Faiths and further education - Church of England

Faiths and Further Education:A HandbookAnnex I:Developing Chaplaincy:A Chaplain’s ViewThe chaplaincy at our college was historically a local vicar who gavesome time to the College on a needs-driven basis.This workedreasonably well within the obvious restrictions which were there(only a couple of hours availability on an irregular basis).My background is in youth work as I was a full-time youth andschools worker for a local church. I started working for seven hoursa week at the college in 2002 as the chaplain and that was viewedas a part of my work for the church.This climbed to 15 hours, then20 and finally 25. I am now a full-time (36 hrs a week) learningmentor/college chaplain.This technically breaks down to four-fifthsas mentor and one-fifth as chaplain, but it’s not like there’s anyonestanding over me with a watch.The College is superb and totallyflexible, realising that there are times when one part of my job willtake more time than the other and that’s ok.As my experience was in classroom delivery and youth work, indiscussion with a director at the College, we decided that my roleshould be different from that of previous chaplains. Previously thechaplain was based in Student Services in a similar way to theCollege counsellor.This meant that he or she was answerabledirectly to the Head of Student Services but was only accessedwhen a student took the initiative to go to the department.We feltthat this was putting extra pressure on students and staff and thatthe chaplain was detached from day-to-day college life.Afterdiscussion we agreed that I would be based in the Sixth Form teambut would have responsibility across the whole College.Also, as I had experience in the classroom, I would be involved intutorials so that I was known more by staff and students alike.As Iwas (and still am) based with the Learning Mentor team, my rolebecame very similar to that of a mentor.This was great because itgave real access to students and to the whole induction process ofthe College. Now that I am a mentor mainly, it is clear to me thatthe roles are almost identical, the only differences being thespiritual dynamic that the chaplain role holds (Christian Unions,staff prayer groups, spiritual questions and equality and diversity)and the fact that the mentors are ring-fenced to working with C2KCurriculum 2000 (C2K) students whereas the chaplain is crosscollege(any age).In terms of actual operation, staff and students can makeappointments to see me via Student Services or pastoral/academictutors; they can just drop into our Sixth Form office or can contactme on my work’s mobile phone (provided by the College). I seestudents on a one-to-one basis or in groups for sessions of anythingfrom 10 minutes to 1 hour at a time. For C2K students we would fillout LA3 forms which would allow us to claim money from the LSCor Aimhigher for student support, which goes towards my salary.From a salary point of view, I am paid as learning mentor (becausetechnically that is what I am – the chaplaincy bit is tagged on). I amanswerable to the Director for Young Learners and Learner Support.It is also worth commenting that I have a good relationship withHR and an open door to the Principal who is incredibly supportive.In terms of facilities, I have a desk in the office along with access toall of the College’s ICT facilities.We do have a prayer room which iscurrently being brought to a standard which is usable! (a bit grimbeforehand if we’re being honest).In terms of relationship with the College Counsellor, we do have agood working relationship and we will cross-refer but there are noofficial lines which we need to follow. In terms of relationships withConnexions and other guidance facilities, it’s very similar to thosewith the counsellor inasmuch as we are in constant dialogue andrefer as and when we feel it necessary.I have forged good links with other churches in the area so that Ican refer staff and students to members of the clergy from varioustraditions should they desire that. In terms of other faiths, I havecontact details for people from various faith groups around theNorth West and can refer again should that be required. I also havethe prayer room (Quiet Contemplation Room to give it its officialtitle) set up as a quiet space with no reference to any particularfaith.This was done intentionally so that the people who use theroom will determine its feel. I do have Bibles and Korans availablealong with a compass and prayer mats in the room as Christianityand Islam are far and away our largest faith groups, but these are ona bookshelf rather than on general display.I guess that the role in one sentence would be,‘the role of theCollege chaplain is to help a student or staff member to work onany issue which may hinder their life and work inside or outside ofCollege’.These issues could be academic, personal, social orspiritual.Another important part of my role is that of bereavementcounselling and being a part of the major incident strategy (in caseof a major incident I should be available for staff, students and closefamily members).