The document “The Role of Chaplains Working in Public Sector Institutions: Experiences from Muslim Communities" provides guidance on the role of chaplains working in public institutions such as universities, prisons and hospitals.
It draws on the experience of Muslim chaplains and communities to identify best practice in both the skills, competences and experiences of chaplains and the processes for appointment of chaplains in the public sector.
It identifies eight core competencies related to the chaplaincy role:
- Theological understanding
- Spiritual Leadership
- Pastoral care
- Communication and language skills
- Commitment to equality and respect for others
- Understanding of the values and ways of working of British institutions
- Commitment to personal and professional development
- Protecting vulnerable individuals
It outlines a recruitment process that is:
- tailored to the needs of the institution and users
- open and transparent
- involves faith organisations and professional chaplaincy associations
- designed to ensure the suitability of individuals for the role
It uses a range of case-studies of Muslim chaplains to illustrate the importance and relevance of these points. (These case studies are at the rear of the document.)
