The Spiritus Chaplaincy Centre exists to strengthen, resource, and connect those called to chaplaincy across the West of England and beyond. Whether you serve in education, healthcare, workplaces, community settings, prisons, the armed forces, or voluntary organisations, we are here to support you in both vocation and practice.

CPD Courses

The Spiritus Chaplaincy Centre: Professional Practice Series

Focused learning for the complex realities of chaplaincy today

 

Programme Overview:

Chaplaincy in Practice is a new series of short, 2-3 hours long, online CPD courses developed by the Chaplaincy Centre and designed for new and experienced chaplains working in any setting, who want thoughtful and practical engagement with the real challenges of contemporary chaplaincy.

 

Each session combines reflective practice, professional frameworks, case studies, and practical tools that can be taken straight back into your role.

 

This pilot series will run across Summer and Autumn 2026, allowing us to explore emerging needs in chaplaincy practice and respond to the realities chaplains are facing on the ground.

 

Format:

Live online sessions usually lasting around 2-3 hours each from 10.30am to 1.00pm.

Interative teaching, reflection, and discussion.

Suitable for CPD portfolios.

 

Find out more and book using the drop down menus below.

Tragedy and trauma affect organisations whether or not they are planned for or not. Chaplains are often drawn into these moments; sometimes with clarity, sometimes at very short notice.

 

This course explores chaplaincy responses to tragedy across three key stages:

1. Before: planning, preparation, and organisational readiness.

2. During: presence, boundaries, and decision making in crisis.

3. After: trauma, memory, long-term impact, and care for carers.

 

Using case studies and reflective tools, we will explore how chaplains can:

1. Contribute to effective planning without being co-opted.

2. Work safely and ethically during crisis situations.

3. Support organisations and individuals in the aftermath.

4. Recognise trauma responses in others; and themselves.

 

Suitable for:

Chaplains or those involved in the management and oversight of chaplaincy.

 

Course date:

10 November 2026 from 10.30am to 1.00pm

 

Cost:

£49 per participant.

 

Click HERE to book this course.

Chaplaincy Centre Membership

The Spiritus Chaplaincy Centre is a growing community for chaplains, those exploring chaplaincy, and those who support chaplaincy across churches, schools, healthcare, prisons, workplaces, community settings, the armed forces, and voluntary organisations.

 

Chaplaincy is often faithful, creative, demanding, and complex. Many chaplains work across several lines of accountabiity, often carrying responsibility for pastoral care, safeguarding, spiritual support, professional practice, and organisational relationships. Our Centre exists to offer connection, learning, encouragement, and practical support for this important ministry.

 

By becoming a member you will be part of a developing network committed to good practice, theological reflection, supervision, continuing professional development, and mutual encouragement.

 

What membership offers:

> CPD courses and short training sessions.

> Networking with chaplains across diferent sectors.

> Opportunities for theological reflection on chaplaincy practice.

> Information about Spiritus chaplaincy courses and awards.

> Access to events, conversations, and resources as the centre develops.

> A place to share good practice, questions, and experience.

 

The centre is open to experienced chaplains, new chaplains, those discerning a call to chaplaincy, clergy, lay ministers, volunteers, supervisors, diocesan officers, and partner organisations.

Chaplaincy Courses with Spiritus

All awards are delivered by Spiritus College and awarded by Durham University, combining local formation with nationally recognised academic standards.

Ideal for those exploring chaplaincy for the first time, or beginning a role alongside other responsibilities. It builds confidence in listening skills, theology of care, safeguarding awareness, and reflective practice.

 

Want to know more?

Visit our Introduction to Chaplaincy page

The Certificate of Higher Education with a specific chaplaincy focus develops a deeper theological framework for chaplaincy, equipping practitioners to engage ethically and pastorally in complex contexts.

 

Want to know more?

Visit our Chaplaincy Focus: CertHE in Theology, Ministry and Mission page.

The Diploma enables sustained, critical engagement with theology,  ministry, and mission professional practices, supporting those who carry greater responsibility or seek leadership within chaplaincy settings.

Chaplaincy Centre Leaders

Rev. Michele Kitto

Michele is an experienced school chaplain and former Deputy Headteacher with a particular interest in pastoral care and inclusive ministry.

 

She has extensive experience supporting individuals with neurodiversity and has worked within NHS settings with people with neurodivergent conditions. Michele brings both educational leadership experience and pastoral insight to her work in chaplaincy, helping chaplains develop confidence in supporting neurodivergent individuals. Michele is course leader for Spiritus' Introduction to Chaplaincy course and Certificate programme.

Rev. Richard Kelley

Richard is an experienced chaplain and ministry leader who has served in a wide range of chaplaincy contexts, including education, industry, and community settings. He currently works as a Chaplaincy Adviser for the Diocese of Bath and Wells, supporting the development of chaplaincy across sectors including industry, courts, and further education.

 

Alongside his chaplaincy work, Richard is experienced in organisational leadership and governance. He has served as a trustee for several charities and works extensively with governance structures in education and charitable organisations. His work focuses particularly on the practical reallities of chaplaincy within comples institutional settings.

Chaplaincy Vacancies

To advertise your chaplaincy vacancy here, free of charge, get in touch with our Strategic Development Officer, click here to email Marc Kastner, who will be happy to help you. For alternative methods of contacting us, please visit our Contact Us page.