Multifaith Chaplaincy Policies and Procedures

Information and conversations with chaplains are to be held as generally confidential.   That confidentiality is contained within the multifaith chaplaincy service.   This means that this information may be discussed, on an anonymous basis, within the multifaith chaplaincy staff team.

The details of such conversations would not normally be revealed to a third party (e.g. member of academic staff, community or faith leader, family or friends).   However, there are some circumstances where a chaplain (or the Senior Chaplain) may feel it necessary, or is bound by law, to override confidentiality. 

Such circumstances usually relate to a concern for the wellbeing of that person, or of others, or a concern that a law has been broken.

The multifaith chaplaincy is pleased to use and promote the statement below from the Interfaith Network for the UK.

Building Good Relations with People of Different Faiths and Beliefs -  Inter Faith Network for the UK

In Britain today, people of many different faiths and beliefs live side by side. The opportunity lies before us to work together to build a society rooted in the values we treasure. But this society can only be built on a sure foundation of mutual respect, openness and trust. This means finding ways to live our lives of faith with integrity, and allowing others to do so too. Our different religious traditions offer us many resources for this and teach us the importance of good relationships characterised by honesty, compassion and generosity of spirit. The Inter Faith Network offers the following code of conduct for encouraging and strengthening these relationships. 

As members of the human family, we should show each other respect and courtesy. In our dealings with people of other faiths and beliefs this means exercising good will and:

•  Respecting other people's freedom within the law to express their beliefs and convictions
•     Learning to understand what others actually believe and value, and letting them express this in their own terms.
•  Respecting the convictions of others about food, dress and social etiquette and not behaving in ways which cause needless offence.
• Recognising that all of us at times fall short of the ideals of our own traditions and never comparing our own ideals with other people’s practices.
•  Working to prevent disagreement from leading to conflict
•  Always seeking to avoid violence in our relationships

When we talk about matters of faith with one another, we need to do so with sensitivity, honesty and straightforwardness. This means:

•  Recognising that listening as well as speaking is necessary for a genuine conversation
•  Being honest about our beliefs and religious allegiances
• Not misrepresenting or disparaging other people's beliefs and practices
• Correcting misunderstanding or misrepresentations not only of our own but also of other faiths whenever we come across them
• Being straightforward about our intentions
• Accepting that in formal inter faith meetings there is a particular responsibility to ensure that the religious commitment of all those who are present will be respected.

All of us want others to understand and respect our views. Some people will also want to persuade others to join their faith. In a multi faith society where this is permitted, the attempt should always be characterised by self-restraint and a concern for the other's freedom and dignity. This means:

• Respecting another person's expressed wish to be left alone
•  Avoiding imposing ourselves and our views on individuals or communities who are in vulnerable situations in ways which exploit these
• Being sensitive and courteous
• Avoiding violent action or language, threats, manipulation, improper inducements, or the misuse of any kind of power
• Respecting the right of others to disagree with us

Living and working together is not always easy. Religion harnesses deep emotions which can sometimes take destructive forms. Where this happens, we must draw on our faith to bring about reconciliation and understanding. The truest fruits of religion are healing and positive. We have a great deal to learn from one another which can enrich us without undermining our own identities.

Together, listening and responding with openness and respect, we can move forward to work in ways that acknowledge genuine differences but build on shared hopes and values.

Please feel free to copy the code and distribute it yourself in its entirety. If you would like to order printed versions (also available in Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu) please see our Publications Page. 

(c) Inter Faith Network for the UK 1993, 2000

Access to the multifaith chaplaincy centres

The Multifaith chaplaincy centres are open to everybody.   If, however, you experience difficulties accessing the facilities in the multifaith chaplaincy centres, we will attempt to make alternative arrangements.  

At the multifaith chaplaincy, we try to provide our information in accessible formats.  Our information is available through the website and on paper or verbally from the chaplains.  Please let us know if we can provide any of our information in a more suitable format and we will attempt to provide it for you. 

The Stoke multifaith chaplaincy centre, Faith House, has both the Senior Chaplain’s office and the Muslim Prayer rooms on the second floor, up a narrow flight of stairs.   If you anticipate that you will experience difficulties accessing either the Senior Chaplain, or the Muslim prayer rooms, please contact us and we will seek to offer you alternative options.

You can email the Senior Chaplain, Benedict Cambridge, 

Or phone him on 01782 294974

Or go in to the main Employability & Student Support Reception and speak to the receptionist who will direct you to the Disability Advisory service.

Thank you and we hope that you have a good experience of the multifaith chaplaincy service.

multifaith chaplaincy team.

The multifaith chaplaincy is one of the services available within the Student Office.   Other services are available from the Counselling Centre, Nursery, Disabled Student Centre, the Careers Centre, Student Guidance and the Information Centre.

We are committed to working closely together and so, where appropriate, people accessing multifaith chaplaincy can be referred to the other services.   This is particularly the case where Counselling might be appropriate.   In referring, the Chaplain will simply make the suggestion and provide you with the contact information for that service.   The multifaith chaplaincy will continue to be available to the person referred.

Staffordshire University

Student Office

Multifaith chaplaincy

Staffordshire University multifaith chaplaincy

1.     Staffordshire University multifaith chaplaincy.

The multifaith chaplaincy of Staffordshire University is there for people of all faiths and no particular faith.  We work across all boundaries of faith, race, gender, ability and sexuality.  In doing so, we seek to resource appropriate spiritual care, hospitality and engagement.  The work by the multifaith chaplaincy is facilitated by a network of Faith Advisors which represent the local faith communities.

2.     The purposes of the multifaith chaplaincy

StaffordshireUniversitysees its recognised chaplains primarily as a unique component of the pastoral & welfare provision whilst also acknowledging that they add to the inclusive ethos through their diverse spiritual traditions. They work across the campuses, integral to the Student Office to offer pastoral care to all, regardless of denominational allegiance or belief. The role extends to both students & staff.          Chaplains and faith advisors operate within the Equal Opportunities policies of the University and the Students’ Union.   

3.     The role and expectations of multifaith chaplains and Faith Advisors

         Chaplains are available to meet with students or staff on campus, in halls of residence or teaching sites, or at one of the chaplaincy centres.  Chaplaincy operates both in and out of office hours and throughout the year.  Chaplains can offer confidential pastoral care, mediation or advocacy to students and staff in issues relating to the University or to personal concerns.  Chaplains and faith advisors are expected to maintain confidentiality within a pastoral relationship, as defined in the multifaith chaplaincy Confidentiality Policy.

The role of chaplains and faith advisors is to be:

·              supportersof students, enriching their Staffordshire University experience from diverse religious perspectives;

·              companionsin times of celebration and joy as well as in times of bereavement and grief, in or out of office hours;

·              advisorson religious practice and belief in a multi-cultural world, enhancing Staffordshire University’s mission of world-class professional education;

·              people of faithwho will listen without coercion, who will lead religious services on campus, and who offer information for all faiths.

·              agents of engagementwho will seek to engage students and staff with the bigger questions of faith and life in a diverse University.

Chaplains and Faith Advisors are involved in and concerned for the pastoral and spiritual support of Staffordshire University students and staff, and there is an understanding that they will not encourage or sanction any attempt, approach or event that is designed to coerce someone to change their religious affiliation.

Chaplains and faith advisors will be committed to the following expectations of their role:

·              recognising, respecting and valuing the faiths, beliefs and practices of the different faith communities;

·              creating opportunities for interaction and dialogue between different faith communities in order to promote knowledge, understanding and an awareness of the equality of all people;

·              co-operating to promote racial, cultural and religious harmony and to oppose intolerance;

·              working together for the common goals of peaceful co-existence, justice for all peoples, and the flourishing of the whole of humanity;

·              sharing and encouraging these views and values in work with students and staff on Staffordshire University campuses.  

Additional requirements for chaplains and faith advisors are set out in a role description and person specification, which is attached as an appendix to this document.

4.     Processes for accrediting or recognising chaplains and faith advisors

         The University needs to satisfy itself that a chaplain or faith advisor is accredited or endorsed by the appropriate faith community.  It also needs to satisfy itself that each individual chaplain or faith advisor is, in its view, a suitable person to work with its students, recognising that chaplains and faith advisors will often provide help to students on confidential matters, and offer support to students at times of personal distress or difficulty when they are therefore particularly vulnerable. 

         For various reasons, the approach that is taken will need to be different for the different roles.  The arrangements are set out below.

(i)     For Full Time Chaplains

The University will appoint Full Time Chaplains in accordance with the policy and procedures customary to such staff appointments at the University.    The relevant faith representatives will be involved in that process. 

(ii)    For Part Time Voluntary Chaplains

A Part time voluntary chaplain will normally be a leader of a faith community, having the training and ministry experience competencies of that position. 

Part time voluntary chaplains become so only at the invitation of the University.

(iii)   For Faith Advisors 

The University will seek nominations for any relevant vacancies in the Staffordshire University multifaith chaplaincy either by writing formally to the relevant local officers of the faith community or by issuing a request to the faith community in other ways (e.g., by sending notices to local places of worship of the faith community).  Once nominations have been received, the process will be as in (ii) above.

In the case part or full time chaplains, the University will require successful nominees to have a CRB Enhanced Disclosure. 

         As long as the outcome of the CRB Enhanced Disclosure process is acceptable to the University, a successful nominee will be formally recognised as a chaplain or faith advisor to Staffordshire University and a member of the multifaith chaplaincy.  This will be confirmed in writing to the individual and where appropriate also to his or her sponsor within the faith community or denomination.  Recognition will be for a period of up to five years.   

         Individual chaplains will be responsible for informing the University of changes to their CRB status or of other matters that might have a bearing on their suitability for chaplaincy work.  There will also be a procedure for dealing with any concerns about the suitability of a chaplain or faith advisor.  This will be through the Vice Chancellor’s Advisory Group on Chaplaincy.

Faith Advisors will not normally be expected to have CRB clearance, since their role is normally external to the University and within their faith community.  Where this is not the case, CRB clearance will be required.

5.     Structural connections between the multifaith chaplaincy and the University

         Because part time voluntary members of the multifaith chaplaincy are not employees of the University, it would not be appropriate to seek to incorporate them into the University’s formal management structures as if they were members of staff.  Nevertheless, it is important to ensure that chaplains and faith advisors have clear points of connection with the University’s structures so that they can work collaboratively with University staff in relevant areas.  Chaplains will also need to have access to some University facilities to enable them to undertake their duties effectively.

         The structural connection between the multifaith chaplaincy and the University will be through the Senior Chaplain and the Student Office.   The Senior Chaplain will convene formal termly meetings with the part time voluntary members of the multifaith chaplaincy to reflect on campus life and issues pertaining to the religious and spiritual wellbeing of the University community, and to identify training and supervision needs.  In addition, chaplains and faith advisors will be invited to attend other relevant meetings and events that are organised by the Student Office, and to participate in project and development groups working in relevant areas. 

         Full and Part Time Chaplains will receive a staff e-mail account, a right to book space in the University for meetings and events that relate to the work of the multifaith chaplaincy, and a right to participate in defined areas of the University’s staff development and training programme.

Name:

I do hereby assert my suitability to work as Chaplain/Faith Advisor at Staffordshire University and agree to work within the framework set out in this document and its Appendices.

Signed:

Date:

APPENDIX 1

Role description and person specification for multifaith chaplaincy Chaplains and Faith Advisors

A multifaith chaplaincy Chaplain will be expected to:

l be a faith-based pastoral and advisory presence for students and staff;

l support the work of the student societies as appropriate;

l help create links between students and staff of different faith communities;

l help to promote a culture of open debate and dialogue, opportunities for social interaction and appropriate learning and intellectual exchange and joint action and witness on justice and peace issues;

l demonstrate a willingness to adhere to the University’s rules and regulations;

l demonstrate a willingness to undertake necessary training and work under the supervision of a designated line manager.

l work within the multifaith framework set out in the InterFaith Network’s Building Good Relations with People of Different Faiths and Beliefs, set out in Appendix 2.

l be committed to going out on campus to engage with Students, Staff and Visitors, making the connections and networks that will be the basis of their work; not staying in the office and expecting people to come to them.

A multifaith chaplaincy Chaplain will be a person who:

l is fully recognised and accredited by the leaders of his or her faith community or denomination;

l has a broad knowledge of his or her faith together with some experience of a teaching or leadership role within his or her faith community;

l has a mature approach to inter-faith work;

l has the willingness and ability to help connect chaplaincy work to the work of his or her faith community or denomination within the local community;

l has the willingness and ability to work alongside other chaplains and representative members of different faith communities;

l is able to engage with Staff, Students and Visitors in their context outside of the multifaith chaplaincy centres.

l is able to satisfy an enhanced CRB check.

Faith Advisors will be expected to:

l Act in an advisory capacity on matters relating to their faith.

l Provide a welcome to students and staff either of their faith community and wishing to participate or those wishing to know more about the faith.

l Act as an ‘identified person’ within that community for the University to relate to.

l Attend occasional events at the University, such as briefings on developments within the multifaith chaplaincy.

A Faith Advisor will be a person who:

l is fully recognised and accredited by the leaders of his or her faith community or denomination;

l has a broad knowledge of his or her faith together with some experience of a teaching or leadership role within his or her faith community;

l has a mature approach to inter-faith work;

l has the willingness and ability to help connect chaplaincy work to the work of his or her faith community or denomination within the local community;

l has the willingness and ability to work alongside other chaplains and representative members of different faith communities;

APPENDIX 2

The multifaith chaplaincy is pleased to use and promote the statement below from the Interfaith Network for the UK.

Building Good Relations with People of Different Faiths and Beliefs- Inter Faith Network for the UK

In Britain today, people of many different faiths and beliefs live side by side. The opportunity lies before us to work together to build a society rooted in the values we treasure. But this society can only be built on a sure foundation of mutual respect, openness and trust. This means finding ways to live our lives of faith with integrity, and allowing others to do so too. Our different religious traditions offer us many resources for this and teach us the importance of good relationships characterised by honesty, compassion and generosity of spirit. The Inter Faith Network offers the following code of conduct for encouraging and strengthening these relationships. 

As members of the human family, we should show each other respect and courtesy. In our dealings with people of other faiths and beliefs this means exercising good will and:

• Respecting other people's freedom within the law to express their beliefs and convictions
• Learning to understand what others actually believe and value, and letting them express this in their own terms.
• Respecting the convictions of others about food, dress and social etiquette and not behaving in ways which cause needless offence.
• Recognising that all of us at times fall short of the ideals of our own traditions and never comparing our own ideals with other people’s practices.
• Working to prevent disagreement from leading to conflict
• Always seeking to avoid violence in our relationships

When we talk about matters of faith with one another, we need to do so with sensitivity, honesty and straightforwardness. This means:

•  Recognising that listening as well as speaking is necessary for a genuine conversation
• Being honest about our beliefs and religious allegiances
• Not misrepresenting or disparaging other people's beliefs and practices
• Correcting misunderstanding or misrepresentations not only of our own but also of other faiths whenever we come across them
• Beingstraightforwardabout our intentions
• Accepting that in formal inter faith meetings there is a particular responsibility to ensure that the religious commitment of all those who are present will be respected.

All of us want others to understand and respect our views. Some people will also want to persuade others to join their faith. In a multi faith society where this is permitted, the attempt should always be characterised by self-restraint and a concern for the other's freedom and dignity. This means:

• Respecting another person's expressed wish to be left alone
•  Avoiding imposing ourselves and our views on individuals or communities who are in vulnerable situations in ways which exploit these
• Being sensitive and courteous
• Avoiding violent action or language, threats, manipulation, improper inducements, or the misuse of any kind of power
• Respecting the right of others to disagree with us

Living and working together is not always easy. Religion harnesses deep emotions which can sometimes take destructive forms. Where this happens, we must draw on our faith to bring about reconciliation and understanding. The truest fruits of religion are healing and positive. We have a great deal to learn from one another which can enrich us without undermining our own identities.

Together, listening and responding with openness and respect, we can move forward to work in ways that acknowledge genuine differences but build on shared hopes and values.

Please feel free to copy the code and distribute it yourself in its entirety. If you would like to order printed versions (also available in Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu) please see our Publications Page. 

(c) Inter Faith Network for the UK 1993, 2000