Roman Catholic Chaplain

Sodexo Group; Morpeth; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sodexo retirement plan

Discounts to 1,900 brands

Gym discount

Employee assistance programme

Legal and financial advice

Job summary

Sodexo Group is seeking a compassionate Roman Catholic Chaplain for HMP Northumberland, working 30 hours weekly to provide spiritual support and pastoral care to prisoners and staff. The role emphasizes inclusivity across faiths, prisoner rehabilitation, and community engagement.

You will coordinate with other chaplains and faith groups, offering counselling and pastoral services while upholding Sodexo policies and contributing to a respectful, supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Recognised Roman Catholic Chaplain authorised by faith authorities.
• Experience in a chaplaincy or pastoral care role.
• Ability to work with diverse faith backgrounds and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide pastoral care to prisoners of all faiths and support religious practices.
• Maintain links with visiting Ministers and faith communities for reintegration.
• Offer counselling to prisoners and staff as appropriate.
• Support the creation of an ordered, caring community for faith and family connections.
• Facilitate religious prayers and faith activities within the prison.

Skills

Pastoral care

Interpersonal skills

Diversity & inclusion

Collaboration

Job description

Job Title: Roman Catholic Chaplain

Location: HMP Northumberland, NE65 9XG

Contract: 30 hours per week

Salary: £26,629.93 per annum plus Sodexo benefits

About the Role

Sodexo is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Roman Catholic Chaplain to provide pastoral care and spiritual support within HMP Northumberland. This key role involves serving the religious and pastoral needs of prisoners and staff from all faith backgrounds, fostering a supportive and inclusive community, and contributing to prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide pastoral care and support to prisoners of all faiths, respecting and facilitating diverse religious practices.
• Maintain and develop links with visiting Ministers and faith communities to support prisoner reintegration.
• Offer counselling to prisoners and staff as appropriate.
• Support the creation of an ordered and caring community where individuals can practice their faith and maintain family and community connections.
• Facilitate religious prayers, teachings, and faith activities representative of the prison population.
• Participate in Equality and Inclusion Management Team meetings.
• Undertake generic chaplaincy duties including supporting new receptions, discharges, and prisoners in Separation and Care units.
• Represent Sodexo and the prison within the local community, encouraging faith groups to engage with prisoner rehabilitation.
• Provide pastoral support to staff and coordinate Post Incident Care Teams, including relevant training.
• Collaborate respectfully with chaplains of other faiths to promote peace and cooperation.
• Comply with all Sodexo policies and procedures and undertake duties as directed by line management.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Recognised Roman Catholic Chaplain with appropriate authorisation from faith authorities.
• Experience in a similar chaplaincy or pastoral care role.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including assertiveness, self‑motivation, and the ability to challenge inappropriate behaviour.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse ethnic and faith backgrounds.
• Willingness and ability to collaborate with clergy and volunteers from other faiths.

Desirable:

• Experience working with vulnerable groups or in a people‑facing role.
• Skills in managing conflict.

Competencies Required

• Cultivates Innovation
• Manages Ambiguity
• Demonstrates Resilience
• Collaborates Effectively
• Ensures Accountability
• Communicates Effectively
• Exhibits Courage
• Shows Resourcefulness

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater.

You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way.

In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.

• Sodexo retirement plan
• discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online
• Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle
• a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support
• legal and financial advice

For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.

About The Company

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On‑Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We’re all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.