Equip Trainer – Youth and Chaplaincy

Location Hybrid - based at St John’s House, 155-163 The Rock, Bury BL9 0ND Salary: £33,971 per annum (Diocesan Pay-scale Band 4.1 – spot grade)Hours: Full time - 35 hours per week Contract Type: Fixed term to 31/12/2029 with the possibility of extension to 31/12/2033 subject to funding from the Church CommissionersThe Diocese of Manchester is in a significant season of change and hope. Through its Growing Younger commitment, the diocese is working intentionally to double the number of young active disciples and ensure that a thriving children’s, youth and families ministry is within reach of every young person across each of the 33 mission communities. This role sits at the heart of that vision. As part of the diocesan Equip framework, the post holder will help build the confidence, skills and imagination of both lay and ordained leaders as they accompany young people on their discipleship journey.As Equip Trainer – Youth and Chaplaincy, the post holder will enable others to flourish. The post holder will support clergy and lay leaders across the diocese as they develop excellent youth ministry and school chaplaincy in their local contexts. This work will help teams start, strengthen and sustain their engagement with young people—whether by shaping worship that speaks to the teenage heart, offering pastoral care that reflects Christ’s compassion, or equipping chaplains and volunteers to build meaningful Christian presence in schools. The post holder will work collaboratively with the Diocesan Children’s and Youth Officers and the wider Equip team, ensuring that the support offered to parishes is joined up, responsive and rooted in good practice.A significant part of the role will involve delivering training across the full Equip offer, including ALM, Equip Weekend, Equip Bespoke and Equip Clergy. Through this teaching, the post holder will support leaders to grow in confidence as they explore what youth ministry and chaplaincy can look like within their specific context. The post holder will also play a key role in shaping Equip Spotlight events by sourcing and curating high quality content from both local practitioners and national organisations, ensuring that the most relevant, inspiring and practical training reaches those who need it.In addition, the post holder will help maintain and expand the database of local and national trainers, enabling the diocese to draw on a rich network of specialists who can enhance the Equip programme. As part of the wider diocesan training rhythm, the post holder will host and facilitate Equip events across the diocese, working closely with colleagues to create welcoming, well run and energising learning environments. Alongside this in person work, the post holder will contribute to the digital elements of Equip by supporting the rollout of Equip Hubs, engaging in Equip Connect online sessions, and contributing to the Equip podcast as new formats and resources are developed.The post holder will also work with administrative and digital communications colleagues to secure appropriate venues and ensure all publicity is accurate, accessible and engaging for those involved in youth and chaplaincy ministry.To thrive in this role, the post holder will bring at least five years’ experience of working with young people in church or school contexts, along with confidence in delivering training or public speaking in a variety of settings. The post holder will understand the landscape of youth ministry and school chaplaincy today, including current research, best practice and the needs of leaders working on the ground. Strong written and verbal communication skills will be essential, as will confidence in using social media, MS Office and creative tools such as Canva and AI. The role requires someone who can work independently while valuing the shared vision, learning and support of the wider diocesan team.As a person, the post holder will be deeply committed to the vision and strategy of the diocese, able to work positively within diverse communities and across the breadth of Church of England traditions. The post holder will bring a commitment to inclusion, racial justice and the flourishing of all young people, and will be someone who invests in their own learning as well as the development of others. Most importantly, the post holder will be a practising Christian whose faith shapes their work, relationships and desire to see young people come to know Christ.There is an Occupational Requirement for the post-holder to be a practising Christian, in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.The post will be offered subject to an enhanced DBS check, proof of the right to work in the UK and satisfactory references.To apply, please click the APPLY button. Applications should be submitted via laptop or desktop rather than mobile device. Please refer to the job description and person specification for further information.Closing date: Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 12 noon Interview: Friday 27 March 2026 at St John’s House, Bury, BL9 0NDYou may have experience in the following: Youth Worker, Youth Ministry Leader, Youth Pastor, Schools Chaplain, Chaplaincy Worker, Youth and Schools Worker, Christian Youth Worker, Ministry Trainer, Youth Discipleship Worker, Student Ministry Leader, Christian Educator, Volunteer Trainer, Youth Engagement Officer. REF-227 027