Chaplain to the Bishop of Blackburn

The Bishop of Blackburn is seeking to appoint an experienced priest who is passionate in their faith in the Gospel, persistent in prayer and administratively efficient to serve as Bishop’s Chaplain. 

To apply, please submit a CV along with a two-page letter covering the gifts and experience that you will bring to the role.

The Bishop's Chaplain will: 

• work to the Bishop, his agenda and priorities, focused on assisting his ministry, with wisdom, good humour, and steadfast hope.
• be emotionally intelligent and theologically alert, with a strong ability for reading people and situations, relating well across a diverse range of ages, personalities, cultures and theological convictions.
• be flexible and adaptable, able to work to tight deadlines, to prioritise, to cope with complex and competing demands, and to assemble resources on a wide variety of subjects.
• enjoy working as part of a small team, with the spontaneity and natural generosity which interdependence requires.
• provide pastoral support to the Bishop’s Staff, with a proven capacity to work calmly and effectively through more stressful seasons of ministry.
• be computer literate, and able to draft texts, letters, memos and other documents to a high standard and with attention to detail.
• work to the highest levels of confidentiality and loyalty, yet ready to challenge the Bishop and hold him to the highest standards of integrity and Christian ministry;
• to provide the Bishop with a sense of perspective and to help him focus on what matters most
• be familiar and creative with traditional and contemporary liturgies, able to lead effectively diverse forms of worship.
• have a passion for evangelism, growing disciples and the growth of the church.
• quickly be able to develop a working knowledge of the vacancy processes of the Church of England and an ability to liaise with the Archdeacons, Area Deans and Patrons.
• be confident and assured in following due process in supporting the bishop in all matters relating to safeguarding and clergy discipline.
• have a full driving licence.
  

For more information please refer to the Job Description  

To apply, please submit a CV along with a two-page letter covering the gifts and experience that you will bring to the role.

Key role requirements:

• This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and completion of the Church of England Confidential Declaration Form.  
• Remuneration: Salary equivalent to that of a Residentiary Canon, which is £32,888 per annum. 
• Accommodation: A house will be provided to enable the Chaplain to carry out his/her duties. The current house is in Langho but the location is negotiable to any place within reasonable commuting distance.

The Diocese of Blackburn believes that diversity enables us to thrive and develop and is committed to race equality, welcoming applications from UK Minority Ethnic/ Global Majority Heritage backgrounds.   

The Diocese of Blackburn is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.  

• Closing date for applications: Tuesday 10th June 2025 
• Shortlisted candidates will be notified by: Friday 13th June 2025 
• Interviews will be held: Friday 20th June 2025