Job overview

At NHFT, we believe spiritual care begins with compassionate, human connection. It is about creating safe, welcoming spaces where people feel able to speak openly about what matters most to them, explore meaning and purpose, and be heard without judgement. Our Spiritual Wellbeing Service is highly regarded across the Trust, and the continued development of a diverse, culturally aware team remains a key priority.

Our Spiritual Wellbeing Practitioners/Chaplains work in close partnership with multidisciplinary colleagues to support the spiritual, religious & existential needs of patients, carers & staff. This role provides spiritual care across two hospices in the county – Cynthia Spencer Hospice & Cransley Hospice – and requires a visible, compassionate presence. You will work proactively, offering skilled listening, support and accompaniment to individuals and families at some of the most important moments of their lives, while also being a supportive resource for staff.

At NHFT, we operate an inclusive model of chaplaincy. Our practitioners journey alongside people of all faiths, beliefs and worldviews, including those of no religious affiliation. A person‑centred approach, sensitivity to diverse needs, and the ability to respond with empathy and curiosity are central to the role. We are therefore seeking someone with genuine passion and enthusiasm for inclusive spiritual care, who values collaboration and is committed to supporting wellbeing in a hospice environment.

Main duties of the job

• Continually update knowledge of culture, diversity, spiritual and religious care, current policy, and research evidence relevant to spiritual care services. Use this to promote and develop safe, effective, and inclusive practice with multidisciplinary colleagues to support people of all backgrounds
• Provide spiritual wellbeing training and education to  staff
• Actively participate in Trust level groups, meetings and forums, as well as wider spiritual wellbeing activities
•  Hold and lead communal spaces with appropriate role authority in the context of issues and events that require bringing people together for connection, recognition and action (e.g. memorial services and incident planning for unexpected events)
• Work alongside the Service Manager and Volunteer Manager to select, train and supervise Spiritual Wellbeing volunteers and Honorary Chaplains
• Maintain and develop external connections with a range of faith leaders and community support groups to better support the needs of our culturally diverse patients, service users, carers and staff
• Given the frequent exposure to distressing or emotional situations, engagement in regular reflective practice and supervision is an essential aspect of the role to support personal wellbeing as well as for informing professional practice
• The post involves occasional outdoor work

Working for our organisation

 NHFT is an integrated primary care and mental health Trust, providing physical, mental health and specialty services in both hospital settings and out in the community. Because we put the person at the centre of all we do, we focus on delivering care that is as easy to access as possible. This means many of our services can be provided at home, work or in schools. We also provide health services to various prisons and detention centres in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

NHFT promotes a culture of learning to improve the care and safety of our patients and staff, which focuses on people who enable our Trust to be ‘outstanding’ by supporting opportunity, innovation, development and growth.