​The Opportunity

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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.

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Key Responsibilities

 

Working under the guidance of the General Manager and in collaboration with our close-knit Pastoral Team, you will:

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Provide Emotional and Spiritual Support

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

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Contribute to Community Life

Sharing in our worship rota and the ministry of "table hospitality"—welcoming and sharing meals with our guests.

 

Administration and Communication

Handling sensitive information with integrity, ensuring ethical practice, and sharing the Bield’s story with others face-to-face and via social media.  

 

Collaborative Practice

Engaging in reflective practice, team meetings and ongoing development to ensure we are supporting one another as we support others.

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Your Gifts and Development

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At The Bield, we do not just hire for a job description; we hire for the person. We want to know what makes your soul sing. Whatever unique gifts you bring, we are committed to helping you develop and integrate them into our communal life. Your personal and spiritual growth is as important to us as the work you do.

 

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Our Ethos

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While we are firmly rooted in Christian ethos and 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 welcome those who can hold space for everyone, regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey.

 

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Essential Qualities

 

Hospitality

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• Warm, approachable and a skilled, compassionate listener

• Able to place others at ease and offer attentive presence

• Able to maintain healthy professional boundaries and confidentiality

• In receipt of regular professional supervision and spiritual direction

 

Spirituality

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• Actively engaged in reflective faith-based spiritual practice

• Qualified or experienced in Christian spiritual accompaniment & pastoral care

• Comfortable supporting people at different stages of faith, doubt or questioning

• Able to share faith sensitively without imposing beliefs

• Accountable through training, supervision and mentoring

 

Healing 

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• Appreciative, compassionate and empathetic presence

• Brings personal insight shaped by life’s challenges

• Comfortable accompanying others through grief, loss, transition and uncertainty

• Understands healing as a journey, unique to the individual, not something to “fix”

 

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The Recruitment Process

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• Informal visits available by request to Gwen McDonald, General Manager 

• To apply please send the following to Gwen@bieldatblackruthven.org.uk

  • Letter of application to address key responsibilities and essential qualities

  • Please include a current CV with references (see ‘References’ below)

• Application deadline: Monday, March 16th 2026, 5pm

• Shortlisted candidates will be notified by Friday, March 20th, 5pm

• Interviews will be held on Wednesday, March 25th 2026,10am to 4pm

 

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References

• One reference from a supervisor, mentor, minister or spiritual director

• One additional character reference

 

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PVG

A PVG check will need to be completed for the successful candidate in advance of any agreed employment start date. 

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