Chaplain of the Hill Colleges

Job Title: Chaplain of the Hill Colleges (Collingwood, Grey, Trevelyan & Van Mildert)    
Department: Student Support & Wellbeing Directorate
Grade: Grade 6  
Salary range: £27,909 – £34,308
Working arrangements: Full-time (35 hours per week) fixed term (5 years)
Closing date: 16th October 2022 – 11:59pm
Potential interview date: 31st October 2022

The University 
 
At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.  

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.  

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.  Further information about the University can be found here
 
The Role and the Department 
 

The Colleges and Student Experience Division includes the 15 Maintained Colleges, Experience Durham, the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate, and the Wider Student Experience Operations Directorate.

The Chaplain will lead in the provision of pastoral, spiritual and religious support to all members of the Collingwood, Grey, Trevelyan and Van Mildert College communities and to support staff and students of all faiths, beliefs and worldviews.  They will be involved in a wide range of activities aimed at furthering the College and University strategy, especially in relation to the personal development of students and the future development of the Colleges. They will work closely with the student support team within the Colleges in partnership with the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate, and will be line-managed by the University’s Lead Chaplain.

Collingwood College was founded in 1972 and is now the largest college at Durham University, with a total student population of over 1800 students (550 of which live on site). Collingwood is a truly informal College and the community is marked by non-hierarchical, informal relationships. The College values stem from the motto, Aime Le Meilleur – love the Best. This means enabling every member of the Collingwood community to recognise and realise their maximum potential; academically, socially, and personally, by pursuing activities that are meaningful to them. Collingwood’s long-standing excellence in sport is now matched in theatre, music, film and tech.

Grey College was founded in 1959, becoming the first College on the Hill and now has around 1,350 students of whom around a third are resident on site in any one academic year. Grey prides itself on its sense of community, combining the best aspects of both the modern and traditional Collegiate experience. Student activity at the College is varied and widespread across all areas of participation, with numerous excellent sports teams, a growing volunteering programme and artistic provision, including the largest non-auditioned choir in the University.

Grey College has a Chapel Licensed for Divine Service by the Bishop of Durham. Consequently, as the Chaplain will officiate at chapel services, they are required to be an ordained member of the Anglican Communion and will need to be Licensed by the Bishop of Durham.

Trevelyan is a small, progressive college renowned for its friendliness – and its distinctive hexagonal architecture. Trevelyan was founded in 1966 and named after George Macauley Trevelyan, who was Chancellor of Durham University from 1950-1957. Trevelyan encourages every student to step out of their comfort zone and explore without limits, promoting an environment of support, inclusion, and curiosity.

Van Mildert College, founded in 1965, is one of Durham’s larger colleges, with around 1700 students.  It is a vibrant, diverse and big-hearted community, where everyone is welcome.  The College has a strong tradition of outreach and volunteering in the region and an ethos of service crystallised in its motto sic vos non vobis – this we do not for ourselves.

The post is part funded for five years by the Diocese of Durham. The Diocese requires the Chaplain to be Anglican and open to working collaboratively with the diocesan staff supporting one of the Diocese’s key priorities, i.e. Children, Young People and 18-25’s.

The Chaplain is expected to be actively engaged in broader College life in all four Colleges, including attending and contributing to College events, some of which take place in the evenings and at weekends.

 
Working at Durham   
 
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:  
 

• 27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days per year.  The University closes between Christmas and New Year – please include or delete if not applicable.
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• We offer generous pension schemes.

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values 

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.   As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. 
 
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification 
 
When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role.  Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description.  Where a criteria has an asterix* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.   
 
Your application should cover the following criteria: 

 
Essential Criteria

1.    Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
2.    Strong digital competence with demonstrable skills in using core digital tools including internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking system, project planning, financial systems.  
3.    Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent experience).   
4.    Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience, e.g. theology, religion or religious philosophy*.   
5.    Evidence of personal development to maintain skills.

6.    An ordained member (priest) of the Anglican Communion who can be Licensed by the Bishop of Durham*.
7.    Experienced service provider with knowledge and expertise used to contribute to the delivery and development of services, events and activities within the organisation.
8.    Demonstrable ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.
9.    Experience of implementing policy and procedures and involvement with future changes for a service area.
10.    Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve issues, plan solutions and make pragmatic decisions. 
11.    Ability to effectively network and exchange advice and information for development purposes.  
12.    Ability to contribute to planning at operational level. 

How to apply 
 
To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above.  Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence.  Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above). 
 
While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.   
 
Submitting your application  
 
We prefer to receive applications online.  We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.  
  
What you are required to submit: 
•    A CV  
•    A covering letter or statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification   
  
Contact details  
 
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, the Revd Gavin Wort (Lead Chaplain) would be happy to speak to you. Email: gavin.wort@durham.ac.uk.  
 
Typical Role Requirements 

Service Delivery

• Foster the spiritual life of diverse international College communities, supporting people of all faiths, beliefs and worldviews.
• Attend Chaplains’ meetings and Chaplaincy & Faith Steering Group meetings.
• Specialist support with problem solving and query handling.
• Interpret, curate, design and present artefacts, information, data, equipment and resources.
• Implement and monitor protocols, procedures, processes and regulations.
• Monitor and report incidents.
• Carry out more in-depth investigations, searches and research information and data to identify trends and patterns.
• Take responsibility for day to day decision making within own area of responsibility for operational aspects of service delivery, translating external requirements into practical application and advice.
• Implement and monitor recognised procedures to ensure compliance and meet University values of inclusion, diversity and participation
• Accountable for managing/maintaining financial and budget records and reconciling consumable expenditure queries.
• Involved in the purchase and return of goods and services.
• Responsible for curating the set-up, order, display and information pertinent to the service area and / or activity.
• Ensure the safety and security of service and public areas, responding to incidents and providing reports.
• Act as first point of contact for student welfare issues where required.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.

Planning and Organising

• Reactive and proactive service provision with others to deliver an excellent stakeholder experience.
• Support the capture of business requirements from users and work with colleagues to translate these into recommendations for future service provision.
• Identify potential service improvements, make recommendations.

 
Communication/Networking/Stakeholders

• Relationship building, network participation internally and externally to build and update knowledge and skills.
• Engage with external peers and specialists to exchange knowledge and information.
• Supervises service users and stakeholders undertaking activities, events, project work and exhibitions.
• Contribute to business meetings, working groups and committees to help shape service delivery and stakeholder expectations.
• Manage frontline stakeholder services in a variety of different buildings and environments and outlets across the University.
• Act as a recognised point of contact between the University and key internal and external stakeholders, including donors and employers.
• Carry out internal and external presentations and public relations events promoting the Durham reputation, and encouraging participation and income generation.
• Gather, record and analyse customer feedback from all service users.
• Develop, plan and deliver events and activities for students, staff and visitors.
• Work with other functional areas and families across the University to ensure the most diverse and accessible promotion of services, events and activities.

Knowledge and Experience

• Experienced service practitioner, planning and co-ordinating of projects and work streams with inter-related activities.
• Plan and organise own workload with or without involvement with project work streams.
• Any other reasonable duties.

 
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement https://www.durham.ac.uk/about-us/governance/information-governance/privacy-notices/privacy-notices/job-applicants/  which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.   
  

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.