​​​Overview

​

Underpinned by our Christian ethos, the Bield Retreat and Conference Centre has lived out a mission

of Hospitality, Spirituality, and Healing for over 25 years. While firmly rooted in Christian practice, we pride

ourselves on being a "broad tent". We actively encourage an ecumenical and broad faith awareness, including an

openness to interfaith dialogue and practice.

​

We are seeking a new full-time, residential colleague to join and lead our existing Pastoral Team. We require

an individual ready to offer a presence of peace and purposeful support for our guests, while providing

the strategic leadership, management, and collaborative vision necessary to guide the Bield’s ongoing

pastoral work and programme.

​​

Ordination is not a prerequisite but would be advantageous. This post is also open to applications for a job-share

by a couple.

​​

​

Leadership, Management and Teamwork​

​

Working closely with the General Manager, the successful candidate will be a pivotal leader within our

community. We are looking for an individual who excels in a collaborative environment, demonstrating a

natural ability to manage a close-knit team and support the wider staff.

​

Applicants must evidence the following essential criteria:

​

• Hospitality & Collaborative Leadership

​

• Team Management: Ability to lead, inspire, and manage the Pastoral Team with wisdom and accountability.

​

• Professional Boundaries: A proven track record of managing the boundaries between personal and professional needs, including the ability to manage confidentiality and complex dynamics.

​

• Relational Presence: Possess a warm, engaging manner and be sufficiently "at home in their own skin" to make the guest, rather than themselves, the centre of attention.

​

• Active Listening: A proven track record as a listener within a pastoral care context.

​

• Accompaniment: Training and experience in spiritual accompaniment and supervision.

​

• Spirituality & Vision

​

• Personal Practice: Maintain a disciplined personal spiritual practice with a proven record of accountability (e.g., training, supervision, or CPD).

​

• Spiritual Freedom: Manifest inner spiritual freedom and respect for the journeys of others without the need to impose a specific path or approach.

​

• Creative Facilitation: The capacity to facilitate the spiritual quests of others in imaginative and creative ways.

​

• Healing & Resilience

​

• Life Experience: Be a person of hope who has learned from life’s challenges and brings wisdom gained through lived experience.

​

• Compassionate Presence: The ability to enter the darkness with others without attempting to "fix," rescue, or prematurely fast-forward them.

​

• Personal Growth: Personal experience of being accompanied on a healing journey by others.

​​​​​​

​

Key Responsibilities

​

• Pastoral Oversight: Overseeing pastoral work at the Bield, ensuring high standards of care and spiritual integrity.

​

• Guest Accompaniment: Accompanying guests on their healing journeys and helping them deepen their relationship with God, themselves, and others.

​

• Staff Support: Providing spiritual support and guidance to other staff members as required.

​

• Reflective Practice & Management: Leading pastoral team meetings and engaging in wider staff meetings to ensure mutual support and ongoing development.

​

• Programme Development: Collaborating with the General Manager and the pastoral team to develop the annual retreat programme.

​

• Worship & Table Hospitality: Participating in the worship rota and the ministry of "table hospitality"— welcoming and sharing meals with guests.

​

• Community Engagement: Developing links with local communities, churches, ecumenical networks, and relevant organisations.

​

• Residential Duties: As a resident staff member, participating in the regular fire duty and emergency cover rota when the Bield is open.

​

 

The Recruitment Process

​

• Informal Visits: Available by request to Gwen McDonald, General Manager 

​

• Application Requirements: A letter of application addressing the key responsibilities and essential qualities, alongside a current CV with references.

​

• References: One reference must be from a supervisor, mentor, or spiritual guide; a second character reference is also required.

​

• Safeguarding: A PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check must be completed prior to the agreed start date.

​

​

Application deadline: 11th May 2026 at 5pm

​

Interviews held on: 27th May 2026

​

Please send your completed application to: info@bieldatblackruthven.org.uk

​