Part-Time Anglican Deacon/Lay Person, HMP Whitemoor, March - Visa Sponsorship Available

The Ministry of Justice is seeking a Part-Time Anglican Ordained Deacon, Religious Brother, Sister, Lay Person, or Ordained Post (Bishop, Priest etc.) for HMP Whitemoor in March. This role is ideal for Nigerian and African immigrants seeking to leverage their faith-based experience in the UK, as visa sponsorship is available for eligible foreign applicants. Offering a pro-rata salary of £44,900 - £47,057, this position provides a unique opportunity within the Civil Service.

Job Description

This vital role within HMP Whitemoor involves providing comprehensive faith/belief and pastoral care to prisoners and staff within their own faith tradition, while also demonstrating understanding and knowledge of other faiths as part of a diverse multi-faith chaplaincy team. You will be instrumental in meeting the spiritual and pastoral needs of individuals across various beliefs, and those with none.

Key responsibilities include planning and leading worship, meditation, and prayer meetings, ensuring accessible chaplaincy care at all times. You will facilitate and deliver religious programmes, collaborating with other Chaplains, the Managing Chaplain, volunteers, and external groups to maintain and provide appropriate facilities for worship and prayer. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of local policy and procedures, and provide crucial pastoral care during crisis situations, offering mentoring and support to other chaplains and volunteers.

Requirements

• Must be an ordained member of the Anglican Communion (or churches part of the Porvoo Agreement) with a minimum of three years in Holy Orders, or a licensed Reader, Religious sister/brother, Church Army Evangelist, or other appropriately qualified minister in the Anglican tradition.
• Formal endorsement in the form of the licence of the Diocesan Bishop (evidence required before appointment) is essential.
• Proven ability to provide guidance on the Anglican faith system, offering advice, pastoral care, and spiritual welfare to prisoners, staff, and their families.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage with and build contacts within your faith community to aid offender resettlement.
• Commitment to one’s own spiritual health and development, including time for private prayer/reflection, study, and retreat.
• Applicants must possess the right to work in the UK or be eligible for Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship, which is available for this role.

Benefits

• Competitive pro-rata salary ranging from £44,900 - £47,057.
• Opportunity for Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship for eligible foreign applicants.
• Meaningful part-time work within the UK Civil Service, contributing to prisoner welfare and rehabilitation.
• Access to comprehensive training programmes and materials for continuous professional development.
• A supportive multi-faith chaplaincy team environment.
• Contribution to a critical public service, aiding in the resettlement of offenders and supporting staff.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants aspiring to this Civil Service chaplaincy role, meticulous preparation is key. Ensure your CV is tailored to UK standards, highlighting your pastoral experience, theological qualifications, and any experience within a multi-faith setting. Emphasise your ability to provide spiritual and pastoral care, and your understanding of diverse faith traditions. A strong LinkedIn profile showcasing your professional journey and endorsements will also strengthen your application.

Given this is a Civil Service role, familiarity with UK public sector values and an understanding of the prison system, particularly as it relates to faith and pastoral care (e.g., PSI 05/2016), will be advantageous. During interviews, be prepared to discuss your experience in managing diverse pastoral needs and how you would integrate into a multi-faith team. Crucially, openly and confidently discuss your visa sponsorship needs, as the Ministry of Justice is explicit about its availability for this position.

• Ensure your theological qualifications are clearly documented and align with the Anglican eligibility requirements.
• Prepare a UK-formatted CV and cover letter that specifically addresses the job description's duties and behaviours, such as 'Communicating and Influencing' and 'Working Together'.
• Research the Ministry of Justice and HMP Whitemoor to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of the context.
• Practice articulating your pastoral care philosophy and experience in a structured, professional manner.
• Be ready to discuss your eligibility for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship and any supporting documentation you would provide.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa / Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship is AVAILABLE for this position. This means the role is open to foreign and overseas applicants who require a UK work visa. If you are unsure about your eligibility or current right-to-work status, it is advisable to contact the Ministry of Justice recruitment team directly for clarification before applying, or consult an immigration expert.