This role is full time, permanent.
Closing date: 23:59 on 13th September 2026
Interview date: 8th October 2026
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The successful candidate(s) will have to ensure that they have the right to work in the UK or be able to secure this through another means without the sponsorship of the University. Further information about sponsorship is available on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.
The University of Reading, in Partnership with the Diocese of Oxford, wishes to appoint an Anglican Chaplain to lead the Chaplaincy Team and Multi-Faith provision at the University.
We are seeking a new Chaplain to develop Christian faith and worship, to offer pastoral care, to be a strong, visible presence on campus, to grow links with local Anglican churches where students might worship on Sundays, and to build and foster healthy community across the University.
The University is strengthened by our diverse, multi-cultural community and the Chaplain will embrace and enjoy the opportunities this brings, showing a commitment to coordinating chaplaincy for those of other Christian denominations, and of other faiths.
You will be:
- Educated to degree level (or relevant equivalent experience); a theological qualification & training in Ministry, including satisfactory clearance of Initial Ministerial Education
- Ordained Anglican priest in good standing for licensing by the Bishop of Reading (Diocese of Oxford)
- Experience of providing pastoral care and support especially to young people or students
- Experience of ecumenism and other faiths; and working collaboratively within a diverse team
- Demonstration of a flexible and imaginative approach to liturgy and worship.
- Strong organisational and administrative abilities including the ability to lead and delegate effectively with excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with all members of our student and staff community effectively.
A diverse workforce: We know that we can only achieve our vision of being a world-class, forward-looking, confident, and ambitious university by recruiting, supporting, and developing staff from the widest variety of backgrounds. We have a proud history of diversity and inclusion and are working actively on several key initiatives to continue this: https://www.reading.ac.uk/diversity/.
Benefits to working with us
Location: Located at our Green Flag award winning Whiteknights campus in Reading. Based in the Chaplaincy Centre at the centre of the campus.
Annual leave allowance: We offer a generous entitlement of 26 days in addition to 6 public holidays and additional closure days around Christmas and Easter time each year where staff are not required to work.
For more information on pensions and the benefits of working at the University of Reading can be found here at www.reading.ac.uk/human-resources/working-life.
Accommodation: As part of their appointment, for the proper performance of this role, and subject to further conditions set out in their Employment Contract, the postholder will be provided with accommodation (a house close to the University on Shinfield Road) provided by the Diocese of Oxford. The terms of such accommodation shall be governed by a licence to occupy which the postholder will be required to enter into with the Diocese.
Contact details: Katie Robertson, Director of Student Engagement, Transitions & Advice, [email protected]
The University is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and as such safeguarding checks will be undertaken.
Safeguarding Requirements and Responsibilities
- To undertake safeguarding training and follow the University’s Safeguarding Children & Adults at Risk Policy at all times.
- To consider Safeguarding in Risk Assessment processes for events and activities you deliver.
- To report any disclosures or concerns using the Safeguarding Incident Form and submit this to the UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team Designated Safeguarding Officer.
An Enhanced DBS with a child barred list check is required for this position. This role is a regulated activity. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Please see these links for information on Safeguarding and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Procedure, including Recruiting ex-offenders principles.
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
