Part-Time Faith Leader: School Chaplain & Parish Vicar

The School Chaplain will provide pastoral support for all members of the school community, lead worship and assemblies, work closely with the Head Master and Director of Music, and have oversight of all Christian activity within the school. Experience of teaching is not essential.

Bedford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; therefore, applicants will be required to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in advance of interview. Bedford School is part of The Harpur Trust.

The Parish sees the new Vicar as being someone who:

• is strong, resilient and courageous, able to energise others, encourage participation, and lead change with wisdom and confidence
• nurtures individual faith, comfortable using a variety of service styles, valuing both traditional and contemporary liturgy, and recognising the power of music in worship
• is approachable, adaptable across ages and contexts, a good listener, and someone who can challenge and encourage with empathy
• is committed to full inclusivity and accessibility
• leads with clarity and organisation and is skilled at managing time across varied responsibilities

Candidates who feel called to only one of these part-time roles (either the parish post or the School Chaplain role) are welcome to apply and will be considered on that basis.