Chaplain Reserve

The Royal Navy offers a world of unparalleled opportunities for its reservists. And this means the type of spiritual guidance and support they need is equally unique. The friendship and advice you’ll need to offer as a Reserve Chaplain will be unlike anything you’ve done in your civilian career. You’ll work in a multi-faith environment, one that can include challenging situations, and the need to guide reservists as well as their families when they’re deployed. You’ll be there for whoever needs you to be. You’ll serve the people who serve the nation.

• Act as chaplain to a unique, and very varied congregation. The spiritual and emotional support you provide will be vital to the wellbeing of personnel of all ranks and roles.
• Work in a multi-faith environment, providing advice and guidance that is very different to that needed in the civilian world. 
  
• Develop a wide range of new skills through military training, including firefighting and first aid. You’ll need to apply these skills in operational environments, as well as on exercises.
  
• Travel the world, giving crucial guidance to serving personnel and their families. The work you do when mobilised will be vital to protecting our nations interests. 
  
   

• Daily rates of pay equivalent to those of full-time personnel
• Broad range of developmental courses available inside and outside the Naval Service
• Receive extra pay if you are mobilised
• Annual tax-free bounty subject to meeting the minimum training commitment
• Paid leave in proportion to the number of training days attended
• Automatic membership of the non-contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme
• Expenses and allowances when undergoing training
• Access to sports and fitness facilities

Qualifications you'll gain

• The opportunity to attend Staff College
• The opportunity to study for a PGCE or Masters degree.

Skills you'll develop

• Communication skills working with Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel, who may have no church background
• Gain experience working with young people
• Learn Resource Planning
• Develop your team management skills
• Work in a multi-national environment
  
   

• You must be aged between 26 and 53 when you start training
• Be a clergy member of one of the following churches: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Church of Scotland, Congregational, Presbyterian, Baptist, United Reformed, Assemblies of God, Elim Pentecostal, Methodist or Churches in Communities International
• A theological degree or an equivalent recognised qualification
• At least 1 year of proven pastoral experience and with at least 3 years by the time you have completed your Royal Navy Reserve training
• A British/British Dual National who has lived in the UK continuously for the 5 years prior to applying
• Pass the Naval Swimming Test

• Understanding of the diverse rigours of Naval life 
• Ability to work individually, without always having the structure and support of your church 
• Physically and mentally fit for the challenge
• Ability to work as part of an ecumenical branch, alongside female clergy