Faith & Belief Communities

Board registration is the mechanism for entry into the Healthcare Chaplaincy Profession.  Board registration accords healthcare professional status to chaplains in recognition of having undergone and completed specialised health care training alongside supervised experience beyond that required for general pastoral ministry.

Board Registered Chaplains are specialists in spiritual care within the healthcare context and use a distinctive knowledge base, experience and expertise to work with complex issues affecting spiritual, psychological, social and physical well being that can be a consequence of illness, suffering, loss and death.

Board Registered Chaplains usually retain a distinctive religious identity because of the faith communities to which they are associated. If they exercise a religious ministry in their chaplaincy role they are expected to have the endorsement of a recognised religious authority for this ministry. However, because of their sensitivity, respect and understanding of other faith traditions and beliefs, Board Registered Chaplains are able to work across faith boundaries to explore spiritual and religious needs and to offer care and support. 

There will be a diversity of spiritual and religious needs in a healthcare population and Board Registered Chaplains provide informed links with faith communities and belief groups that can enable the support of the needs of particular patients and contribute to the awareness and understanding of healthcare staff.