FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What age do you have to be to join?
Our intern scheme is open to men and women aged 18-30.
I live abroad can I come?
Yes, we are a visa sponsoring body and can take international applicants. You will have to pay for your overseas travel, NHS insurance and visa certificate.
What is the faith criteria for entry?
You must be a practising Christian, i.e. someone who professes the Christian faith and be a member of a church or chaplaincy.
Is it limited to Anglicans?
No, but the charity operates in an Anglican context.
What does it cost to take part?
There is no cost to the Intern. Accommodation and food are provided.
What is the commitment per week to the scheme?
Interns are expected to participate in the scheme for 4 to 5 days days a week (including one day in college, during academic terms), and usually have Monday off.
Is it "high church" or "evangelical"?
It is in one sense both. The Chaplain, Daniel, is a keen promoter of a generous orthodoxy and C S Lewis' notion of a 'mere Christianity' which combines both evangelical sensibilities and passion with catholic spirituality. Our Interns have been a mix of high and low churchmanship.
Can I join if I am in a relationship or married?
We ask that Interns are able to give fully of themselves to this special year. If you are in a relationship then you will have to ask yourself if it is realistic to be able to give yourself fully to community life? The Foundation is unable to accept married couples.
Is this community open to both men and women?
Men and women are welcome.
Where is it?
The community house is in the village of Malborough, a minute's walk from the church and two miles from Salcombe and the beaches.
Are there young people around?
Yes, and particularly in the summer when hundreds of seasonal workers are taken into employment. There is a quite a buzz about the place.
Is there opportunity for youth work?
The scheme links in with Youth for Christ Kingsbridge and we expect Interns to volunteer with them for at least half a day a week. This involves working with local primary and secondary schools.
How is selection done?
You express an interest via this website and we will then make a decision about inviting you to a Zoom interview.
Will I need to be DBS checked?
Yes, unless you have already been checked in the Diocese of Exeter and this is current. We will still ask you make a confidential declaration irrespective of whether you have a DBS or not? This is because you will be working with children and vulnerable adults.
What are the entry points?
We start in autumn 2024
Is there a probation period?
Yes, six weeks. At the end you will be interviewed to see if this is right for you.
What if I am in the Church of England discernment process?
The Diocesan Director of Ordinands of your diocese and this diocese will have a conversation about how your discernment process may continue.
Is this only for future vicars and theologians?
No, in the first year we took a former teacher and watched him find a new vocation as an artist.
What are the practical arrangements?
Interns each have their own bedroom. Each room is furnished and bedding is provided. The costs of transport, relating to essential pastoral work and travel to college, are reimbursed. Interns take turns to do jobs around the house including cooking and cleaning .
What about meal times?
Interns are expected to share the cooking and eat together. In the past some have grown their own vegetables. Special diets can be catered for.
Can I come if I have a disability?
For Interns the work is both mentally and physically challenging and we would need to have a further discussion to see if this were possible.
Do I get time off in the year?
We allow for the same kind of holiday time as anyone working in a full-time job might expect. Interns tend to have Monday off.
I'm not very good at praying - does this matter?
All that is needed is a willingness to have a go and an openness to guidance. We are not looking for spiritual experts from day one.
What guidance will be provided?
Daniel French, the Chaplain, and Judy Bayley provide pastoral support. A local bishop acts as an overseer ('Visitor') for the whole scheme.
Can my parents and friends come to visit?
Yes, and we can help find accommodation for them?
Will I be comfortable worshipping in the local churches?
We have three local Anglican Churches, Holy Trinity Salcombe, St Peter's and All Saints Malborough and Holy Trinity Galmpton. St Clement's Hope Cove is used for occasional services. All are very welcoming churches. See parish website to get a flavour of community life here. They have something for everyone ranging from Church Choirs, the Community Gospel Choir, Sunday Eucharists, Evensongs, Taize Services, Bellringing etc.
Why is it called St Peter's Foundation?
Malborough Church used to be called St Peter's in the 19th century. The cathedral in Exeter is also named after the apostle and so has a special place in the heart of the diocese. The word 'foundation' reminds us that much of the work of this charity is building foundations for future Christian leaders.
Is there Wi-Fi, phone, TV?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi and a landline, but the mobile phone signal is weak. There is a large TV in the living room.