For the position of
VOLUNTEER CHAPLAIN BOARD MEMBER
Jennifer HOUSEN
Jennifer Housen is a a Christian member of the New Testament Church of God (NTCOG) and actively contributes to the NTCOG Chaplaincy Team. Her deep-rooted faith and commitment to service are evident in all facets of her life.
Professionally, Jennifer has had a distinguished career, beginning as a police officer with the West Midlands Police. This foundational experience in law enforcement provided her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by police officers, which she has carried throughout her career. Transitioning from policing, she became a barrister-at-law, a role in which she excelled, and she is also qualified to practice as an attorney-at-law in the United States and the Caribbean. Semi-retired now, Jennifer continues to use her legal expertise to serve her community, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate approach to her work.
Jennifer’s chaplaincy journey is marked by her unwavering dedication and diverse experience. Since 2022, she has been a volunteer police chaplain, and is also a key member of the Force’s Trauma Risk Management (TRIM) team. In this role, she supports officers in the aftermath of traumatic incidents, providing essential emotional and spiritual care. Her commitment to chaplaincy is further demonstrated by her involvement with the Samaritans as a Deputy Director and volunteer, dedicating 12 hours per month to their suicide support helpline. She also served as a volunteer dementia care chaplain with the Methodist Homes Association (MHA) from 2022 to 2023, where she completed specialized training in End of Life Care and Bereavement. At the Force’s lead chaplain’s request, Jennifer prepared and delivered the training segment “Role of a WMP Police Multi-Faith Chaplain” for the Force’s 2024 Chaplaincy Training Programme. Additionally, she was part of a select Chaplaincy cohort that led and guided officers’ open and frank listening event sessions for officers for the Israel-Hamas Conflict.
Jennifer is continuously advancing her chaplaincy education. She holds a Level 2 Chaplaincy qualification from the NTCOG Chaplaincy Commission and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Chaplaincy from Trinity Western University in Vancouver, Canada. Additionally, she has completed safeguarding courses with both Samaritans and MHA, showcasing her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and support.
Jennifer’s dedication to servant leadership, as well as encouraging the ever evolving Multi-faith nature of chaplaincy, is the driving force behind her desire to serve on the National Police Chaplaincy board. She believes deeply in the principles of her faith, which emphasize service, compassion, and leadership. Her diverse background as a former police officer, legal professional, and experienced chaplain uniquely positions her to contribute to the board's mission of supporting police officers and their families. Jennifer’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is also a vital aspect of her approach, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected within the chaplaincy community.
As a mother to her son, Ashleigh, and soon-to-be grandmother, Jennifer embodies the values of family and community.
Name & Force of Proposer - Khadija Sulaiman - West Midlands Police
Name & Force of Seconder - Shena Davidson - West Midlands Police
