Trust SPaRC Practitioner-Chaplain (Church of England)NHS

Job summary

Closing Date: 14 August 2026

Shortlisting to take place after closing date: commencing 15 August 2026

Interview expected to take place in the week following shortlisting: commencing 24 August 2026

Make a meaningful difference where it matters most

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is proud to be growing ourSpiritual, Pastoral and Religious Care (SPaRC) Team, and we are seeking a compassionate and dedicatedChurch of England Chaplainto join us.

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to provideholistic, person-centred care, supporting patients, families, carers and colleagues at some of the most important and vulnerable moments in their lives.

Main duties of the job

As part of ourmulti-faith SPaRC team, you will:

Deliver high-quality spiritual, pastoral and religious careacross our hospital sites

Respond tofaith-specific needs while supporting people of all beliefs--or none

Work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and multidisciplinary teams

Contribute to a culture where kindness, dignity and compassion are integral to care

You will also participate in anon-call rota, ensuring support is available when it is needed most.

We are looking for someone who:

Is ordained within the Church of England

Has significant experience providing sensitive, inclusive pastoral car

Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Thrives in a multi-faith, multidisciplinary environment

Brings a compassionate, inclusive and forward-thinking approach to care

Is committed to upholding our Trust valuesand delivering high-quality, equitable care for all

Job description

To provide general pastoral and spiritual care to individuals, groups or areas of the hospitals as agreed with the Department Manager within the overall strategy of Christian needs.

To mentor/supervise and support to SPaRC Bank staff, SPaRC volunteers working in the clinical areas allocated to the SPaRC Practitioners general responsibility.

To keep accurate and up to date electronic records of patient and staff support and to work with the other SPaRC Practitioners in ensuring that the procedures and protocols of the department are well understood and communicated within the Trust.

To take full part in SPaRC discussion about future developments and directions with regards to The Bradford Model and enable colleagues to share their views with clarity and consideration and to take responsibility of the assigned anchors from the Bradford Model.

To undertake specific work through referral and other means with patients and staff of the same denomination/faith grouping as the post holder. To provide pastoral support to all denomination/faiths as required.

To prioritise need and respond with urgency to matters relating to bereavement and to conduct funerals when required. Also to respond quickly to requests for baptism and marriage where the patient has a life-threatening condition and work when necessary with the local Superintendent Registrar.

To administer the sacraments in accordance with the rites and traditions of the church and provide services of Christian worship within the chapels (and other ward areas, by agreement).

To work to ensure that local religious communities understand the work of the SPaRC and know how to make referrals to the appropriate SPaRC Practitioner.

To take part in leading training and induction programmes and to sit on Trust committees, as requested and agreed by the head of SPaRC services.

To liaise at all times with ward staff about the role and involvement of SPaRC and to provide care in a way sympathetic to the clinical demands and constraints of the ward environment.

To participate in reflective practice and be involved in SPaRC related research as and when agreed with the head of SPaRC services

Able to work flexibly within contracted hours

To identify areas of personal spiritual growth and professional development in conjunction with the head of SPaRC services and undertake agreed training, study or other course of action fitting with the priorities of the department.

About us

Our People Charter outlines the behaviours we can expect from one another and what you can expect from Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust:

• We value people
• We are one team
• We care

We're keen to meet people who share these values and are passionate about delivering the highest quality of care to our patients.