Head of Children, Youth and Chaplaincy

Introduction

The Diocese of Blackburn’s Board of Education is responsible for supporting and developing church schools within the diocese. It plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the Christian character of these schools while ensuring high-quality education. In addition to its primary focus on church schools, the Board of Education also extends its support to Children and Youth Ministry across the diocese and provides chaplaincy services in universities.

We are seeking a proactive, organised and relational leader to help shape and deliver our vision for ministry with children and young people across schools and churches. Working as part of the experienced Board of Education team, you’ll take a key leadership role—supporting school strategy and improvement, equipping leaders in parishes, developing partnerships, and overseeing operational aspects of the Board’s work. You’ll help drive our Vision 2026 priorities, including doubling the number of children and young people in worship and engaging fully with the national call for the Church to ‘grow younger.’

The Head of Children, Youth, and Chaplaincy will lead the portfolio for children and youth work within the Diocese of Blackburn. This includes overseeing projects funded by National Church grants, such as IGNITE, and developing networks for chaplains in schools and universities to foster mutual support. The role aims to nurture faith-based activities for young people while ensuring effective collaboration between chaplains, schools, academies, and parishes. The role involves ensuring proper representation of the Diocese and the Board of Education in local, regional, and national settings relating to education and church and requires the postholder to be able to relate effectively with a wide range of agencies, both within and outside the Church.

Overview of responsibilities

1. Leadership and portfolio management
2. Chaplaincy network development
3. Training and support
4. Strategic Collaboration
5. Operational duties

Key relationships

1. Parishes and Churches
2. The Diocese of Blackburn
3. Schools and Academies
4. Partner Organisations
5. Governance Structures

How to apply

For a full job description, including responsibilities, person specification, terms and conditions and how to apply, please visit General vacancies | The Diocese of Blackburn.

Interview date 17 July 2025

Diversity - 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.