Chaplain to Bishop

The Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham has a vision of bringing God’s Living Hope to the city, towns and villages of Nottinghamshire and is committed to its mission of Growing Disciples of Christ with Compassion, Confidence and Courage. A key aspect of that vision is the articulation of seven Areas of Focus that healthy churches attend to:
Inspiring Worship, Reaching Younger, Enhancing Diversity, Growing Leaders, Enabling Commitment, Encouraging Generosity and Nurturing Prayer.

Working closely with the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, this is an opportunity to join the Bishop’s Office team, working with and for the bishop across the diocese in service of the Church’s mission.

Day to day, the Chaplain works closely with others to support the Bishop’s public ministry, with key accountabilities for liturgical, pastoral and ministry support, as well as liaising with the Safeguarding Team and Registrar, and overseeing episcopal administration. The role also focuses on supporting the bishop’s ministry in the areas of inspiring worship and nurturing prayer.

We are looking for someone who brings theological wisdom, pastoral sensitivity, discretion, and sound judgement, alongside the ability to manage a varied and demanding workload, helping to sustain the Bishop’s ministry in both strategic and personal ways. This role would suit someone who is prayerful, collaborative, and adaptable, and who is equally at ease supporting worship and ministry, working with senior colleagues in sensitive and sometimes complex matters.

It offers an opportunity to combine spiritual maturity with practical leadership, with the growth of their own ministry under the Bishop’s guidance.

This role includes accommodation provided by the Southwell & Nottingham DBF.

Closing date:
Friday 31 July 2026

Interviews:
Wednesday 2 September 2026

• Oversee planning for key services across the diocese, including confirmations and institutions, maintain digital resources for churches and support the Bishop at these services as needed.
• On the Bishop’s behalf, consult and advise Cathedral, incumbents and churchwardens on the planning and delivery of any service in which the Bishop plays a part, ensuring Orders of Service are signed off and accessible to the Bishop as appropriate.
• Discern the next season of support for ‘Nurturing Prayer’ at both diocesan and parish level, work in collaboration with the Discipleship & Ministry team to develop a strategic approach. As required, lead on the planning and delivery of activity.
• Support the worship and prayer life of key gatherings; such as Bishop’s Council and Diocesan Synod, as well as other diocesan events.
• Assist the bishop in his teaching ministry as needed, research matters, attend key leadership training days, and support and contribute to the programme as appropriate.
• Take opportunities to lead and preach at services or teaching events at the invitation of parishes across the diocese.
• Advise on and provide bespoke prayers and liturgies, faithful to the Anglican tradition, for a variety of civic and ecclesiastical occasions.
• In collaboration with Bishop’s Ecumenical Advisor and Churches Together Nottinghamshire (CTN) fulfil the role of Diocesan Ecumenical Officer (DEO)

• In conjunction with the Registry, advise on and ensure that clergy licences and Permissions to Officiate are administered in a timely and appropriate manner, in line with all requirements for Safer Recruitment and House of Bishops’ policies.
• Ensure the Bishop’s Office support parishes in their compliance with all legal requirements including in relation to the suspension of benefices and pastoral reorganisation, service provision and building usage.
• Oversee administration for C4 applications, the Overseas Clergy Measure and Eucharistic Assistants.
• Support the administration of the Clergy Discipline Measure and complaint and grievance procedures relating to clergy.
• Be the first point of contact in the Bishop’s Office for safeguarding matters; liaise with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer; and attend diocesan and national safeguarding…