Endorsement

Authorisation

Status of Policy: ACTIVE

Approved Date: 23 April 2018

Review: 23 April 2023

Introduction

The Civil Chaplaincies Advisory Committee (CCAC) is one of three bodies involved in the process of the engagement of Chaplains and Pastoral Care Workers in civil organisations and institutions within the jurisdictions of Health NSW and Justice NSW.

The other bodies are faith bodies within NSW, Health NSW, and Justice NSW. The faith bodies that are members of the CCAC are known as Religious Member Organisations (RMOs).

The CCAC has been formed to enable its RMOs to negotiate and consult with the Government of NSW on common issues relating to the provision of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care services. It is not a third-party provider. The RMOs of the CCAC are faith bodies within NSW.

The CCAC is responsible for the administration and execution of obligations arising from of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between it (as representing the RMOs in forum) and the NSW Government through Health NSW and Justice NSW.

The responsibilities arising from the MOUs relate principally to

  1. the delivery of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care services within civil institutions,

  2. the qualification of Chaplains and Pastoral Care Workers, and

  3. the distribution of subsidies provided by Health NSW and Justice NSW to CCAC member organisations.

This policy relates to the the responsibility of the CCAC with respect to the qualification of Chaplains and Pastoral Care Workers.

Employment, Accreditation and Endorsement

Within the context of this policy, the RMOs employ, the civil organisations accredit and the CCAC endorses. These must be carefully distinguished.

RMOs Employ

Each RMO has its own way of understanding the spiritual care that underlies all Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care services. For this reason RMOs are entirely responsible for all aspects of the employment, deployment and training of their Chaplains and Pastoral Care workers. The CCAC does not and cannot employ Chaplains and Pastoral Care workers.

Civil Organisations and Institutions Accredit

Civil Organisations and Institutions vary greatly in the protocols, culture and competencies required by all who serve in them. For this reason the Civil Organisations and Institutions, within which Chaplains and Pastoral Care Workers serve, are entirely responsible for the accreditation of the Chaplains and Pastoral Care Workers that are authorised to operate within them. The CCAC does not and cannot accredit the Chaplains and Pastoral Care Workers that work within any Civil Organisation or Institution.

CCAC Endorses

The CCAC maintains a register of endorsed Chaplains and Pastoral Care Workers. Endorsement is granted to applicants who have been nominated by an RMO and who meet the qualification requirements specified in the MOU that is current at any time.