Chaplain

Fast track role A high priority role with an accelerated joining process.
Service:Surface Fleet
Branch:Chaplaincy
Level:Officer
chaplains conducting service on board
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At a glance

Multi-faith hands in prayer icon.

Multi-faith

Minister in an ecumenical and multi-faith environment

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6 weeks

Of paid holiday every year

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1 year

You can apply after you've been ordained for 1 year

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Free

Medical and dental care

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Pension

Membership of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme

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Travel

Supporting personnel deployed around the world

What you’ll do

The Chaplain is a vital member of any naval or commando unit, with a unique congregation. The team of 30,000 men and women who make up the Naval Service come from all walks of life. They do extraordinary jobs in extraordinary circumstances, all over the world, 365 days a year. It means your congregation – and crewmates – need a unique type of support. We welcome people who practise all faiths (including those with none), so you’ll need to be a friend, adviser and spiritual guide to them all in a multi-faith environment. You’ll be there for whoever needs you to be. You’ll serve the people who serve our nation. 

If you have questions, talk to us

call us 0345 607 55 55

Chaplain

Your role

  • Just as in civilian life, you’ll preach the word, administer the sacraments, visit the sick, baptise, confirm, marry, bury, and counsel the bereaved, anxious and lost. 
  • With no rank of your own, you share that of the person you’re talking with, from Rear Admiral to the most junior rating. 
  • Develop a wide range of new skills through military training, including firefighting and first aid. You’ll need to apply these skills in operational environments, as well as on exercises.
  • Travel the world, giving crucial guidance to serving personnel and their families. The work you do when mobilised will make a vital contribution to protecting our nations interests. 

What you’ll get

Skills for life

Qualifications you'll gain

  • The opportunity to study for a PGCE or Masters degree

    The opportunity to attend Staff College

Skills you'll develop

  • Communication skills working with Navy personnel, who may have no church background
  • Gain experience working with young people
     

     

What you'll need

Eligibility

  • Aged 26 to 48
  • Be an ordained minister of one of the following churches: Anglican, Assemblies of God, Baptist Union of Great Britain, Church of Scotland, Churches in Communities International, Congregational Church, Elim Pentecostal, Methodist, Presbyterian Church of Ireland, Roman Catholic, or the United Reformed Church 
  • Or be an authorised and qualified religious leader from the Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim or Sikh Faith Communities
  • A theological degree or an equivalent recognised qualification
  • 3 years of proven pastoral experience
  • To be employed by a faith community at the point of application 
  • A National of the United Kingdom, Commonwealth citizen or Dual National who has lived in the UK for 5 years prior to applying
  • Able to pass the Royal Naval Fitness Test (RNFT)
  • Pass the Naval Swimming Test
  • Hold a full and valid UK Driving Licence

Skills and Interests

  • Understanding of the diverse rigours of Naval life
  • Ability to work individually, without the structure and direct support of your faith community
  • Physically and mentally fit for the challenge
  • Ability to work as part of a theologically diverse, ecumenical and multi-faith team
Check Eligibility

Starting your career

Joining process

  • Submit an application

    Starting your career: Register your interest by contacting the Naval Chaplaincy Recruiter on 02392 547185, Mob 07811 991822.

  • Acquaint visit

    This experience will give you a taste of Naval Service and what it means to be a Naval Chaplain. This can be arranged by the Chaplain Recruiter at the number above.

  • You will require approval from Church's endorsing
  • Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) For Chaplains

    This stage is unique to officers and takes place in two parts. A Pre Recorded Interview (PRI) is an online assessment which assesses your motivation to to become a Royal Navy Chaplain and your awareness of the Royal Navy. The Group Planning Exercise (GPE) is the second stage of the AIB and is an online competency based assessment which will take place on a separate day to the PRI. It will be conducted in a virtual group environment and you will be assessed on your contribution to the team based on your individual performance

more about the joining process

Find out more

Initial training

As a new-entry Chaplain, your initial training lasts 18 weeks.

Your initial training will include time at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) Dartmouth. This will provide the military background and sea-awareness for your ministry.

After your initial training, which will include 6 weeks at sea, you'll carry out further Chaplaincy-specific training at sea and on shore, to prepare you for your first appointment.

If you are going to serve with the Royal Marines, you will be given the opportunity to try and complete the Commando Course held at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, Lympstone.  However, you can still serve with the Royal Marines having completed a 'green skills' course if the Commando Course is not for you.

After you’ve completed your training, you will be invited to sit the Naval Chaplaincy Service Board at Navy Command Headquarters. This will test your knowledge and competence to minister in the Naval Service.

There's also a swimming test, so if you can't swim, make sure you learn by the time you join us.

more about initial training

Find out more

Request your application
Register your interest
Call 0345 607 55 55
Find your local AFCO

Need more information?

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