Chaplain Date Listed: 2026-06-15 Expiry Date: 2026-07-12

YMCA St Paul's Group (SPG) is a charity and registered housing provider whose mission is to be an inclusive Christian Association transforming communities so that all young people can belong, contribute and thrive. As a member of the wider YMCA Federation, our vision is of places where young people thrive and communities flourish.

As one of the largest YMCAs in Europe and one of the largest providers of supported housing in London, we provide supported housing services, health and wellbeing services, education and training services through its health and wellbeing centres, children, youth and family programmes, including nurseries, after school clubs and soft play centres.

Being part of YMCA St Paul's Group means not only working for a great London based charity that has supported young people and communities for over 150 years but also being part of a national association and global movement.

We are one of the UK's Top 100 Best Workplaces 2026 and have also been recognised as one of the UK's Top 100 Best Workplaces for Development 2026.

About the role

Chaplaincy is a vital part of the People & Culture team which is at the heart of this growing charity. As a team we influence our organisational culture and strategy, provide training and support that helps us connect authentically with each other and pray for God's leading and direction. Chaplains provide a Christian Chaplaincy Service to residents, service users, staff and volunteers and assist in the development of the spiritual life of the Charity. The Chaplain will provide pastoral care and support and offer opportunities to explore the Christian faith and spirituality to a diverse community, including people of the Christian faith, other faiths and no faith.

Could you offer life changing spiritual and pastoral care at the heart of a growing regional charity? Could you inspire our volunteers and Church partners to do the same? Yes? We want to hear from you!

Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual care and pastoral support: Offer residents, members of the public and visitors opportunities to seek confidential life transforming spiritual care and pastoral support, including Christian prayer and leading acts of worship, and to explore the Christian faith and spirituality.
• Develop and deliver engagement activities: Deliver and implement Christian engagement activities, including activities with staff and residents, small group programmes (which may include peer support, discussion based or retreat programmes), and activities connected to incidents, festivals and celebrations.
• Develop external networks: Build and maintain relationships with Churches, individual Christians and other faith based agencies and communities to encourage their involvement with YMCA St Paul's Group.
• Work with volunteers: Create a network of Christian Chaplaincy volunteers who can provide regular or ad hoc pastoral support across the charity.
• Champion Christian Ethos: Ensure our core values underpin the way we deliver our work, and create an inclusive culture where staff, residents and customers feel a sense of belonging and can be their authentic selves.

What we are looking for

• Practising Christian with an excellent understanding of the Christian faith and significant experience of providing spiritual and pastoral support to others from a Christian perspective.
• Experience working with young people and/or vulnerable adults.
• Demonstrates creative skills and a passion for working with people and providing creative ways of exploring faith.
• Has relevant qualification or training in theology and/or related topics relevant to the work of the Charity (desirable).

This is an exciting time as we expand our Chaplaincy Team. We are looking for someone to deliver exceptional care, model it to others and enable our volunteer teams and Church partners to thrive in their calling across YMCA St Paul's Group.

We offer flexible working hours to accommodate your schedule, and we are open to finding a work arrangement that suits your needs while ensuring productivity and teamwork.

What we offer

At YMCA St Paul's Group, we prioritise improving diversity and inclusion in the workplace and our services. We value your authenticity and unique voice and encourage you to share your opinions. You will have the opportunity to be a catalyst for change by actively participating in our Employee Resource Groups.

You can learn, grow and reach your full potential as a team member. We are committed to your development and will support your personal growth journey. Our comprehensive learning and development programme includes training, qualifications and on the job experience, ensuring you have the skills necessary for your role while offering continuous development and advancement opportunities.

Benefits

• Free gym access across our sites.
• Discounts from major retailers and supermarkets.
• Free access to well being and counselling services.
• The ability to work from a range of outer London work locations.
• Career development programmes to help you thrive.
• Family friendly policies to help you balance work life, including enhanced maternity pay.
• Life Assurance (permanent contracts only).

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship and can only accept applications from individuals who already have the right to work in the UK.

Because this role involves working with vulnerable members of society including regulated activities, a Basic, Standard or Enhanced Criminal Disclosure will be required following a conditional offer. We are making people aware of this because with Enhanced disclosures, spent convictions may appear. However, if you are appointed, we will consider all circumstances before making a final decision.

Previous applications: If you have applied for a similar role within the last six months and were unsuccessful, we encourage you to consider whether your experience has developed further before reapplying.

Accessibility & adjustments: We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know in advance if you require any support to participate fully.

At YMCA St Paul's Group, we actively promote equality of opportunity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and value the diverse skills, experiences and perspectives that make our workforce stronger.

The successful candidate will be expected to uphold and work in accordance with the Christian ethos and values of the YMCA.

Contract details

Part Time role.

Hours per week: 21 hours per week, generally worked within office hours, Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work.

Working Pattern: To be agreed.