The National Chaplain for Police Chaplaincy UK & the National Police Chiefs Council was commissioned during a service attended by over 200 people on Saturday 24^th Feb. 

Dignitaries including The Deputy Lieutenant, Sir David Thompson and the High Sherriff, Chaplains from across UK policing and senior police officers gathered at ‘Trinity @ Birmingham’ Church to formally welcome The Reverend Matthew Hopley into his new role.

Police chaplaincy UK’s vision is ‘Bringing Chaplaincy to the heart of policing’. Our multifaith chaplains do this through building relationships with officers, staff and volunteers in various ways, Chaplains have the privilege to walk alongside people during the most difficult times of life and service and walk with them in times of celebration. The commissioning of the new National Chaplains marked a new chapter in the story of police chaplaincy.

The commissioning began with the Chair of Police Chaplaincy UK, Rev’d Dom Jones giving the Charge to Matt.

Chaplains are called to be servants and shepherds among the people to whom they are sent this Charge sets out the formal expectations of what you Matt, the National Police Chaplain is expected to do, and how you will conduct yourself

After which Chaplains from different faiths and all those gathered came forward in an act of Unity to light a candle forming a heart, representing the love and care chaplains show to those they serve.

The service featured hymns and songs played by the West Midlands Police Brass Band and the church worship team.

As the service progressed the Chief Constable of Matt’s sending Force spoke enthusiastically about the support Matt had given her and her officers whist he was Lead Chaplain in Warwickshire police and finally before Matt formally accepted the role the National Police Chiefs Council Lead for Chaplaincy, Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth received Matt into the role.

The National Police Chiefs' Council, and Police Chaplaincy UK are pleased to confirm that after the thorough recruitment process, subsequent eligibility checks, that Reverend Matthew Hopley has accepted and commenced the post.

On behalf of the NPCC and College of Policing I am delighted to received Rev Hopley (Matt) as our new National Police Chaplain. I know that he will support our policing code of ethics and help us serve our communities with courage.

The service concluded with the police prayer and cake was served for all to enjoy afterwards.

National Police Chaplain
Could you or someone you know help shape the future of Police Chaplaincy?

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to join Police Chaplaincy UK and the National Police Chief's Council as the National Police Chaplain. We are looking for an experienced and compassionate chaplain who can provide support to our police officers and staff across the country.

As the National Police Chaplain, you will be responsible for coordinating and helping to provide emotional and spiritual support to our police officers and staff. You will work closely with police forces and police chaplaincies across the country, providing guidance and assistance during good times and bad.

The National Chaplain will be the voice for Police Chaplains nationally and be our biggest cheerleader developing an ambassadorial role attending key functions, providing a strong visible presence alongside building strong links with a wide range of groups, staff support networks and external organisations and Chief Policing bodies and at Chief Officer level.

You will also be responsible for developing and delivering training programs, providing advice on faith and belief issues, and promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion within our police forces.

To be successful in this role, you must have strong communication skills, be able to work well under pressure, and have a deep commitment to helping others. You must also be a member of a recognised faith group and hold a relevant qualification in theology or pastoral care.

In return, we offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our police officers and staff.

If you are interested in joining our team as the National Police Chaplain, please apply today.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Last year a bid was made to Police and Crime Commissioners for funding to support the rôle of National Police Chaplain as a dedicated resource for police chaplaincy across England & Wales. Following a long and protracted process that was frustrated by the PCC elections last year, the bid was successful, and funding has been secured for a period of five years. The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) is now looking to the Board of Police Chaplaincy UK (NACP), as representing police chaplains across England and Wales, to nominate the person they think should fulfil this rôle.

It would be the Board’s intention, subject to any other expressions of interest, that Canon David Wilbraham, who has been (unpaid) National Police Chaplain for the past six years should continue in this rôle for a further fixed period of five years. As you are aware, David has fulfilled this role in addition to his position as Lead Chaplain for Thames Valley Police.

Expressions of interest from others who may wish to be considered for this strategic rôle should be notified to the undersigned by Friday 24 February 2017.

Whilst this development and the establishment of Police Chaplain UK (as the successor to NACP) are separate projects, there are clearly strong links between the two. The National Police Chaplain will function, in essence, as the Chief Executive of our organisation, and will be accountable to the Board of Police Chaplaincy UK, which will act on behalf of the APCC in this regard.

Canon Adrian Gatrill