Workplace Ministry News

When the chips are down...

From a casino in Luton to supermarkets, shops, offices and the emergency
services, chaplains are providing a welcome listening - and very confidential
- ear to workers and customers. Report by Erika Lucas. Click here to read this report.

Chaplaincy team ready for anything (The Baptist Times)

It's a place of laughter and tears, hopes and fears and one of the people on hand to share all those moments is London Luton Airport senior chaplain, the Revd Michael Banfield. Click here to read this article.

21st Century Workplace Ministry

John Quill, a non-stipendiary priest in Hemel Hempstead Deanery and a self employed management consultant has been commissioned by Workplace Ministry
Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire (WMHB) http://www.workplaceministry.org.uk to undertake a development role regarding the future of workplace ministry. Click here to read this article.

Growing Interest in Chaplaincy

There is growing interest in chaplaincy in all kinds of retail outlets.
In Harpenden a local minister has seen the need and is exploring the development of chaplaincy.  In Luton, interest has also been shown, and Hemel Hempstead churches are developing a town centre ministry to include retail stores.
Find out more about becoming a voluntary chaplain by clicking here.

Malcolm Ernst on the Waterways

Chaplaincy to Inland Waterways of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire is a new initiative being supported by the Salvation Army and Watford Town centre Chaplaincy. A new Chaplaincy initiative has been at Easter 2010 to reach out to people where they live and work alongside the waterways. In recent years, the inland waterways have undergone a huge amount of regeneration and benefited from a huge investment in the infrastructure. British Waterways estimates that half the population lives within five miles of one of our canals and rivers and an incredible 11 million people use them every year as part of their everyday life - as a short-cut to work, walking the dog or simply taking time-out and watching the boats.

“Another very positive day. All those to whom we spoke warmly welcomed this initiative by the Workplace Ministry.”

Policies

Workplace Ministry in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire adheres to the principles of good practice of chaplaincy in workplaces, which have been developed through the experience of chaplains over fifty years throughout the United Kingdom.

The precise wording is currently under review but they include commitment to:-

• Respecting each individual in the workplace and best practice in the organisation :
• Guarding  the complete confidentiality of information shared with the chaplain:
• Ensuring that all health and safety requirements are strictly observed.

Organisationally, Workplace Ministry is committed to ensuring that all chaplains, whether paid or voluntary:-

• Are properly trained and authorised:
• Are members of a chaplains team functioning in related workplaces:
• Have immediate access to a Senior chaplain for advice.

Recruitment practice includes:

• Ample opportunity to ensure that chaplains are well-suited to the role:
• Shadowing of experienced chaplains before appointment:
• Exploratory and final interviews to establish all-round confidence.

In addition:-

• Chaplains are insured against Third Party liability while exercising their duties:
• Child Protection requirements are observed wherever appropriate:
• References are sought from relevant authorities in faith organisations:
• Written Agreements are exchanged between all parties.  

Further details about policies may be obtained from:-
workplace.ministry@stalbans.anglican.org