Before becoming President I spent several years as Vice President and South West regional rep for the CHCC, something I will miss in the coming years. I also spent several years as editor of the Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy. I am now Lead Chaplain in an Acute Trust (overseeing community and Forensic Mental Health units), but have had many different roles including: 3 years as a volunteer chaplaincy visitor and over 10 years in mental health. Outside chaplaincy I have worked as a general, mental health, and palliative care worker in several settings and have been Equality & Diversity advisor for two Trusts.

My spirituality is shaped by my Christian journey, having been active within several denominations earlier in life and, since 2009, a professed Third Order Franciscan (Anglican). I have never felt ‘called’ to any ordained ministry, but have always felt Healthcare Chaplaincy was the right place to be from day one. Before chaplaincy took over I had a broadly academic ambition, having studied philosophy and a doctorate in the language of ecumenical theology. I was diagnosed with relapse-remitting MS back in 2013, which rather focused my mind and life priorities , but this has not yet prevented me from enjoying work, life, family, good coffee, reading fantasy novels, trekking across the Sahara and many other things.

A simplified summary of my personal views (not necessarily those of the College!):

• Chaplaincy should be Generic or Specialist? BOTH
• Chaplaincy should be religious or non-religious? BOTH
• Chaplaincy should be all paid or mostly unpaid? MIXED
• Chaplaincy should be relational or outcome focussed? BOTH
• Chaplain or Spiritual Care Provider? CHAPLAIN
• Chaplaincy team or Pastoral/Religious/Spiritual Care team? BOTH
• Chaplaincy within the MDT or distinct? WITHIN, but in an odd way
• Future of Healthcare Chaplaincy, bright or challenging? DEFINITELY BOTH