College of Health Care Chaplains - Conference Report Day 2

Audio:
1: Click here to download or listen to the thoughts of Perry Miller from the USA.
2: Click here to download or listen to the address by John Swinton and Harriet Mowat.
3: Click here to download or listen to the first part of the speech given by Joanna Hocknell.
4: Click here to download or listen to the second part of the address given by Joanna Hocknell.
5: Click here to download or listen to the presentation by Andrew Haig.
6: Click here to download or listen to the member's presentation by Bill Smith.

PDF files
1: Presentation by Carol English. Click here to download file.
2: Presentation by John Swinton. Click here to download file.
3: Presentation by Joanna Hocknell. (Powerpoint file) Click here to download file.

John Swinton addressing the Conference Conference participants awoke to another glorious day, with Durham looking at its best. Worship and breakfast were followed by a paper given jointly by Professor John Swinton and Professor Harriet Mowat. Based on their published research - 'What do Chaplains do?'.

This was a feast of ideas and information for conference delegates and was clearly felt to have a finger on the pulse of UK chaplaincy. The issues of professionalisation and leadership - identity and belonging - were all handled with sensitivity and insight.

Picture - above right: Professor John Swinton addressing the conference.
Picture - below left: Professor Harriet Mowat responds to questions.
Picture - below right: Revd Dr Perry Miller from the US shares his insights.

After coffee Dr Joanna Hocknell spoke about the experience of professionalisation from the palliative care and medical perspectives. Those present were impressed by the number of similarities in the work of chaplains, and were encouraged to ask hard questions about the consequences of greater role clarity.

After lunch Andrew Haig gave a 'minority report' on his reflection as a chaplain troubled by some of the potential pitfalls of professionalisation. His session was highly interactive, giving delegates time to process their own reflections and take part in a professional debate.

Pictures: Andrew Haig challenges participants and participants discuss his views.

Free time enabled some participants to tour the Cathedral, and a number were present for Choral Evensong, where health care chaplains were included in the intercessions.

Following dinner the Rev Bill Smith gave a member's presentation on his recent work in mental health care with 'those of non-working age'. Through a case study Bill gave a vivid account of his in-depth counselling role which has brought him into contact with those often deeply affected by past events in their lives. In the question time Bill spoke about the relationship of his counselling work with his role as the chaplain.

Pictures: Bill Smith delivers a member's presentation and Carol English speaks about professional and employment issues

The day ended with a presentation on current employment and professional issues for chaplains delivered by Carol English. Carol also fielded questions on current pressure on jobs, and the national picture of 'slash and burn' that is emerging as the NHS is directed to meet tight financial targets.

On today's page you can find a short interview with the Revd Dr Perry Miller from the USA.

Picture - above left: Dr Joanna Hocknell speaks from the palliative care perspective.
Picture - above right: Mark Stobbart pays close attention..