Goddard studied theology at Clare College, Cambridge, and graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Bachelor of Arts (Bachelor) degree in 1984. As per tradition, this was later promoted to a Master of Arts (Master of Arts (Cantab)) degree.
He is Vicar of Street John"s Church, Waterloo. He then worked at John Lewis Public Limited Company. In 1988 he joined the Housing Corporation, and became Development Director for ASRA Housing Association in 1989, followed by Director of Southwark and London Diocesan Housing Association in 1991. He became Curate at Street Faith"s, North Dulwich.
From 1998 to 2009 he was Rector of Street Peter"s Church, Walworth.
From 2003 - 2008 he was Area Dean of Southwark & Newington. On 1 September 2009, he was officially welcomed as Priest-in-Charge of Street John"s Church, Waterloo.
In 2014, he was made Vicar of the parish. He has also appeared in a Channel 4 documentary that considered the question of gay vicars and as a vicar in a short film called "Getting In".
In October 2007, Giles was made an honorary Canon of Southwark Cathedral, along with four other clergy members from the Diocese of Southwark.
His first book, Space for Grace - creating inclusive churches, was published by Canterbury Press in November 2008.
He is a board member of Inclusive Church and Operation Noah. He is also a member of General Synod.
