Rev'd Charles Nevin, ChairDear *FNAME*, it is appropriate that the renewed optimism about the fight against Covid-19 should coincide with the re-awakening that comes from Spring. The lighter days, the gardens offering a riot of colours, the beginning of the nesting season for birds and the reassuring warmth of the Spring sunshine. Another sign of Spring is the arrival of butterflies, freed from their winter prison of the chrysalis they burst forth in a fragile blaze of colour. In many ways this this a metaphor for our Chaplaincy. We have been restricted in how we operate, frustrated by the constraints and now there is hope for a return, but what kind of return. It will never be the same, attitudes, patterns of work, fragile mental health, all present us with a new but imperative landscape. We will again be providing Chaplaincy, but it will be subtly different, in lockdown we will have learnt new lessons and ways of working. Some will no longer apply, others will provide a new and blended approach to Chaplaincy, a blend of physical presence and online engagement. This will be particularly relevant now that many staff work from home on a more regular basis; the old familiar faces and team structures will be different. I encourage you to welcome this renewed model of Chaplaincy and working with your local Force see how Chaplaincy can be given a new face and impetus; how it can make an even greater difference in this post-pandemic era. How can PCUK help and engage in this ‘new world’, and what is your part: - Role profiles: We now have role profiles for Lead Chaplains and Volunteer Chaplains, and these have been approved and adopted by the College of Policing. This is an important step in providing a common understanding of our work across the Police service. Whilst practice may differ across the Police family it provides an understanding of the ‘gold standard’ but in no way criticises how many of us operate at the moment. You can find these in the members forum under 'PCUK Administration'.
- Training: We are developing a new Induction course based on a blended learning experience and spread over several months to provide high quality and in depth understanding of the skills of the role but offering space for personal reflection and development. The Induction process can be the beginning of further CPD up to a Master’s degree. This further training and development is being created in partnership with University of Wales Trinity St. David. Read more about this below.
- Conferences: As you are aware the Covid pandemic has meant that we did not manage to hold our regular Conference in 2020 which we moved to 2021 however, again this was deemed too early in the easing of Covid restrictions. Our residential Conference will now be held over the 20th to 22nd June 2022 at our usual venue, The Hayes, Swanick, Derbyshire.
- AGM and mini conference: In recognition that our regular Conference has been delayed we have a mini conference with our AGM on the morning of the 22nd June this year. We also hope to host one or more webinars over the Autumn and Winter. Ideas for subject areas are welcome. Read more about this below.
- Elections: The PCUK Board is a group elected by you, the membership. The Board consists of paid and volunteer Chaplains to provide the breadth of experience needed on the Board. This is where we need you. We need people to offer themselves to be elected as Trustees to the Board. More information will be provided about the process, but please think about serving in this way and making a difference to the influence of PCUK on continuing to build a professional and supported Chaplaincy service for the whole Police service. Read more about this below.
I am standing down as Chair and Board member this time. I thank you for your support during my term of office and I hope that PCUK will continue to grow and provide this vital caring service to all members of the Police family. Charles |