Roman Catholic Chaplain

Chaplains are required to meet the faith/belief eligibility requirements for their chosen faith/belief as outlined within the Group Profile and to fulfil all spoken and written aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English (or Welsh where specified). Specific training to attain the qualifications for the area of specialism outlined in the relevant job description is mandatory.

Faith/Belief Eligibility Requirements (January 2023)

• Roman Catholic – Ordained Priest:
  • Be an ordained priest in the Roman Catholic Church.
  • Have formal endorsement from the appropriate Diocesan Bishop or Religious Superior and a formal agreement to work in a specific diocese (evidence required before appointment).
  • Complete formally recognised theological formation (major seminary or equivalent as prescribed by the Code of Canon Law).
  • Have a formal agreement from the local diocesan bishop to minister in prisons within his Diocese.
  • Have formal endorsement from the HMPPS Roman Catholic Faith and Belief Adviser confirming eligibility and suitability.
• Roman Catholic – Ordained Deacon, Religious Brother/Sister or Lay Person:
  • Be an ordained Permanent Deacon, a Religious Brother or Sister, or a suitably qualified lay person.
  • Have formal endorsement from the appropriate Diocesan Bishop or Religious Superior and a formal agreement to work in a specific diocese (evidence required before appointment).
  • Hold a theological qualification that, as a minimum, equates to the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies.
  • Have a formal agreement from the local diocesan bishop to minister in prisons within his Diocese.
  • Have formal endorsement from the HMPPS Roman Catholic Faith and Belief Adviser confirming eligibility and suitability.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on the faith/belief system within the establishment, offering pastoral care and spiritual welfare to prisoners, staff, and families as requested and liaising with the Faith and Belief Adviser.
• Plan and lead worship, meditation, prayer, and faith/belief specific meetings, ensuring chaplaincy care is accessible at all times.
• Facilitate and deliver opportunities for worship, meditation, study and religious programmes, collaborating with other Chaplains, the Managing Chaplain, volunteers and external groups.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of local policy, procedures and practice in alignment with the PSI 05/2016 Faith and Pastoral Care framework or its successor.
• Provide pastoral care to prisoners, offering support and resolution in crisis situations and mentoring other chaplains and volunteers.
• Nurture Chaplaincy volunteers and support the Official Prison Visitor (OPV) Liaison Officer in promoting the scheme.
• Ensure the prison community is informed of relevant faith/belief events, acquiring and distributing appropriate literature, artefacts and materials.
• Assist in training programmes and materials for staff and volunteers, and participate in the delivery of Faith Awareness Training.
• Represent the chaplaincy team at establishment meetings and committees in the absence of the Managing Chaplain.
• Actively support the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) process and attend relevant boards or meetings.
• With agreement from the Managing Chaplain, take on additional roles such as Family Liaison Officer, Family Services single point of contact, or volunteer coordinator.
• Proactively forge links with local faith/belief communities and other agencies, exploring ways to support prisoners on release.
• Participate in developing improvement initiatives, achieving targets, and collecting and analysing relevant data.
• Assist in Probation Approved Premises (APs) support for offenders on release into the community and other HMPPS funded community initiatives.

Qualifications & Training

• Completion of specific training and acquisition of qualifications required for the area of specialism, as outlined in the relevant job description.
• Formally recognised theological formation (seminary or equivalent for ordained officers; theological qualification for lay persons).
• Evidence of endorsement and agreement to work in the relevant diocesan jurisdiction.

Additional statutory EEO and equality provisions are observed in accordance with the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles. No other administrative, promotional, or application process information is required within this description.

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