NHS England Chaplaincy Guidance updated
The new guidelines replace those previously published in 2015 and sets the ambition for inclusive chaplaincy services in all NHS settings and recognises the invaluable contribution that chaplains make to health and care.
The guidance was developed with the input of people from a wide range of faith and belief groups and backgrounds, through consultancy with various working groups.
It sets out how NHS managers of chaplaincy services can run and manage a safe, effective and inclusive chaplaincy service and provides best practice examples of NHS bodies across the country. Topics include the different types of chaplain and the range of activities a chaplain would undertake, recruitment, the role of the chaplain in the organisation and community, training and supervision, measurement and evaluation and guidance for chaplains working in specialist settings, such as palliative and end of life care, mental health services, paediatric care and community care.
NHS chaplaincy services play a vital role in delivering personalised care by supporting people’s pastoral, spiritual and religious needs, as an important facet in their overall care. This is a key part of the NHS Long Term Plan, as well as the NHS Constitution and the NHS People Promise. This service also provides an essential source of support to staff, highlighted through the COVID-19 pandemic, and links to the NHS People Plan.
Visit the NHS England website to find out more about the chaplaincy programme and to access the revised chaplaincy guidance.
