C. Chaplains and Religious Advisers

1. The University recognises the excellent resource it has in its ecumenical Christian Chaplaincy team, which has proved invaluable on many occasions and contributes to University life for many staff and students alike.

2. In accordance with the University¹s recognition of the diversity of religious commitment in the lives of many of its community, it supports the provision of a Multi-faith Chaplaincy Service within its network of Student Services.

3. In supporting the provision of a Multi-faith Chaplaincy Service, the University recognises the following roles:

Chaplains to the University - Individuals appointed by external bodies with the involvement of the University to work on a full-time or part-time basis. They are required to work with other Chaplains and Religious Advisers within the Chaplaincy Service. The University may also authorise the use of a title appropriate to a particular faith community if requested.
Religious Advisers to the University - Individuals who do not have a Chaplaincy role but are recognised by the University as competent to advise the University and the Chaplaincy Service on matters regarding faith communities not represented by the Chaplains.
Associate Chaplains - Individuals appointed by external bodies and authorised by the University to carry out chaplaincy work on campus. Associate Chaplains are required to work within these guidelines in co-operation with Student Services and the Chaplaincy Service. They are normally appointed to work with a particular constituency, faith community or site within the University.

4. The use of the terms in 3 above and the individuals occupying these roles can only indicate affiliation to the University of Sheffield when authorised to do so by the Student Affairs Committee. Individuals not authorised by the Student Affairs Committee are not permitted to use titles that indicate or imply affiliation to the University or its members.

5. The University will require that the appointment and selection of Chaplains, Religious Advisers and Associate Chaplains include appropriate checks and procedures.

6. The University will publicise contact details for Chaplains, Religious Advisers, Associate Chaplains and Faith Community Contacts in University or Union publications [following consultation with the Chaplaincy Service]. This applies also to individuals/groups in the region whose aims and objectives are seen to be in keeping with these guidelines.

7. The role of the Chaplaincy Service shall be:

To offer hospitality, support and pastoral care to all those who wish to seek it.
To work within the student support network.
To act as a "signpost" for any student wishing to make contact with a particular faith community and to provide information about all faith communities for the University.
To provide support and spiritual counsel for individuals or their representatives at times of need or crisis (e.g. illness, accident, bereavement) when requested.
To meet the needs of those who wish to belong to a denominational chaplaincy or faith community.
To provide opportunities for prayer and worship as and when appropriate.
To encourage and support those who wish to explore issues of faith, ethics and spirituality, recognising this as an important part of their personal growth and development.
To promote contact, encounter and conversation between religious groups and faith communities.
To show a care and concern for the quality of experience offered by the institution in its many forms and to contribute to the well-being of the institution as and when appropriate.
To liase with local churches and faith communities, promoting an understanding of the work and aims of the University.

8. The University will agree a Service Level Agreement with the Chaplaincy Service, covering such matters as professional standards, code of conduct, pastoral care, incident support and all relevant procedures.