Meet the clinical staff

Alice, Chaplain

Meet Alice, our chaplain, and find out what led her to Katharine House and why she particularly enjoys working for the hospice movement.

Name: Alice Jolley
Job Title: Chaplain
Joined the team: September 2025

How did you get into your role and come to work for Katharine House?

I am an Anglican priest and before I came to Katharine House, I was vicar of two lovely parishes in Hertfordshire. I have always been interested in the intersection of healthcare and spirituality; my parents are both nurses, and when I was training for ordination, I had amazing placements with East Anglia Children’s Hospices and with a team of hospital chaplains in Lincolnshire. I knew I wanted to be an NHS chaplain, so when we knew we were moving to Banbury and this job came up, I knew I had to apply.

What’s a typical day like?

My day begins with morning prayer alongside the other chaplains on the team, followed by our multidisciplinary team briefing. Throughout the day, I visit patients and their families to offer spiritual support and a listening ear, and I’m there to support staff and volunteers too. On Mondays and Thursdays, I also attend the Living Well sessions.

We’re very lucky to have the beautiful Sanctuary here at Katharine House. It’s a peaceful space open to all. I lead a short reflective service there on Mondays and Thursdays at 12 noon, and everyone is warmly welcome, including patients and families, visitors, staff and volunteers of all faiths and none.

I also provide chaplaincy to the Horton Hospital and other hospitals when I am on call.

What do you wish people knew about hospice care?

Hospices are places full of life, beauty and kindness; they exist to help people to live as fully as possible. They are wonderful places where each person is valued because of who they are and supported in their needs and wishes.

How does it feel to work for the hospice?

It is a total privilege and the best job I have had. Every day at the hospice I am surprised by joy and light in situations where I might not have expected to find them.

What makes Katharine House so special?

It is a team of very diverse people doing different roles, but we share the same goal and vision: to provide the best care for our patients and to support our amazing staff.

Now for some quick-fire questions…

If I had to sum up my role in one sentence, I’d say: walking alongside people on good days and bad days.

The best thing about my job is: it is a privilege to be trusted to listen to people, I will always be so thankful to be a chaplain.

If I could go anywhere in the world, I’d go to: anywhere by the sea. As long as I can have a swim in the sea, a coffee and a walk in the fresh air I am a happy girl.

My favourite dessert is: Nigella’s Nutella cheesecake. Ask me for the recipe. You won’t regret it.

If I won the lottery, I would buy: a cottage by the sea, or in the Cotswolds with a swimming pool in the garden.

People are often surprised when I tell them: when I was younger, I thought about being a nun.

My idea of a perfect day is: a lie-in, a nice breakfast, a dog walk, tea and cake, a nap, dinner, an early night.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is: ‘All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.’

My proudest moment was: finishing my degree in Ecclesiastical Law. It was the hardest thing I have ever done.

My favourite way to unwind is: a wild swim, in a lake on a sunny day.

When I’m not at work, you will probably find me: outside somewhere or curled up with a book and a cup of tea.

My go-to biscuit is: chocolate Hobnob, for the dunk-ability and the oaty chocolatey goodness.

I’m currently listening to: Florence and the Machine’s new album, Everybody Scream.

If I had one superpower, it would be: teleportation. I would love to be able to visit people I miss for a hug or a cup of tea.

Katharine House Hospice

To find out more about the work we do, read What we do.
Read about the End-of-life care and Palliative Care (EPiC) Resource Centre, designed to support you and your family and friends, wherever you are in your journey with Katharine House Hospice.
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