Faith leadership and pastoral support
Faith leadership and pastoral support
As a Chaplain you will form part of a multi-faith chaplaincy team, providing valuable faith leadership and pastoral support to individual police officers, staff, special officers, volunteers and their families, regardless of religious beliefs. You will co-ordinate worship and provide advice on operational matters, as well as liaising with internal and external faith groups, building strong links with communities
As a Police Chaplain, you'll be:
Providing pastoral support to the policing family
Building links with internal and external multi-faith communities
Promoting the work of Chaplaincy across the Force
Providing guidance and advice on operational matters
Volunteering as a chaplain with Leicestershire Police provides a unique chance to offer emotional and spiritual support to officers, staff, and the wider community in times of need. As a chaplain, you will play a crucial role in promoting wellbeing, listening attentively, and helping to foster connections between the police and diverse faith and community groups.
It’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, serve with compassion, and be a reassuring presence during both normal duties and critical incidents. Joining as a volunteer chaplain isn’t just about faith - it’s about caring, connecting, and community.
We’re looking for people from all walks of life who are ready to make a difference. To apply to become a Police Chaplain, you’ll need to meet the following criteria.
Age
Be at least 17.5 years old when you apply, and 18 by the time you start.
Citizenship
Be a UK, EU or Commonwealth citizen, or a foreign national with no restrictions on your right to stay in the UK. Have lived in the UK for the past three years, regardless of where you were born.
Education
Be educated to A-Level Standard or equivalent in English Language and Maths in grade C or above and/or be able to demonstrate the ability to the above level through work experience.
Licence
Be authorised and if appropriate, duly licensed by your own faith tradition to undertake this role.
Experience
Experience of multi-faith setting alongside experience in leading worship and conducting formal ceremonies in a variety of contexts. Previous experience of working with the emergency services, either directly or through Industrial Mission work or similar.
Skills
Useful qualities we are looking for include being a member of Police Chaplaincy UK, or have attended or willing to attend an appropriate training course.
Below are some of the most common questions potential Chaplains ask us. If you have a question which is not covered below, please do not hesitate to contact the VIP Team via email vip@leics.police.uk.
Currently, the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy team for Leicestershire Police is spread across the force, with Chaplains assigned to various stations and teams.
They will visit their teams and stations regularly, making efforts to get to know the officers and staff working there.
Generally, between two and four hours per week, averaged across 12 months. The hours you do will be negotiated between yourself and the person identified as your main point of day-to-day contact.
Where appropriate, you will be issued with a uniform, which comprises a sweatshirt and/or T-shirt for Winter/Summer wear. This enables staff to recognise that you are a Chaplain. You will also be issued with a Leicestershire Police identification badge.
Training is an important part of our volunteer programme. Upon appointment, you will be expected to attend an induction event to brief you on the expectations the Force places on all its staff. Unfortunately, it is not possible to undertake the duties of a volunteer without completing the following elements of the training programme: Data Protection, Health and Safety, and Diversity (Equal Opportunities, Community, and Race Relations).
Other elements of training available may include basic procedures such as communications, including the use of radio and telephone; conflict management and diffusion; first aid (preservation of life); and instruction on how to use and access emergency and security equipment.
The following criteria may prevent you from applying, so please be open and honest throughout the recruitment process. Be sure to check all criteria before applying!
Membership of some organisations
If you have been or are a member of a group or extreme political organisation such as BNP, National Front or Combat 18 that stirs up racial hatred and violence, a proscribed terrorist organisation, group or a similar organisation.
Existing or pending convictions
Are awaiting to appear in court or have any serious convictions or recent cautions, bind-overs or findings of guilt
Substance misuse
This includes the misuse of drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. However each case is considered upon its own merits.
Offensive tattoos
If you have tattoos on your face, neck or hands which could cause offence. However the nature, location, size, prominence and appearance of tattoos will be considered.
Financial checks
If you have any current County Court Judgements (CCJ) against you or be the subject of an Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA). If you have been registered bankrupt, you may only apply if it is at least three years since the date your debts were discharged
Conflicts of interest
You also can’t apply if you work in certain roles. For example, a magistrate, bailiff, security guard, or some medical and emergency service roles. If you’re in the Armed Forces, you can only apply once discharged. But Reservists can apply at any time.
As a Chaplain you will work from a station within the Force area - where possible we will try to assign your preferred location.
Force Headquarters
Keyham Lane
Mansfield House
Wigston
Coalville
Loughborough
Melton
Oakham
Euston Street
Market Harborough
Hinckley
Braunstone
