Religious Life and Belief Lead

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.

The role

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in supporting the spiritual, pastoral, faith and belief needs of our diverse University community. Working closely with the Principal Chaplain, you will help shape and deliver an inclusive and welcoming chaplaincy service that contributes positively to student wellbeing, belonging, community cohesion and personal development.

You will support the leadership and coordination of a diverse network of volunteer chaplains and faith representatives, helping to ensure the delivery of high-quality pastoral support for students and staff. The postholder will also play a key role in fostering interfaith understanding, supporting religious observance, coordinating events and activities, and promoting constructive dialogue between people of different faiths, beliefs and worldviews.

The role includes providing direct pastoral support to students and staff, including responding sensitively to complex situations such as crisis, bereavement and significant life events. You will work collaboratively across the Student Experience team and the wider University to create opportunities for connection, inclusion and community building.

As Religious Life and Belief Lead, you will support the operational management and development of the Religious Life & Belief service, contribute to service evaluation and reporting, and deputise for the Principal Chaplain during periods of planned or unplanned absence.

About you

You will be an experienced pastoral practitioner, chaplain, faith leader or community professional with a strong commitment to supporting people from all faith backgrounds and none. We welcome applications from all faiths groups and none.

You will have significant experience of pastoral care, gained within higher education, healthcare, the voluntary sector, a faith community or a similarly complex environment. You will be comfortable working with people facing personal challenges and able to demonstrate empathy, professional judgement and emotional resilience.

We are looking for someone who can build trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, staff, faith communities, community organisations and senior University colleagues. You will have excellent communication and influencing skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment.

The successful candidate will be able to:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of faith, belief and worldview diversity.
• Build positive relationships across different communities and cultures.
• Provide sensitive pastoral support in complex situations.
• Coordinate and support volunteer teams.
• Work independently while contributing effectively within a wider team.
• Promote inclusion, belonging and respectful dialogue.
• Use initiative and sound judgement to resolve issues and improve services.

A degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) together with substantial relevant professional experience is essential.

An Enhanced DBS check will be required on appointment and renewed in accordance with University requirements.

How to apply

To apply, please upload your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience and skills meet the requirements of the role.

For an informal discussion about the position, please contact Emily Pentland-Hill Associate Director of Student Experience on e.pentland-hill@surrey.ac.uk 

Interviews will be held 16^th/17^th September.

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