Anna Chaplaincy Lead and Dementia Specialist

Do you have a heart for ministry with older people and those living with dementia? Are you able to lead, equip, and inspire churches to respond compassionately and creatively to the spiritual needs of people in later life?

The Diocese of Rochester is seeking an Anna Chaplaincy Lead and Dementia Specialist to develop and strengthen ministry with older people, working in partnership with BRF Ministries to grow and support Anna Chaplaincy across the Diocese. This is a significant opportunity to provide focus, identity, and strategic direction for ministry among older people and those living with dementia.

This is a relational and pioneering role for someone with pastoral sensitivity, theological depth, and the ability to build networks and equip others for ministry.

About the Role

You will lead the development of Anna Chaplaincy and ministry with older people across the Diocese, working collaboratively with colleagues and partners. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Working with archdeaconry leads to develop effective strategies for meeting spiritual needs in later life and dementia
• Strengthening recruitment, discernment, training, commissioning, and support processes for Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends
• Contributing to training pathways, including Licensed Lay Ministry and continuing ministerial development
• Ensuring ministry with older people has a strong voice within the Mission and Ministry Development Team
• Building networks between churches and organisations supporting older people
  Keeping churches connected to regional and national dementia-related initiatives and events
• Reporting on progress and outcomes to senior diocesan staff
  Engaging in regular professional supervision

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with people living with dementia and their carers, and can relate their stories to the pastoral and spiritual life of the Church
• Understands parish life, including the opportunities and pressures facing clergy, lay leaders, and volunteers
• Has experience of project management and managing volunteers
• Is confident in motivating, equipping, and leading others
• Has strong communication and administrative skills
• Is self-motivated and able to manage workload independently
• Understands the safeguarding implications of ministry with Adults at Risk
• Able to travel across the Diocese
• Is willing to work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends
• The post holder will, at times, be the public face of the Diocese, it is considered that there is an Occupational Requirement (OR) for the postholder to be a communicant member of the Church of England

What we can offer:

• Flexible working
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Contributory pension scheme
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and counselling service

The Diocese is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

The wider a group's diversity, the smarter, wiser, and more compassionate and creative its decision making becomes.
We are committed to achieving diversity throughout our Diocese by seeking UKME/GMH colleagues and those from a wide range of backgrounds, to help us create a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Interviews will be held on : 30 March 2026

If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact the HR department at .