Authorised Chaplaincy Assistant
The Diocese of Ely recognises that many people support the work of, and volunteer in, their local church school. We want to strengthen this partnership between the church and the local school through the development of a two-stage chaplaincy programme. Training to be an Authorised Chaplaincy Assistant (ACA) is the first stage of this process and will provide a basis for the development of the chaplaincy programme.
This online course is delivered in partnership with Ridley Hall Theological College, Cambridge, and provides a foundation for those wanting to contribute to the school community. After completion of the training, ACAs have the opportunity to continue working with their local school as an ACA or may wish to consider further training as a Licensed Chaplaincy Minister (LCM).
The main purpose of the ACA in the school is for pastoral and social support; spiritual and ethos development; Christian presence; and to support the development of theological understanding. The online training is divided into three units of six modules, interspersed with regular facilitator led discussion groups. The course starts in May and runs until December, following normal school term times.
This course is open to all those who are interested in working in a voluntary capacity in a Diocese of Ely school. All applicants will need to supply references, complete required safeguarding and to undertake an enhanced with barred list check.
If you’d like to find out more, or have further questions, please contact the Development Officer for Schools' Mission at schoolsmission@elydiocese.org.
What is the application process?
- To begin, talk to your incumbent and/or the Headteacher of your local school
- To register your interest, please complete this Registration of interest form.
- You will receive an application form, which should be completed in discussion with your incumbent and returned as directed on the form
- You will be invited to a short one-to-one meeting with the Development Officer for Schools' Mission, which may also involve a conversation with your incumbent and/or Headteacher
- An induction will be held before the course starts, with an opportunity to answer any questions you may have
An introduction to our Authorised Chaplaincy Assistant course
*Usage Information: Recording made with permission from the Schools involved. This video is not to be reused by third parties for any purpose.