Rootedness, Support, and Nourishment

Reflections on Chaplaincy by Caroline Stott, President, Congregational Federation

Caroline’s artistic skills were put to good use in this self-portrait

Foundations of Wise Chaplaincy

Essentials for wise chaplaincy—such as compassion, hope, and reverence for human dignity—require deep roots and ongoing nourishment. David Ford (CHCC conference 2016)

These qualities form the bedrock of chaplaincy, shaping the way we engage with those in our care and reminding us of the profound responsibility we hold.

Reflections on Chaplaincy Work

As you may already know, my ministry is as a healthcare chaplain at Royal Devon University Hospital. I feel it is important to share some reflections on chaplaincy, especially considering that many within the Federation serve as chaplains, often quietly and without much recognition. I have placed David Ford’s thought at the start of this piece because it prompts me to question whether we chaplains are as deeply rooted as we ought to be.

Chaplaincy Practice in Healthcare

Healthcare chaplains typically visit patients who have requested a visit or who have been referred by the ward or their church. In my role, I am the lead chaplain for learning difficulties and participate in a weekly multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting with the palliative care team. I am also involved in a project initiated at Royal Devon University Hospital, which aspires to become an academic paper in the future. This project involves trialling wellbeing visits for every patient who has been in hospital for over 21 days. As a result, patients who might never have asked to see a chaplain are discovering the benefits of such visits—finding support and attentive listening from a staff member not involved in their medical care.

Experiencing God’s Guidance

Wednesdays, though unpredictable, have become a time and place where I feel truly engaged in God’s work throughout the day. I dedicate the day to the Lord, asking Him to lead me to those who need my presence and to provide the words I should say. Each time I go to the hospital, I am amazed by how God works through me in these encounters.

Support and Challenges in Chaplaincy

I consider myself fortunate to work with a team of chaplains who are incredibly supportive. Understandably, some of the situations we are called to support can be both traumatic and tragic. Our office often serves as a space to unwind and leave the weight of the day behind.

In conversations with other chaplains in the Federation, I have come to realise how fortunate I am to have the backing of a supportive team. Others may not have this support or may find it difficult to share certain experiences in their workplaces.

Reflecting on Rootedness and Nourishment

I have been reflecting on the quote at the beginning of this article, considering my own rootedness. While I am firmly grounded within my team, I wonder whether I have that same depth of rootedness within a church family. Over the past year, much of my time has been spent travelling to different churches Preaching and leading Messy Church sessions. I have not had the opportunity to settle with a church family, to sit, listen, and worship, or to experience that continuous nourishment. I suspect that many of us, who spend most Sundays preaching and balancing chaplaincy with church responsibilities, may also struggle to find time for regular spiritual nourishment.

Building Connections Among Chaplains

Perhaps, as chaplains, we could consider meeting together in the coming year to connect and support one another. We might organise a time of worship and sharing—perhaps via Zoom or at the assembly. It would not require a significant commitment, but simply knowing who we are would enable us to provide mutual support.

Blessings to you all.

Rev Caroline Stott

My email is [revcstott@gmail.com], and I am on the phone on 07966 071514. Please contact me, tell me your story.

This article is republished from Refresh magazine of the Congregational Federation, approved by Rev. Caroline Stott.

A chance to join the CoNNECT II online, 12th March 2026

CoNNECT II

Exploring Story: Chaplaincy - Reflection - Research

12th March 2026 · 10:30am - 4:30pm, Lumen United Reformed Church & Community Centre URC, 88 Tavistock Place London WC1H 9RS

Join us for an inspiring opportunity to connect and network, focusing on the power of case studies. Building on the success of the first CoNNECT day, we invite practitioners, educators, researchers, and all those dedicated to advancing chaplaincy and pastoral care in diverse settings. This day is designed for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of chaplaincy, enhance practices across various contexts, and empower chaplains through collaborative research. Visit here for more information and registration.  

A chance to join the CoNNECT II online

In addition to the general admission tickets, we have now set up an online-only ticket at £6. You can visit here for more information and registration.  

FCG Health and Social Care Chaplains Study Day

FCG Health and Social Care Chaplains Study Day: Cultivating a Childlike Curiosity

Tuesday 16th June 10:30 to 16:30, Cleaves Conference Centre, 6 Castle Gate, Nottingham NG1 7AS.

This study day, put on for Free Churches Group chaplains but open to all, will feature input from Linda Dunbar and Graham Adams. Linda will provide training around Values Based Reflective Practice, and the Connect, Reflect, Respond reflective practice and/or supervision model. Graham will offer insights from his book God the Child: Small, Weak and Curious Subversions exploring the potential implications for chaplaincy of 'God as Child': How might this metaphor open up different possibilities for us? How might it also cause some disruption and difficulty? In particular, are there insights to be gained from thinking of God as small, as weak and as curious? Could this speak into our care-giving but also to us as childlike chaplains? Together, through the day, Graham and Linda will encourage us to explore how we might cultivate a childlike curiosity as chaplains.

Linda is the founding Director of LSShetland, Practice Educator for NHS Scotland Spiritual Care, the NHS Scotland National Lead for Values Based Reflective Practice,  registered Healthcare Chaplain and has recently been appointed as the academic lead director for the UKBHC. Linda devises and delivers on-line and in-person training on supervision, reflective practice and listening skills. Linda has a doctorate in Practical Theology and a PGDip in Pastoral Supervision with the Institute of Pastoral Supervision and Reflective Practice. She is passionate about honouring the inner wisdom inherent within each person and providing a safe, facilitative space and time for people to connect with their own insight.

Graham is Tutor in Mission Studies, World Christianity and Religious Diversity, and programme lead for the postgraduate degrees (n both theology and chaplaincy studies), at Luther King Theological College, Manchester. He also teaches for the Congregational Institute for Practical Theology. He is the author of Holy Anarchy: Dismantling domination, Embodying community, Loving strangeness (SCM, 2022) and God the Child: small, weak and curious subversions (SCM, 2024) and the forthcoming The Anarchic Spirit: Interpreting the Bible and the World in troubled times (SCM, 2026). Before teaching full-time, he was in Congregational ministry in Manchester.

Volunteer Lay & Professional Director Vacancies – UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy (UKBHC)

As described within its communication below, the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy is the Professional Standards Authority accredited register for chaplains working in health and social care settings. Rather like the General Medical Council or the Nurses and Midwifery Council, the Board sets standards for safe and competence practice as well as accrediting training and education. As registration becomes mandatory within Scotland, and other nations are encouraged to follow suit, the work of the Board will take on increasing importance. The directors play a critical role in both enabling and shaping the work of the Board. If you feel passionate about the benefit of safe, high-quality, evidence-based and patient centred chaplaincy care being provided as part of holistic care within health and social are setting I’d encourage you to consider applying for one of the vacant director positions.

Volunteer Lay & Professional Director Vacancies – UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy (UKBHC) 

The UKBHC has a number of exciting opportunities for four volunteer Directors to join our Board.   

The primary aim of the Board is the safety and wellbeing of the public, which it achieves by setting high standards for the professional practice of healthcare chaplains as a Professional Standards Authority accredited register. UKBHC holds a register of healthcare chaplains who have fulfilled its criteria for admission as registrants, as well as members who do not yet meet these criteria and who are committed to a high professional standard for healthcare chaplaincy working within the code of conduct. 

Chaplains and Spiritual Care professionals come from many different traditions and belief groups, including non-religious beliefs, and are united by their common focus on the individual and their own values, beliefs and ways of making meaning during the challenges life can throw our way.   

The work Chaplains and Spiritual Care professionals do is very important to patients, family members and to healthcare staff.  The Board is proud to support these dedicated professionals.  One of our outgoing Directors said recently "I've found it very rewarding to work with such a diverse, dedicated and caring group of people who all share a commitment to raising the profile of Chaplaincy in healthcare and sustaining standards." 

To reflect this diversity, we are actively seeking to recruit Directors from as wide a variety of cultural backgrounds and faith traditions as possible.  We welcome and encourage applications from all faith traditions, including those from people with a non-religious worldview. 

You will be required to attend to Directors duties which currently include full day meetings 4 times per year - 3 times online and once face to face.  Between these meetings, Directors undertake a range of creative and administrative tasks vital to fulfilling our mission of maintaining standards.  The usual commitment is around 8 hours per month. 

We are seeking to recruit: 

2 Professional Directors & 2 Lay Directors. 

Professional Directors are required to be Registered Chaplains. Our current vacancies for Professional Directors are for an Academic Standards Lead and a Board Secretary*. You will need to be knowledgeable about the role and experiences of Chaplains/Spiritual Care Professionals across the UK and will need to demonstrate to us that you have the professional knowledge and skills to help us maintain the effective running of our organisation.  

Lay Directors cannot be Chaplains/Spiritual Care professionals. Lay Directors contribute by facilitating and challenging the wider Board of Directors to be rigorous and evidence-based in decision-making, problem solving and planning. Lay Directors often have a career background that brings useful skills and knowledge to the Board. We are particularly keen to hear from those who have business management, regulatory, or legal experience.  

You can contact our Chair, Sarah Crane chair@ukbhc.org.uk if you would like to have a conversation regarding these roles prior to making an application. Please apply by completing our application form (Lay Director, Board Secretary, Academic Standards Lead) and emailing it to the above email address. Interviews will take place during November and be held on Microsoft Teams. All appointments will be ratified by our December Board meeting and candidates will be informed after this point.  

These are unpaid, volunteer posts but we cover out of pocket expenses. 

*Company Secretarial services are provided by Wilson Partners 

 Kind regards,

Sarah Crane (she/her/hers)
UKBHC Chair
Chair@ukbhc.org.uk