<strong>Faiths</strong> <strong>and</strong> Further Education:A H<strong>and</strong>bookBeing there for students in need76Friends are always there for each other <strong>and</strong> crises do not runaccording to the timetable. Serving chaplains suggest that thereshould be an appointment structure, but the chaplaincy should alsohelp establish its relevance <strong>and</strong> responsiveness through flexibility<strong>and</strong> ability to cope with students on a one-<strong>of</strong>f basis or regularweekly visits.Students with language <strong>and</strong> other needs77Some students may have physical <strong>and</strong>/or learning disabilities. Somemay have language learning needs that put them at a disadvantagethat may be isolating. Some refugees or asylum seekers (<strong>and</strong> localdeprived populations) may have gone through serious traumas.Thechaplaincy can <strong>of</strong>fer support <strong>and</strong> friendship, <strong>and</strong> sometimes workwith students on an ongoing basis to achieve outcomes <strong>and</strong>progression.Asking the big questions78Another important aspect <strong>of</strong> chaplaincy work is dealing with some<strong>of</strong> the big issues that tend to ‘slip between the cracks’ <strong>of</strong> a busycollege focused on the pressure to achieve qualifications.While all<strong>of</strong> this is going on – lectures, seminars, coursework <strong>and</strong>examinations – the chaplain can help pose questions or listen in thecanteen as students ask,‘What am I going to do with my life?’ <strong>and</strong>other such questions.Adults at crisis point79The big questions can be asked at any stage <strong>of</strong> one’s life. Olderstudents are likely to be studying because they want somethingnew, some sense <strong>of</strong> progress, in their lives. Some new beginnings, ormoving on, can arise from changes in people’s lives, or can inthemselves have a wider impact on relationships. Some studentsarrive after a marriage has broken up. Others (especially women)find that pursuing <strong>education</strong> has an impact on their ownrelationship. Some students, especially from deprived backgrounds,may find the experience <strong>of</strong> <strong>further</strong> <strong>education</strong> in itself ‘redemptive’,<strong>and</strong> may come to redefine themselves through the experience <strong>of</strong><strong>further</strong> <strong>education</strong>. Once again, the chaplaincy can <strong>of</strong>fer support.Student accidents or deaths80This is an important area for colleges: some colleges have firstidentified the dem<strong>and</strong> for chaplaincy after such an event. It is sadfor the family <strong>and</strong> friends concerned <strong>and</strong> it can have a much widerimpact on student (<strong>and</strong> staff) morale.The chaplaincy team can (<strong>and</strong>is) usually expected to <strong>of</strong>fer meaningful leadership at such a time.The chaplaincy representative should consult with collegemanagers <strong>and</strong> will usually be asked to go to the course group totalk the situation through, listen <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong>fer what ministry is needed.“The deaths <strong>of</strong> four students, two from one faithcommunity, two from another, in a car crash, had aneffect on a far wider community than the collegeconcerned.The funerals, at which both faith groupswere represented, became a major publicdemonstration <strong>of</strong> community harmony.The collegedecided to introduce a paid chaplaincy.” (Principal)Staff81Much <strong>of</strong> the focus <strong>of</strong> the chaplaincy is likely to be on the students,but <strong>of</strong> course, the staff are a vital <strong>and</strong> less transient part <strong>of</strong> thecollege or institution. Serving chaplains identify staff (sometimes insmall numbers) as the most regular attenders at weeklycommunion services <strong>and</strong>/or faith meetings held at the colleges.Some chaplains have e-groups <strong>of</strong> Christian staff as a congregationwho are reached electronically each week with an attachment <strong>of</strong> aGospel reading plus reflection. Clearly imagination has to be usedto reach <strong>and</strong> maintain contact with very busy people <strong>of</strong> all faiths<strong>and</strong> none, some <strong>of</strong> whom are full-time members <strong>of</strong> staff, whileothers are sessional members.Additionally, it must not be forgottenthat staff have spiritual needs for which they may wish to approachthe chaplaincy for support. For example, for many staff, stress is asignificant issue (for example, in terms <strong>of</strong> workload <strong>and</strong> workingenvironment). Clearly, the chaplaincy needs to be ready to build uppastoral relationships with staff. It is also important to identify <strong>and</strong>encourage staff who have an interest in spirituality <strong>and</strong> values,helping them to make connections between their faith <strong>and</strong> theirwork (see Turner <strong>and</strong> Kimber, 2003, p. 53).“Our chaplaincy came into its own when we had somemajor restructuring. Staff who were losing [their jobs]or being moved to new posts after many years <strong>of</strong>service really found the chaplain a tremendous source<strong>of</strong> support.” (HR director)
27Working with StaffTeam meetings82If you are working in a team, remember that all will have somethingto contribute.You will need regular meetings to stay in touch withdevelopments.They should be held on a specified, regular basis toreview issues <strong>and</strong> to bring in new ideas, where appropriate.Thereshould be an agenda, but this may also be an appropriate place todiscuss items from the reflective journal that individual members <strong>of</strong>the chaplaincy team may be keeping for a personal <strong>and</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essionalpurposes.Action point:Review your capabilities. Set your priorities. Identify training needs.Your supporting faith body may be able to help you with trainingin listening <strong>and</strong> other communication skills. Some other coursesmay be available through the college. Check what is available interms <strong>of</strong> training <strong>and</strong> meetings from NEAFE, the <strong>Faiths</strong> in FE Forumor the churches’ national <strong>of</strong>fice, regional or diocesan FE <strong>of</strong>ficers(see Annex B), or the equivalent.
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