Chaplain to the Bishop Job Guildford England UK,Business

The Acting Bishop of Guildford is seeking to appoint the Interim Chaplain to the Acting Bishop of Guildford. This is a pivotal role supporting the strategic and operational ministry across the Diocese. Working closely with clergy, diocesan colleagues, parishes, and external partners, the Chaplain provides pastoral, strategic, and administrative leadership, oversees key clergy processes and safeguarding matters, and helps ensure the Bishop’s priorities and ministry are delivered effectively throughout the diocese.

The Bishop of Dorking became Acting Bishop of Guildford on 18 February 2026. He is expecting to fulfil this role for up to two years before a new Bishop of Guildford is welcomed in early 2028.

He has established three foci for his ministry during this time: (i) prayer; (ii) pastoral care; (iii) the priorities of discipleship (including revitalisation) and children and young people. In addition to this, as the sole bishop in the diocese for this period, he is seeking to enable the Bishop’s Office to run as efficiently and smoothly as possible.

This post has attached to it an occupational requirement under the 2010 Equality Act, Part 1, Schedule
9. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS with Adult and Child Barred Lists check (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance.Work Pattern

Working hours will generally align with standard office hours, with flexibility to adjust the schedule to accommodate weekend teaching and preaching commitments.
The Chaplain is expected to support and lead worship in parishes across the diocese on Sundays when not required to assist the Bishop.
A flexible approach to working hours is essential to meet the demands and responsibilities of the role.

Place of work

Willow Grange (Home of the Bishop of Guildford) Woking Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7QS
Dayspring (Home of the Bishop of Dorking), Pilgrims Way, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 8AD
and some home working.

Accommodation is provided by the Guildford Diocesan Board of Finance.

This is a fixed-term contract for an initial period of 18 months, with the potential of being extended for a further 6 months.Responsibilities

To support the strategic ministry of the Bishop through:

Prayer

Praying with and for the Bishop
Co-ordinating Morning Prayer for the Bishop’s Leadership Team from Monday – Friday
Leading on the Bishop’s Prayer Network
Organising the Diocesan Calendar of Prayer
Keeping up to date lists for the Bishop of those in the diocese who need support in prayer
Advising clergy on the preparation of orders of service, following guidelines set by the Bishop.
Assisting the Bishop liturgically at services in Guildford Cathedral (and elsewhere when required) at major festivals / ordinations / etc.

Pastoral Care

Sharing in the highest standard of pastoral care for all clergy and people in the diocese
Occasionally seeing people on behalf of the Bishop as requested
Liaising with Bishop’s PAs to ensure that clergy who urgently need to see bishop may do so
Setting a culture of pastoral care for bishop’s staff and visitors to Willow Grange & Dayspring
Administering the grants system for clergy
Caring for the Bishop (as a confidant) and his family.

Priorities

Supporting the Bishop in maintaining a strong culture of discipleship in the diocese.
Supporting the Bishop in his priority to grow ministry to children and young people.

To support the operational ministry of the Bishop through:

Administration (in co-operation with the Bishops PAs)

Help manage the Bishop’s Office, working with the Bishop’s PAs to prioritise matters requiring the Bishop’s attention.
Prepare agendas, coordinate meetings (including Bishop’s Leadership Team and Area Deans meetings), and produce/distribute minutes.
Maintain clergy files and records in line with the 2021 Clergy Files Policy, GDPR, and National Clergy Register requirements.
Manage Permission to Officiate (PTO), Overseas Permission to Officiate (OPTO) licences, clergy status checks, references, and Bishop-to-Bishop enquiries.
Support clergy appointments and liaise with the Registry and Lambeth Palace when required.
Support compliance with Data Protection legislation, including Subject Access Requests.
Coordinate key…