University Chaplain
5 months ago
**Job Purpose**
In line with the University Strategy, World-Changers Together: World Changing Glasgow 2025, we aspire to provide the opportunity for students and colleagues to develop their full potential. Our people centered values govern our behaviours as we work together for the good of the university and in support of our community, which is made up of circa 35,000 students and 10,000 staff.
As a key member of the Student Wellbeing & Inclusion Team, and in partnership with People and Organisational Development, the University Chaplain leads the spiritual life of the institution, providing pastoral support to all members of our diverse University community.
Besides officiating at services of Christian worship in the Memorial Chapel, the role-holder is the leader of the University’s interfaith Chaplaincy which includes volunteer faith contacts from a range of denominations, faith backgrounds and positions. The Chaplain represents and fosters the spirituality and tradition of the Christian faith while acknowledging and affirming other faith traditions, seeking to build connections, mutual understanding and inclusivity. Given the University’s ethnic diversity and religious plurality, the Chaplaincy team works with a variety of faith groups and leaders to offer spiritual care for students and staff of all faiths and none.
The Chaplaincy is a welcoming space at the heart of our campus. The Memorial Chapel is used for a wide range of events, both religious and secular. At the same time, the services held in the Chapel are Christian and, as officiating minister, the Chaplain is required to belong to one of the mainstream Christian denominations. For this reason, the role is exempt from the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
**Main Duties and Responsibilities**
1. Lead, conduct and coordinate services of worship in the University Chapel working with key stakeholders including ecumenical Chaplains and representatives, the Director of Chapel Music and the University Organist.
2. Manage Chaplaincy involvement and contribution to university wide ceremonial occasions, including, Graduation Ceremonies, Remembrance Sunday and the annual Commemoration Day, working closely with the Director of Chapel Music and the University Organist.
3. Lead the Chaplaincy team consisting of the Assistant Chaplain, Chaplaincy Events Assistant, and Chaplaincy Administrator, providing line management and coordination of resources.
4. Coordinate the network of volunteer faith contacts associated with the University and facilitate the religious observance of the various faith groups on campus.
5. Coordinate and oversee one-to-one pastoral and spiritual support to students, working closely with volunteer faith contacts, colleagues in the Wellbeing & Inclusion team and wider Student Support structures.
6. To provide support to members of the university community at times of crisis, interpreting, holding and liaising with family and the community in times of need.
7. Provide professional advice to senior management, supporting the University’s response in the event of a death in the university community.
8. Work with key university stakeholders to further develop the network of prayer and reflection spaces on campus, including colleagues in Estates, Student & Academic Services, the Colleges and the Senior Leadership Team.
9. Support the student body to deliver regular interfaith events in collaboration with student societies, faith communities, the SRC, the EDI team, and other University Services.
10. Build and maintain good relationships with students, Colleges/Schools, SRC and Student Unions, working with students and staff of all faiths and beliefs.
11. Build and maintain good relationships with local faith and belief communities and with the wider civic community.
12. Advise and assist senior colleagues (including the University’s Champion for Religion and Belief) in connection with matters of faith and belief and help to promote an inclusive, tolerant and harmonious university community.
**Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience**
**Knowledge/Qualifications**
**Essential**:
A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and management skills in a similar or number of different specialist roles, with a broad range of professional experience.
A2 Honours Degree or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in relevant discipline, with a postgraduate qualification in a related discipline.
A2 Ordained as a minister of religion in one of the mainstream Christian denominations and experience in pastoral role in a variety of contexts and in a varied community.
A3 Knowledge and understanding of higher education, its context and the student experience.
**Desirable**:
B1 Professional training in pastoral care or counselling.
**Skills and Attributes**
**Essential**:
C1 Energy and vision for the