Chaplain

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. 

• Just as in civilian life, you’ll visit, preach and teach, providing pastoral care, officiating at services and ceremonial events.
• 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. 

• A starting salary of £57,642
• 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
• Extra allowances for days spent at sea
• Free medical and dental care
• Membership of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme
• Travel all over the world 
  
   

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
  
   
  
  
   

• Aged 26 to 48
• You need 2-3 years post-accreditation professional experience (full-time or equivalent)  and qualify as a minister of religion or belief leader. There is a requirement to have significant experience of working as a chaplain (or equivalent, e.g. an ordained pastoral leadership role) to be considered suitable for Regular Service
• You will need to be currently working as an accredited chaplain or qualified religious or belief leader with one of the following faith or belief communities: Christian, Hindu, Humanist or Non-Religious, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and currently engaged with them at the point of application
• You must be a United Kingdom national, or Commonwealth citizen, or Dual National
• A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28
• Able to pass the Royal Naval Fitness Test (RNFT)
• Hold a full and valid UK Driving Licence

• Proven track record of excellent people skills and ability to engage with young people
• Understanding of the rigours of Naval life
• Ability to work individually, as an autonomous practitioner, without the structure and direct support of your faith or belief community
• Physically fit and mentally resilient and ready for the challenge
•  Ability to work as part of a diverse multi-faith and belief team