Colleagues and partners from across the NHS and beyond gathered at Leicester General Hospital on Tuesday 23 June to mark World Humanists’ Day and celebrate 10 years since UHL became the first NHS organisation to appoint a non-religious chaplain.
The conference was hosted by the Chaplaincy Team at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) and Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT). It brought together chaplains, pastoral carers, professional bodies and national partners to reflect on the progress made over the past decade and look ahead to the future of inclusive pastoral support.
UHL has played a leading role in the development of non-religious chaplaincy within healthcare. Jane Flint’s appointment as the country’s first non-religious chaplain in the NHS helped lead the way in a more inclusive approach to supporting patients, families and colleagues. Over the last 10 years, that work has influenced practice nationally and supported the growth of non-religious pastoral care across the NHS.
Former UHL colleague Jane Flint, and Lindsay De Wal, who helped shape the early development of non-religious chaplaincy, reflected on their experiences. The day also recognised the contribution of those involved in the early journey, including colleagues who helped create the conditions for non-religious chaplaincy to develop as part of an integrated chaplaincy service.
Messages of support were received from the President of the College of Health Care Chaplains and from the Council of Professional Chaplains & Pastoral Carers, both recognising Leicester’s contribution to the development of inclusive chaplaincy.
A panel discussion explored how non-religious chaplaincy has changed over time, the challenges faced along the way, and the learning that has emerged from Leicester’s experience. Further discussion focused on what comes next for non-religious chaplaincy, including training, development and new placement opportunities.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is now recognised as a partner in national training, helping to expand and improve non-religious pastoral care provision for the future.
A keynote address was delivered by Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, who reflected on the wider importance of inclusive pastoral care and its role within modern healthcare. The event concluded with a presentation recognising UHL’s contribution as a strategic partner in the continuing development of non-religious chaplaincy.
On behalf of UHL, Chief Executive Richard Mitchell received an award from Humanists UK, recognising the Trust’s contribution to non-religious chaplaincy and its valued role as a strategic partner in advancing this work.
Kartar Singh Bring, Head of Chaplaincy at UHL and LPT, said “This was an important moment to recognise Leicester’s pioneering role in the development of non-religious chaplaincy within the NHS. Jane Flint’s appointment 10 years ago was nationally significant, but it was also part of a wider commitment at UHL to provide inclusive, compassionate and professional support to patients, families and colleagues of all faiths, beliefs and none. We are proud of the journey so far, and we are committed to continuing this work so that chaplaincy reflects and serves the diverse communities who depend on our care.”