Free Church Deacon or Lay Person Chaplain – HM Prison Isle of Wight

About the role

This position provides faith‑based and pastoral support to prisoners, staff and their families within HM Prison Isle of Wight. Working as part of a multifaith chaplaincy team, the role delivers worship, meditation and spiritual guidance for the free‑church tradition while also supporting people of other faiths and none.

Key responsibilities

• Offer pastoral care, spiritual welfare and faith guidance to inmates, staff and families.
• Plan and lead worship, prayer and faith‑specific meetings.
• Collaborate with other chaplains, volunteers and external faith groups to maintain worship facilities.
• Contribute to the development of local chaplaincy policies and procedures.
• Support offender resettlement by building links with the free‑church community.
• Provide crisis support and mentoring for chaplaincy volunteers.
• Distribute appropriate faith literature and artefacts.
• Represent the chaplaincy team at prison meetings and committees.

Required profile

• Ordained or non‑ordained free‑church deacon or lay person.
• Understanding of own faith tradition and awareness of other faiths.
• Ability to deliver pastoral care in a secure, multi‑cultural environment.
• Commitment to personal spiritual development and reflective practice.

Required skills