Head of Chaplaincy | Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust

Pennine Care NHS FT; Ashton-under-Lyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health service provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a Lead Chaplain to oversee the Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care services. This role involves leadership of a team, developing spiritual care strategies, and providing support to staff and patients. The ideal candidate will have relevant theological qualifications and demonstrate strong pastoral skills. A commitment to high-quality mental health support is essential. Opportunities for flexible working and wellbeing support are also offered.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Flexible working opportunities

Access to Continued Professional Development

Wellbeing activities and services

Staff discounts across retail and travel

Qualifications

• Experience in leading spiritual care services in a healthcare setting.
• Understanding of the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy standards.
• Ability to provide support in traumatic situations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care across the trust footprint.
• Develop and implement the Trust’s Spiritual Care Strategy.
• Provide spiritual support to staff affected by traumatic incidents.
• Conduct religious services and administer sacraments.

Skills

Leadership of Chaplaincy

Spiritual Care Strategy development

Sacraments administration

Pastoral care and counselling

Education

Relevant theological qualification

Job description

The Lead Chaplain is a senior management role which will ensure that the spiritual and faith needs of staff and patients are met.

Spiritual Care at Pennine Care Foundation Trust exists to meet service users spiritual care needs and enhance recovery from mental ill health as part of a holistic and person-centred approach and in compliance with the protected characteristics of religion and belief (Equality Act2010).

They will lead an all inclusive service for patients and staff for all faiths and no faiths, and play a lead role in patient safety. The post holder will play a key role in leading and supporting the chaplaincy team. They will act as a liaison between other chaplains and faith leaders, either employed through Bank, Agency or working independently of the Trust, or working in their own faith communities.

The post holder will ensure the Trust meets the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy standards, develop a workplan plan, deliver and maintain a comprehensive chaplaincy service which provides for the religious, spiritual, and pastoral needs of service users, carers, and staff throughout Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Responsibilities

• The postholder will be responsible for the leadership of Chaplaincy and Spiritual care across the trust footprint Including the direct line management of the Trust’s chaplaincy team.
• Responsible for leading the organisation, development, implementation and evaluation of the Trust’s Spiritual Care Strategy, and the development of the trust Spiritual Care Hub on the HQ site.
• To make provision as appropriate for prayer and worship on Trust premises, with due authorisation from the chaplain’s own community of faith or belief.
• To respond to referrals from clinical services and to devise and deliver specialist programmes of spiritual care to service users.
• To work with the suicide prevention lead to develop an offer to staff who have been affected by traumatic incidents, such as suicide of a patient and provide spiritual support if required.
• Organise, publicise and lead services of worship.
• Administer sacraments as required.
• Conduct services when appropriate in the faith calendar, and occasional services as required, e.g. memorial services.
• Conduct other services as requested, both on Trust premises and elsewhere.
• Visit wards on a regular basis and be available to provide religious, spiritual and pastoral care and counselling to patients and carers and staff.

We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.

Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We’re really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we’re a great place to work.

All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement for Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental staff.
• Flexible working opportunities to support your work/life balance.
• Access to Continued Professional Development.
• Involvement in improvement and research activities.
• Health and Wellbeing activities and access to an excellent staff wellbeing service.
• Access to staff discounts across retail, leisure and travel.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for a detailed description of main responsibilities.

This advert closes on Wednesday 3 Dec 2025