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Prospect Hospice

Spiritual Care Lead

The closing date is 06 April 2026

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Job summary

At Prospect Hospice, we believe that caring for someone at the end of life means caring for the whole person, their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

We are looking for a compassionate and thoughtful Spiritual Care Lead to help ensure that spiritual care remains a central part of the support we offer to patients, families, carers, staff and volunteers.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to deeply meaningful work, supporting people as they reflect on life, relationships, belief, meaning and identity during some of lifes most profound moments.

Hours: 12 hours per week (with flexibility to meet service needs).

Please note, should we receive an overwhelming response for the job advertised, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

We are not part of the NHS agenda for change.

Main duties of the job

The role

Working as part of our Family Support Team and wider multidisciplinary team, you will lead the development of spiritual care across the hospice and provide specialist support to those experiencing spiritual or existential distress.

You will help ensure that spiritual care is inclusive and accessible to people of all faiths, beliefs and life stances, recognising that spirituality is about far more than religion.

The role provides the chance to support peoples needs at a crucial time of their life, offering a place to explore their illness and emotional wellbeing, any anxieties and fear, concerns about their family and what the future looks like, focusing on coping strategies which they can use to empower them or bring peace and clarity.

About us

Prospect Hospice is an independent hospice supporting a community of 300,000 people in Swindon, Marlborough and North Wiltshire, and the villages of Lechlade and Fairford in Gloucestershire.

It is the only dedicated provider of specialist end of life care services within it's locality. The Hospices multi-professionals teams support people in the community, in care homes, at the Great Western Hospital and at the Hospice in Wroughton. Care is also extended to the families and friends of patients.

Details

Date posted

18 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£41,176 to £45,503 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

B0551-26-0004

Job locations

Prospect Hospice

Moormead Road

Wroughton

Swindon

SN4 9BY


Job description

Job responsibilities

Through your work you will:

Offer compassionate spiritual and pastoral support to patients, families and carers.

Support colleagues in recognising and responding to spiritual needs.

Contribute to multidisciplinary discussions and care planning.

Provide opportunities for reflection and support for staff and volunteers.

Build relationships with local faith leaders and community networks.

Help shape and develop spiritual care services across the hospice.

Your presence and leadership will help create space for reflection, connection, dignity and meaning at the end of life.

About you

You will bring both professional expertise and deep compassion. You will have:

A recognised pastoral care, counselling or spiritual care qualification.

Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. hospice or healthcare chaplaincy association).

Experience supporting people through complex emotional or spiritual distress.

Strong understanding of diverse faith traditions, beliefs and cultural perspectives.

Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Excellent listening, communication and reflective practice skills.

Experience within palliative care or healthcare would be beneficial, but most important is your commitment to compassionate, inclusive and person-centred care.

Informal visits or calls are very welcome, please contact Jaqui Gullis, Clinical Lead at JaquiGullis@prospect-hospice.net.

The Family Support team say

"We are a small, supportive team where everyones voice matters. We work with autonomy and are dedicated to creative, person centred care.

The work is challenging and it can be emotive, but it is deeply rewarding and the team work is strong.

"The leadership is strong and leaders are accessible, engaging and empowering. Clinical supervision and reflective practice is actively enabled.

"We have a strong learning culture and work closely with an experienced multi-disciplinary team. Together, we create meaningful and positive change for the people we support.

Interviews will commence from Friday 17th April.

Please refer to the attached job description for comprehensive information regarding the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations associated with the position.

We offer agreat range of benefits, including:

27 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (rising with length of service).

Membership of the NHS pension scheme is available for existing members.

Generous contributory pension scheme for all other staff.

Discounts with local retailers, gyms and service providers including Blue Light Discount Card.

Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing team.

Supportive induction, training and development.

A values led, inclusive working environment.

Equality & Diversity

Prospect Hospice is committed to encouraging a diverse and inclusive working environment. We recognise that promoting diversity and eliminating discrimination in our workplace will bring benefits for our people, our business and the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, offending background, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we support. As part of our SAFER recruitment process, offers of employment will be subject to thorough checks, which may include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references, online and social media checks and verification of qualifications. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.

To find out more or to apply please visit our website www.prospect-hospice.netjobs.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Through your work you will:

Offer compassionate spiritual and pastoral support to patients, families and carers.

Support colleagues in recognising and responding to spiritual needs.

Contribute to multidisciplinary discussions and care planning.

Provide opportunities for reflection and support for staff and volunteers.

Build relationships with local faith leaders and community networks.

Help shape and develop spiritual care services across the hospice.

Your presence and leadership will help create space for reflection, connection, dignity and meaning at the end of life.

About you

You will bring both professional expertise and deep compassion. You will have:

A recognised pastoral care, counselling or spiritual care qualification.

Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. hospice or healthcare chaplaincy association).

Experience supporting people through complex emotional or spiritual distress.

Strong understanding of diverse faith traditions, beliefs and cultural perspectives.

Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Excellent listening, communication and reflective practice skills.

Experience within palliative care or healthcare would be beneficial, but most important is your commitment to compassionate, inclusive and person-centred care.

Informal visits or calls are very welcome, please contact Jaqui Gullis, Clinical Lead at JaquiGullis@prospect-hospice.net.

The Family Support team say

"We are a small, supportive team where everyones voice matters. We work with autonomy and are dedicated to creative, person centred care.

The work is challenging and it can be emotive, but it is deeply rewarding and the team work is strong.

"The leadership is strong and leaders are accessible, engaging and empowering. Clinical supervision and reflective practice is actively enabled.

"We have a strong learning culture and work closely with an experienced multi-disciplinary team. Together, we create meaningful and positive change for the people we support.

Interviews will commence from Friday 17th April.

Please refer to the attached job description for comprehensive information regarding the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations associated with the position.

We offer agreat range of benefits, including:

27 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (rising with length of service).

Membership of the NHS pension scheme is available for existing members.

Generous contributory pension scheme for all other staff.

Discounts with local retailers, gyms and service providers including Blue Light Discount Card.

Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing team.

Supportive induction, training and development.

A values led, inclusive working environment.

Equality & Diversity

Prospect Hospice is committed to encouraging a diverse and inclusive working environment. We recognise that promoting diversity and eliminating discrimination in our workplace will bring benefits for our people, our business and the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, offending background, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we support. As part of our SAFER recruitment process, offers of employment will be subject to thorough checks, which may include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references, online and social media checks and verification of qualifications. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.

To find out more or to apply please visit our website www.prospect-hospice.netjobs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Recognised counselling or specific pastoral care qualification.
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development.
  • Membership of professional association e.g. Association of Hospice & Palliative Care Chaplains / College of Health & Care Chaplains.

Desirable

  • Degree, or equivalent qualification, in Religious Studies/Theology or similar.
  • Have use of a car and hold a valid UK driving license.

Experience

Essential

  • Advanced knowledge of spiritual care issues for different faiths, and of diverse faith or secular/cultural traditions and belief systems.
  • General palliative care experience & emotionally able to work within the field of palliative care.
  • Experience of providing spiritual, pastoral and/or religious support in highly complex, emotional and distressing situations, e.g. trauma or similar.
  • Detailed understanding of the complexities of working with individuals at times of distress and conflict.
  • Experience of multi-disciplinary working.
  • Significant experience of taking a leading role in institutional spiritual care issues such as staff training, support, ethical discussions and policy review.
  • Able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of developing ways to sustain coping, including use of support and supervision.

Desirable

  • Experience of leading public and memorial events.
  • Significant experience of leading and motivating volunteers to deliver safe and effective care and support.
  • Specialist palliative care experience.
  • Good knowledge of palliative care or relevant specialist field to be able to act as an expert practitioner.
  • Knowledge and commitment to hospice philosophy of care.
  • Developed ability to demonstrate advanced knowledge and subject expertise through formal/informal teaching and education programmes.
  • Experience of working in a healthcare setting.
  • Experience of leading groups of volunteers.

Skills

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills, including listening, negotiating skills, communication of ideas and ability to provide advice to other health professionals at all levels.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to provide non-judgmental and empathic emotional support to patients whilst maintaining safe and appropriate boundaries.
  • Reflective practitioner committed to personal and professional development.
  • Developed ability to manage challenging circumstances effectively, to understand and disseminate multifaceted information.
  • Effective problem-solving skills and judgment to know which decisions need to be referred on.
  • Skilled at motivating, inspiring and leading others to support the provision of spiritual care.
  • Strong IT skills e.g to document in patient record/ for report writing and presentations.
  • Ability to work autonomously and manage competing priorities.
  • Can work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgemental approach.
  • Integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
  • Able to recognise own limitations and initiate appropriate onward referral.
  • Ability to manage time effectively with a flexible approach to working.
  • Able to travel between hospice and community.

Desirable

  • Audit and quality improvement abilities.
  • Experience of service development or improvement.

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Commitment to and ability to demonstrate Prospect Hospice values and behaviours at all times.
  • Have a track record of working inclusively and a genuine appreciation of the value of diversity.
  • Able to maintain the highest professional standards at all times, and act as a true ambassador for the Hospice and encourage others to do the same.
  • To be authentic, open honest and transparent.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Recognised counselling or specific pastoral care qualification.
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development.
  • Membership of professional association e.g. Association of Hospice & Palliative Care Chaplains / College of Health & Care Chaplains.

Desirable

  • Degree, or equivalent qualification, in Religious Studies/Theology or similar.
  • Have use of a car and hold a valid UK driving license.

Experience

Essential

  • Advanced knowledge of spiritual care issues for different faiths, and of diverse faith or secular/cultural traditions and belief systems.
  • General palliative care experience & emotionally able to work within the field of palliative care.
  • Experience of providing spiritual, pastoral and/or religious support in highly complex, emotional and distressing situations, e.g. trauma or similar.
  • Detailed understanding of the complexities of working with individuals at times of distress and conflict.
  • Experience of multi-disciplinary working.
  • Significant experience of taking a leading role in institutional spiritual care issues such as staff training, support, ethical discussions and policy review.
  • Able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of developing ways to sustain coping, including use of support and supervision.

Desirable

  • Experience of leading public and memorial events.
  • Significant experience of leading and motivating volunteers to deliver safe and effective care and support.
  • Specialist palliative care experience.
  • Good knowledge of palliative care or relevant specialist field to be able to act as an expert practitioner.
  • Knowledge and commitment to hospice philosophy of care.
  • Developed ability to demonstrate advanced knowledge and subject expertise through formal/informal teaching and education programmes.
  • Experience of working in a healthcare setting.
  • Experience of leading groups of volunteers.

Skills

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills, including listening, negotiating skills, communication of ideas and ability to provide advice to other health professionals at all levels.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to provide non-judgmental and empathic emotional support to patients whilst maintaining safe and appropriate boundaries.
  • Reflective practitioner committed to personal and professional development.
  • Developed ability to manage challenging circumstances effectively, to understand and disseminate multifaceted information.
  • Effective problem-solving skills and judgment to know which decisions need to be referred on.
  • Skilled at motivating, inspiring and leading others to support the provision of spiritual care.
  • Strong IT skills e.g to document in patient record/ for report writing and presentations.
  • Ability to work autonomously and manage competing priorities.
  • Can work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgemental approach.
  • Integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
  • Able to recognise own limitations and initiate appropriate onward referral.
  • Ability to manage time effectively with a flexible approach to working.
  • Able to travel between hospice and community.

Desirable

  • Audit and quality improvement abilities.
  • Experience of service development or improvement.

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Commitment to and ability to demonstrate Prospect Hospice values and behaviours at all times.
  • Have a track record of working inclusively and a genuine appreciation of the value of diversity.
  • Able to maintain the highest professional standards at all times, and act as a true ambassador for the Hospice and encourage others to do the same.
  • To be authentic, open honest and transparent.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Prospect Hospice

Address

Prospect Hospice

Moormead Road

Wroughton

Swindon

SN4 9BY


Employer's website

https://www.prospect-hospice.net/working-for-us/vacant-positions/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Prospect Hospice

Address

Prospect Hospice

Moormead Road

Wroughton

Swindon

SN4 9BY


Employer's website

https://www.prospect-hospice.net/working-for-us/vacant-positions/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Phillipa Berry

hrdepartment@prospect-hospice.net

01793816133

Details

Date posted

18 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£41,176 to £45,503 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

B0551-26-0004

Job locations

Prospect Hospice

Moormead Road

Wroughton

Swindon

SN4 9BY


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Prospect Hospice's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)