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Job summary

Main area
Lead Chaplain
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 7
Contract
Fixed term: 12 months (At The Dudley Group, we understand the benefits of offering a range of flexible working options from day one of employment to support both employees and the Trust. Offering flexible working opportunities is one of the ways that the Trust aims to attract and retain a diverse workforce. Further information on the options available can be found via the link in the job advert.)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (some call outs in an evening and at weekends as extra to the 37.5 hours)
Job ref
253-0326-7859074-A
Employer
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Russells Hall Hospital as main site
Town
Dudley
Salary
£47,810 - £54,710 Pro Rata Per Annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
21/04/2026 23:59

Employer heading

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust logo

Lead Chaplain

NHS AfC: Band 7

Job overview

Fixed Term - 12 Months.

An exciting opportunity has arisen at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust for a Lead Chaplain. You will be joining a small team of chaplains who provide pastoral and spiritual care across the Trust. 

If you are an inspiring leader who is able to demonstrate a proven depth of health care chaplaincy experience and management skills we would like to hear from you. 

The role will work collaboratively with the team of chaplains and volunteers in the delivery of person-centred spiritual, pastoral and religious care for patients, relatives, carers, and members of staff, regardless of whether these be persons of faith or not.

You will be part of a friendly and supportive team who are keen to support new approaches and innovation.

If you would like to discuss this post please contact Jill Faulkner, Associate Director of Patient Experience on 01384 321035

Main duties of the job

• To provide effective and skilled leadership and day to day management of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust’s (DGFT)
chaplaincy team including staff and chaplaincy volunteers.

• To be responsible for the quality of spiritual care and work activities provided by the chaplaincy team.


• To be responsible for the Chaplaincy Department’s budget.


• To manage chaplaincy staff in ensuring training is up to date.


• The role is 50% management and 50% chaplaincy duties.

Working for our organisation

At the Dudley Group our patients and staff are at the heart of all that we do and that is to provide a world class service that aligns with our vision of “excellent health care, improved health for all”.  We are seeking to recruit staff who share our vision and values of making Dudley Group an incredible workplace.

We are committed to becoming a diverse and an inclusive employer and where people feel sense of belonging. Seeking to expand diversity within our teams, we positively encourage applications from under-represented groups such as ethnically diverse, disabled and LGBTQ+ groups. We are also under-represented in-terms of gender within nursing roles and we would welcome applications from people from male and non-binary backgrounds.

Dudley Group offer many opportunities for our staff to develop and grow within their roles through our Learning & OD department. These include topics such as communication, wellbeing, team development, cultural competency, and values, plus much more. For those in a Management/Leadership role, there are additional programmes to support you to develop the skills you need. These include our Managers Essentials Programme and a Leadership Programme that all managers will attend as part of your Dudley Managers Induction. Our Learning Prospectus is a great way to discover the details behind what’s available for you here at The Dudley Group.

We are committed to home life balance through flexible working and making reasonable adjustments where possible

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to
undertake

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Educated to degree level, preferably in theology, religious studies or a related subject (psychology, counselling, social work, philosophy etc)
  • Has recognised authority or support from their faith or non-faith belief group/organisation
  • Hold or nearing completion of a relevant post graduate qualification, preferably in health care chaplaincy
  • At least 3 years of experience working as a substantive (paid) chaplain/spiritual care advisor
  • Registered with UKBHC/willing to join.
Desirable criteria
  • Teaching OR management OR counselling qualification

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Experience in planning and leading rituals or events (religious or non-religious) including for example prayer, worship, workshops, memorials or funerals
  • Ability to work autonomously and within a multidisciplinary team
  • Excellent communication skills - verbal and nonverbal, written
  • Ability to present information to a variety of audiences/stakeholders
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Ability to enthuse, motivate and manage others
Desirable criteria
  • Audit and research skills
  • Budget management

Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Knowledge and experience of audit, service evaluation and/or research
  • Knowledge of ethics in the health care setting
  • Skills in supervision, mentoring and/or reflective practice
Desirable criteria
  • Knowledge of end of life and palliative care in an acute setting (further specialist training will be provided)

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyPositive about disabled peopleAge positiveDisability confident leaderInvestors in People: GoldImproving working livesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Care Leaver CovenantNHS Pastoral CareArmed Forces Covenant Bronze AwardENEI 2024 Gold

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Jamie Emery
Job title
Head of Patient Experience
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01384 321035
Additional information

Monday - Thursday 9am - 5pm

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