The Bishop of Carlisle is seeking a spiritually grounded, strategically minded, and highly capable individual to serve as Bishop’s Chaplain and Director of Operations. This is a senior role in the Bishop’s team, ensuring the effective support of the ministry of the Bishop of Carlisle, while also holding responsibility for some Corporate Services across the Diocese.

Purpose of the Role

As Chaplain, you will be a trusted confidant and advisor to the Bishop, offering spiritual and pastoral support, managing sensitive matters, and representing the Bishop when required. You will also lead a dedicated team within the Bishop’s Office and play a key role in aspects of diocesan governance and communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide confidential support and spiritual counsel to the Bishop and Bishop of Penrith
• Act as a key member of the Bishop’s Leadership Team, fostering prayer and collaboration, and facilitating effective pastoral care and support across the diocese.
• Manage the Bishop’s Office, including HR, finance, and operational oversight
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders including NCIs, Archdeacons, DSO, and the Diocesan Registrar
• Oversee the processes for clergy appointments
• Lead some Corporate Services including data protection, IT, and communications strategy
• Ensure safeguarding best practices are upheld across all areas of responsibility

Your Salary

• A salary of £44,079 - £51,571 per annum, subject to experience
• Clergy already in the Church of England Funded Pensions Scheme (CEFPS) will have the option of either remaining in this scheme or joining the PB14 scheme. In addition to the employer age-related contribution (between 8-15% of salary), the employer also matches the employee contributions in whole percentages up to 3%. Employees enrolled into PB14 will be automatically enrolled to contribute 3% of their pensionable salary. The employee can choose to increase or decrease their contribution at any time

Your Benefits

• A housing allowance will be provided to enable the postholder to carry out their duties. 
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• 36 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK’s leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.

Key Requirements

• The Chaplain’s main place of work is Bishop's House, Keswick.
• The expectation is that the Chaplain will work a similar time commitment as a parish priest.  As a general rulethe Chaplain will be expected to work office hours of 9.00 am to5.00 pm with a break for lunch.There is an expectation of some workand ministry being exercised outside office hours. There will be some eveningand weekendcommitments.
• The post is subject to Safer Recruitment Processes and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Disclosure with a check of the barred lists.
• This post has attached to it an Occupational Requirement under the 2010 Equality Act, Part 1, Schedule 9.