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Chaplaincy
locations / urnu

Chaplaincy

Provide cadets with invaluable chaplaincy and pastoral support in the Royal Navy environment, making a real difference to their lives.

Reverend Pill Amey, HMS Nelson Chaplain, gives a blessing aboard a ship

Guide our future leaders

As soon as you start, you’ll be part of the Royal Navy family, enjoying its unique sense of teamwork and camaraderie. You will get to make a real difference to the lives of young people, providing URNU Officer Cadets with Pastoral Care, Religious Leadership, Unit Cohesion and Ethical Advice.

You’ll gain qualifications in Command, Leadership and Management and Adventurous Training & Sport. You’ll also have the opportunity to be part of the wider military environment.

You’ll gain qualifications in Command, Leadership and Management and Adventurous Training & Sport. You’ll also have the opportunity to be part of the wider military environment.

A portrait of Pastor Newton Ndlovu. A chaplain onboard of HMS Protector

Keep your Navy-civilian balance

No call-up commitment means you can achieve the right work-life balance, excellent rates of pay and an annual tax-free bounty. You only need to commit a minimum of 24 Reserve Service Days each year.

You’ll have the opportunity to support defence engagement activities at a local and regional level with charities and other religious and faith organisations, while maintaining the balance between your URNU commitments, your work life and your personal life.

What you'll get

  • URNU Chaplains will be recruited through the Staff Chaplain to the Chaplain of the Fleet, Royal Navy.
  • On initial entry will be paid as URNU Acting Sub-Lieutenants.
  • Once mandatory training has been completed, URNU Chaplains will be paid as substantive URNU Lieutenants.
  • No requirement to handle weapons at any time.
  • Mandatory training to be completed: - Initial Training Officers Course & Advanced Care of Trainees qualification (7 day residential at URNU Cambridge) - Britannia Royal Naval College Chaplains’ Induction week (7 day residential at BRNC.)

What you'll need

  • Between the age of 26 – 50.
  • Be an ordained minister of one of the following churches: Anglican, Assemblies of God, Baptist Union of Great Britain, Church of Scotland, Churches in Communities International, Congregational Church, Elim Pentecostal, Methodist, Presbyterian Church of Ireland, Roman Catholic or the United Reformed Church.
  • OR be an authorised and qualified religious leader from the Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim or Sikh Faith Communities.
  • A theological degree or an equivalent recognised qualification.
  • 3 years of proven pastoral experience.
  • To be employed by a faith community at the point of application.
  • A national of the United Kingdom, Commonwealth Citizen or Dual National who has lived in the UK for 5 years prior to applying.
  • Able to pass the Royal Naval Fitness Test (RNFT).
  • Able to pass the Naval Swimming Test.
  • Hold a full and valid UK Driving Licence.

How to apply

To apply, follow the link to our expression of interest form, fill out a few details and we will get in touch with you to progress your application.
Apply now

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