Five Principles of Chaplaincy
Chaplains and chaplaincy volunteers:
- Must abide by the requirements of their sponsoring religion or belief community, their employing body, the UKBHC Code of Conduct, and all relevant NHS/NICE standards. They must also maintain their personal spirituality through support of, and contribution to, their religion or belief community. They must maintain their endorsement with their religion or belief group. This can be monitored through the chaplain’s annual appraisal process (https://www.ukbhc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Encl-4-ukbhc_code_of_conduct_2010_revised_2014_0.pdf).
- Will provide care which is in accordance with nationally agreed competencies and capabilities (see http://www.ukbhc.org.uk) and in a manner authentic to the practices and beliefs of the community the chaplain represents (https://www.ukbhc.org.uk/for-professionals/competences/).
- Will provide person-centred care that is compassionate, respectful and courteous. At no time are they to promote their own religion or belief, or in any other way attempt to coerce or convert patients, staff or visitors.
- Will work with others, in a spirit of concord and support, to provide care appropriate to the healthcare context to address the requirements of patients, visitors, staff and the institution.
- Will undertake Professional and Personal Development and be able to evidence that they have done so. This will show how their learning has influenced their practice and/or directly enhanced the care provided to patients, visitors, staff and the institution (this could be provided as a copy of their UKBHC return). This can be monitored through the chaplain’s annual appraisal process. This is to include regular supervision. (https://www.ukbhc.org.uk/for-professionals/cpd/).