Chaplain of the Hill Colleges

The Role and the Department

The Chaplain will lead in the provision of pastoral, spiritual and religious support to all members of the Collingwood, Grey, Trevelyan and Van Mildert College communities and to support staff and students of all faiths, beliefs and worldviews. They will be involved in a wide range of activities aimed at furthering the College and University strategy, especially in relation to the personal development of students and the future development of the Colleges. They will work closely with the student support team within the Colleges in partnership with the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate, and will be line-managed by the University’s Lead Chaplain.

Collingwood College was founded in 1972 and is now the largest college at Durham University, with a total student population of over 1800 students (550 of which live on site). Collingwood is a truly informal College and the community is marked by non-hierarchical, informal relationships. The College values stem from the motto, Aime Le Meilleur – love the Best. This means enabling every member of the Collingwood community to recognise and realise their maximum potential; academically, socially, and personally, by pursuing activities that are meaningful to them. Collingwood’s long-standing excellence in sport is now matched in theatre, music, film and tech.

Grey College was founded in 1959, becoming the first College on the Hill and now has around 1,350 students of whom around a third are resident on site in any one academic year. Grey prides itself on its sense of community, combining the best aspects of both the modern and traditional Collegiate experience. Student activity at the College is varied and widespread across all areas of participation, with numerous excellent sports teams, a growing volunteering programme and artistic provision, including the largest non-auditioned choir in the University.

Grey College has a Chapel Licensed for Divine Service by the Bishop of Durham. Consequently, as the Chaplain will officiate at chapel services, they are required to be an ordained member of the Anglican Communion and will need to be Licensed by the Bishop of Durham.

Trevelyan is a small, progressive college renowned for its friendliness – and its distinctive hexagonal architecture. Trevelyan was founded in 1966 and named after George Macauley Trevelyan, who was Chancellor of Durham University from 1950-1957. Trevelyan encourages every student to step out of their comfort zone and explore without limits, promoting an environment of support, inclusion, and curiosity.

Van Mildert College, founded in 1965, is one of Durham’s larger colleges, with around 1700 students. It is a vibrant, diverse and big-hearted community, where everyone is welcome. The College has a strong tradition of outreach and volunteering in the region and an ethos of service crystallised in its motto sic vos non vobis – this we do not for ourselves.

The post is part funded for five years by the Diocese of Durham. The Diocese requires the Chaplain to be Anglican and open to working collaboratively with the diocesan staff supporting one of the Diocese’s key priorities, i.e. Children, Young People and 18-25s.