Health Care Chaplain | Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 02 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £31,049 - £37,796 per annum, pro rata |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 04 March 2026 |
| Location: | Wigan, WN1 2NN |
| Company: | Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS Foundation Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7710501/302-25-7710501CPR |
Summary
The post holder will assist in the delivery of spiritual, religious, and pastoral care to patients, their families and staff within the hospital at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching NHS Foundation Trust (WWL NHS FT). The post holder will be required to work flexibly and supportively alongside chaplaincy colleagues to advise, enable and ensure that the needs of the hospital are addressed.
Please note that this vacancy may close early if a sufficient number of applications are received. We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly to avoid disappointment.
To provide, as part of the chaplaincy and spiritual care team, the pastoral, spiritual and religious needs of patients, visitors, carers and staff of WWL NHS FT respecting their diversity and the equality of the individual.
To uphold and act in accordance with Trust policies, NHS chaplaincy guidance and UKBHC code of conduct.
Follow protocols and procedures for the recording of relevant information on the assessment of spiritual needs and the delivery of spiritual care in the patient information systems.
Choose Well – Choose WWL
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that ‘happy staff, makes for happy patients’. We have a recognised track record in staff engagement and living our values.
· People at the Heart
· Listen and Involve
· Kind and Respectful
· ONE Team
WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. We are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.
At WWL we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.
Follow chaplaincy policies and provide relevant faith-based perspectives which support the delivery of spiritual, religious and pastoral care strategies, policies, protocols, procedures and work plans
Observe national healthcare chaplains’ Codes of Conduct (UKBHC) and other professional codes of conduct, policies and guidelines relating to chaplaincy services
To maintain a professional, calm, empathic, sensitive and respectful approach when working in stressful and emotional situations within a busy environment
To provide support staff, patients and visitors as required in times of crisis, loss, or bereavement as part of the staff wellbeing and support offering
Provide support for staff and schedule time for staff as service users. Assessing and respond to staff pastoral and spiritual needs (individual or collective)
To support the chaplaincy manager and deputy manager when dealing with complex issues as they might arise within the chaplaincy and spiritual care team
To share in general visiting on the wards and departments to provide pastoral, spiritual and religious care to patients, relatives and staff of all faiths, beliefs and none
Maintain concentration and a calm consistent approach in the delivery of pastoral care despite unpredictable and unexpected work patterns or demands
To always respect and maintain service user confidentiality, only recording essential data within Trust systems subject to consent and within legal and Trust frameworks for Information Governance
Be responsible for patient record keeping and monitoring spiritual, religious and associated with care given to patients by the healthcare chaplaincy and spiritual care team using the appropriate systems subject to consent and within information governance regulations
Conduct contract funerals/baby funerals. Liaising with the relevant Funeral Directors and community leaders as required to facilitate faith-based burials
To work sensitively and collaboratively with the patient’s own Priest/Minister/Faith Leader to meet the holistic pastoral needs of their parishioners
To support, mentor and supervise chaplaincy volunteers, pastoral faith students and honorary chaplains
Fluent and effective communicator in speech and writing
Communicating with patients and their families/carers in complex and often sensitive situations
Demonstratable communication skills to communicate with individuals in a variety of complex encounters
Friendly and professional approach to working with colleagues, the capability to work independently and collaboratively
Participate in a range of cases supporting the manager to deliver effective pastoral and spiritual care
Participate in reflective practice which supports professional development and contributes to the delivery of spiritual, religious, and pastoral care
Active in the maintenance of the post holder’s own spiritual needs
Actively maintain and contribute to personal and departmental objectives including own appraisal, essential training, and continuing professional development (CPD)
To assist in preparing and conducting services of public worship, to facilitate private prayer as appropriate and to administer religious rites appropriate to the persons faith group or belief and those of no belief.
To participate in the provision of a 14hr a day chaplaincy on call cover, on a rota basis.
To support the chaplaincy and spiritual care team and volunteers in the performance of their duties, fostering productive and positive working relationships.
To build and maintain effective relationships with clinical teams, wards and departments assigned by the Chaplaincy Manager.
Participate in projects and operational groups as directed by the Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care Manager.
This advert closes on Monday 16 Feb 2026