National Chaplain Commissioned

The National Chaplain for Police Chaplaincy UK & the National Police Chiefs Council was commissioned during a service attended by over 200 people on Saturday 24th Feb.  DSC2328

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.

 DSC2379As 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.

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Vacancy: National Police Chaplain

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.

 

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Surprise Leaving 'do' for National Chaplain

On the 3rd April, the Board of Police Chaplaincy UK surprised Canon David Wilbraham with a small leaving 'do' ahead of his retirement later this month. 

David had been meeting with the Chair of Police Chaplaincy UK for a handover meeting all day and thinking the final thing on the agenda for the day was a simple photograph with the two of them to mark the day, members of the Board surprised David. Colleagues had driven from Durham, Warwickshire, South Yorkshire and Oxford to say their goodbyes to the National Chaplain.

David was presented with a certificate from Police Chaplaincy UK; the citation read "With deep appreciation for your visionary guidance, exemplary leadership skills and dedication to Police Chaplaincy." Certificates were also presented from Thames Valley Police where David served as Lead Chaplain and from the National Police Chief's Council to mark his contribution to policing as whole.

For many David is Police Chaplaincy. He has been the National Chaplain full time since 2018 but before that carried out the role alongside the post of Thames Valley Police Lead Chaplain. On the 23rd April he will retire after a lifetime of dedicated service to policing both as an officer, staff member and chaplain. A virtual card and generous collection were also presented to David with over 150 contributions from all members of the policing family. 

David was a former Police motorcyclist, and was ordained in 1988 and held parish ministries in the North West of England, was a Prison Chaplain at a Young Offenders Institute and was involved in a large scale Eastern European Aid project in Romania. In 1994 he moved to Surrey Police as their Welfare Manager specialising in the impact of Trauma on Police personnel.

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Police Chaplaincy UK is a registered Charity, number 1190186.

We have no full-time staff or office, but you may get in touch with us through any of the individuals named in "Contact Us".

 

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