’s residents when families request theChaplain’s involvement.Conducting funerals, weddings and baptisms at Magdalen Chapel.In all aspects of worship, the Chaplain is encouraged to draw on both the depth ofAnglican tradition and contemporary approaches that help the community to prayand reflect.2. Pastoral careOffer sensitive, confidential pastoral support to residents, their families, staff,trustees and chapel congregations as a guest in their lives, never presumingaccess but responding only when welcomed.Represent the ministry of the office of Chaplain with humility.Share Holy Communion with residents in their homes when invited,respecting the intimacy and hospitality of this ministry.Contribute to the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of the community throughpresence, listening, prayer, reflection, and gentle accompaniment.3. Community relationships & inclusionBuild warm, inclusive relationships with residents, staff, volunteers, andchapel congregations helping everyone feel welcomed, valued, and spirituallysupported.Foster an environment in which individuals of all faiths and none can exploremeaning, belonging, and hope.Signpost or access appropriate resources to support the spiritual needs ofthose from other faith traditions when requested.4. Collaboration, communication & professional workingWork closely with the Good Living Service team in shaping and delivering aprogramme that supports wellbeing, connection, and community life.Model excellent communication, respect, and collaborative working across theorganisation.Build strong networks across departments to enable coordinated pastoral andspiritual care.Participate fully in staff activities, including meetings, initiatives, events, andshared organisational culture.ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIESHealth and SafetyFollow all Health and Safety policies, procedures, and guidance to ensure asafe environment for residents, colleagues, and visitors.Complete required Health and Safety training and maintain up-to-dateknowledge.SafeguardingDemonstrate a clear commitment to safeguarding, ensuring practice alignswith organisational policy and procedure.Complete safeguarding training and apply learning in daily practice.Equity, diversity and inclusionPromote equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role, modellingbehaviours that create a respectful, welcoming environment for all.Complete EDI training and ensure practice reflects St John’s values andcommitments.General responsibilitiesEngage fully in the appraisal and development process, including training andreflective learning opportunities.Contribute to internal and external meetings, initiatives, and programmes thatsupport the role.Comply with all policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.Embody St John’s core values of trust, kindness, and courage in dailypractice.Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role that support the effectivefunctioning of the organisation.PERSON SPECIFICATIONChristian ChaplainSt John’s FoundationThe Person Specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, andpersonal attributes required for the Chaplain to perform the role effectively and tocontribute positively to the life of St John’s Foundation and Magdalen Chapel.Essential Qualifications and Professional RequirementsOrdained priest within the Church of England, or a church in full communionwith the Church of England.Eligibility to hold the Bishop’s licence or permission to officiate for thisministry.Demonstrable commitment to an open, inclusive Christian ethos thatwelcomes people of all faith traditions and none.Evidence of ongoing ministerial development and willingness to participate infurther training as required.ExperienceEssentialExperience of leading worship and administering the sacraments within theAnglican tradition.Pastoral experience, particularly with older adults, carers, or individuals livingin residential communities.Experience of offering pastoral care as a guest in people’s lives, workingsensitively and respectfully with invitation and consent.Experience of working collaboratively within a team and contributing toshared organisational goals.DesirableExperience within chaplaincy settings (e.g., health, community, social care, orresidential settings).Experience of leading and shaping a varied pattern of worship, includingseasonal and special services.Experience in supporting individuals from diverse cultural, spiritual, andreligious backgrounds.Knowledge and understandingEssentialA strong understanding of Anglican liturgy, sacramental practice, and therhythms of the Christian year.Awareness of issues affecting older adults and others, including loneliness,transition, health challenges, and bereavement.Knowledge of safeguarding principles and best practice for vulnerable adults.Understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion within a community‐basedsetting.DesirableAwareness of contemporary chaplaincy approaches and multi‐disciplinaryworking.Understanding of how spirituality intersects with wellbeing, ageing, resilience,and community life.Skills and abilitiesEssentialAbility to lead worship with warmth, confidence, and reverence.Excellent listening skills, with the ability to provide pastoral support markedby compassion, humility, and good boundaries.Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trustful, respectfulrelationships.Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively in spoken and written form.Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, clergy, and externalpartners.Organisational skills to manage a diverse schedule of services, visits, andpastoral commitments.DesirableAbility to adapt worship and pastoral approaches to meet the diverse needs ofa modern chaplaincy community.Creativity in shaping meaningful liturgies, reflections, or community-basedworship.Values and personal qualitiesEssentialA personal faith rooted in prayer, scripture, and the life of the Church.Deep respect for the dignity, autonomy, and lived experience of everyindividual.A pastoral presence grounded in humility, patience, and gentleness.Ability to maintain confidentiality, act with discretion, and exercise soundjudgement.Commitment to the values of St John’s Foundation: trust, kindness, andcourage.Open‐mindedness and the ability to engage respectfully with people of allfaiths and none.Flexible, adaptable, and able to respond to the changing needs of thecommunity.Other requirementsWillingness to work some evenings, weekends, and major Christian festivals.Ability to travel across the St John’s estate and community as required.Willingness to undertake all mandatory training including Safeguarding,Health and Safety, and EDI.Cycle to Work SchemeWe’re proud to offer a Cycle to Work Scheme through BHN Extras, helping you saveon bicycles and accessories while supporting healthy, sustainable travel. This salarysacrifice scheme allows you to spread the cost of a bike and equipment tax-efficiently, making commuting cheaper and greener.Home & Tech SchemeGet the gear you want for home or work with our Home & Tech Scheme from BHNExtras. Choose from a wide range of tech, furniture and more — all available througha salary sacrifice arrangement that can save you money on everyday essentials.Private Medical InsuranceYour health matters — that’s why we provide comprehensive Private MedicalInsurance with BUPA. This benefit supports quicker access to medical specialists,diagnostics, and treatment when you need it most, giving you peace of mind andbetter control over your care.Life Assurance (3× Annual Salary)We support your loved ones if the unexpected happens. Our Life Assurance benefit,provided by AIG, pays out a lump sum of three times your annual salary, helping toprotect your family’s financial future.Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme (10% Employer Contribution)Plan for tomorrow with confidence. Our pension scheme, provided by Aviva,includes a generous 10% employer contribution via salary sacrifice — giving you atax-efficient way to build your retirement savings and benefit from long-termfinancial security.Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)Life can be unpredictable — and support should be too. Through BUPA’s EmployeeAssistance Programme, you and your household members can access confidentialwellbeing services, including counselling, advice and resources for everydaychallenges.33 Days Annual Leave (Inclusive of Bank Holidays)We recognise the importance of work-life balance. All employees receive 33 days ofannual leave, inclusive of UK Bank Holidays, so you have plenty of time to rest,recharge and enjoy life outside of work.BENEFITS AT ST JOHN’S13REGISTERED CHARITY 201476ST JOHN’S FOUNDATION EST.11744-5 CHAPEL COURT, BATH, BA1 1SQPATRON: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN