Salary: £24 723
Contract: Permanent, working 21 hours per week
Location: Sandhurst
Travel requirement: Regular travel across the Diocese will be required
The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is seeking a Clergy Formation Lead to work closely with the Vicar for Clergy in shaping and delivering a comprehensive programme of ongoing formation. This pivotal role will ensure that clergy development reflects pastoral priorities, fosters personal and spiritual growth, and meets the highest standards of pastoral care and professional practice.
You will take a lead role in designing and implementing a diocesan framework for Personal Growth and Development Plans (PGDPs)—helping priests deepen their spiritual life, strengthen their pastoral and leadership skills, and engage in continued theological reflection. Working collaboratively across diocesan departments and with external partners, you will also coordinate training, retreats, mentoring, and induction programmes that nurture the spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral vitality of the presbyterate.
We are seeking an experienced professional with a background in theology, education, or leadership development, and a deep understanding of the life and ministry of the Church. You will be highly organised, compassionate, and skilled at building trusting relationships. This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the life and mission of the Diocese.
This is an exciting time to join our friendly, busy, and supportive team as we implement our 10-year Mission Plan, shaping the future of our Diocese and the communities we serve.
Covering Hampshire, Berkshire, South Oxford, and the Channel Islands, our Diocese is home to 87 parishes and 50 schools, serving over 27,000 practising Catholics and supporting 32,000 children and their families. Our work is both challenging and deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful.
For a detailed Job Description, Person Specification and more information about this role, please click on the links at the end of this advert.
Applicant Information
Employee benefits include 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays, free life assurance and employee wellbeing programme, and contributory pension scheme.
If you are inspired by the idea of working in a values-driven environment where your efforts will have a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.
Come and be part of our mission!
How to Apply
Please send a comprehensive and up to date Curriculum Vitae with a covering letter setting out your suitability for the role and motivation in applying to recruitment@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Please state ‘Clergy Formation Lead’ in the subject line of your email.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 1st March 2026. Interviews will be held on 26th March 2026.
We encourage an early application as we may close this advertisement at our discretion before the date stated, if a high number of applicants apply.
You will be notified shortly after the closing date, should we wish to progress your application and invite you to an interview.
The Diocese of Portsmouth is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all who support the ethos and values of the Catholic Church.
You must have a valid UK Right to Work, as the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth does not offer UK Visa Sponsorship.
