How we strengthen our college communities with multi-faith chaplaincy

By Dr Sam Parrett CBE DL, Group Principal and CEO, Elevare Civic Education Group (incl. London South East Colleges).

In an increasingly uncertain and polarised world, colleges are frequently finding themselves on the frontline of difficult conversations.
Questions around identity, belonging, faith, conflict and social cohesion are becoming more visible across society – and these issues inevitably come through our doors in the lives and experiences of students and staff.

As a sector, we help our communities to navigate such challenges, respectfully and appropriately. Doing this well requires a whole-organisation culture that values listening and compassion as much as teaching and performance – and this is why I believe multi-faith chaplaincy has such an important role to play in further education.
 

Chaplaincy has long been an important part of supporting wellbeing and community within FE, including here at LSEC. While the context in which colleges operate may be changing, the need for pastoral and community support is not new. However, when we recently came to recruit a new multi-faith chaplain, we were conscious that the role needed to reflect the realities of modern FE colleges: highly diverse communities and the need for inclusive support for people of all faiths and none.

We wanted to understand what effective chaplaincy should look like, so consulted widely. We created a Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Board, which brought together college leaders, external academics and faith community representatives. We also spoke to staff and students to ensure our work was (and continues to be) robust and inclusive. What emerged was a clear message that chaplaincy works best when it is integrated into the everyday life of a college, rather than being positioned as an add-on service accessed only during moments of crisis. Modern, multi-faith chaplaincy is not about promoting one belief system over another. The strongest models are inclusive of all faiths and none, rooted in listening, support and non-judgemental spaces for all. It is not about providing answers – but creating conditions where respectful dialogue and mutual understanding become possible.
 

One of the strongest themes from the consultation was trust. People often need somewhere to take concerns that they may not feel comfortable discussing with a manager, or tutor. That might involve bereavement, anxiety, loneliness, questions around faith or identity, or simply the pressures of daily life. Chaplains can create spaces for conversations that otherwise might never happen.
In a climate where public discourse often feels divided, this space is crucial. Colleges need safe and constructive ways to navigate difficult conversations without shutting them down or allowing division to deepen.

Our wonderful new chaplain, Nancy, has helped bring this vision to life through music, singing, community activities and informal opportunities for connection, helping students and staff feel welcomed and supported. She is also building a wider network of volunteers and faith representatives across our campuses, helping chaplaincy become embedded within college life, rather than centred on one individual alone.

There is also an important EDI dimension to this work. Religion and belief are protected characteristics under equality legislation, yet they are often among the least visible (or least understood). Multi-faith chaplaincy can help to ensure that faith equality is consistent – which is particularly important in FE, where student communities are often very diverse. Our consultation highlighted the importance of visibility, celebration of festivals across different faiths and collaboration with existing faith leads on campus. Colleagues wanted to ensure that chaplaincy provision is accessible for ESOL learners, many of whom may already feel socially and emotionally isolated. One respondent described chaplaincy as being "on a par" with safeguarding and tutorials in terms of importance. While we are clear that chaplaincy is not a replacement for safeguarding or student support services, it can help identify concerns early before they escalate. There is also evidence linking effective chaplaincy to calmer environments and stronger community cohesion.

The point that chaplaincy should be part of the "everyday language" of a college’ was also made, which I believe is exactly right. The most effective chaplaincy provision must be woven into the culture of an institution, not brought out at times of crisis.
Crucially, chaplaincy must be professional, accountable and can’t rely on goodwill alone. It requires proper governance, clear safeguarding responsibilities, defined boundaries, training and oversight.
 

One student who contributed to our consultation described chaplaincy as being "essential for learners who experience hostility because of their religious background and want to know where to turn". That comment has stayed with me. Further education has always been about more than qualifications. For me, it is about helping people feel seen and connected to something larger than themselves. In an uncertain world, multi-faith chaplaincy offers colleges an opportunity to strengthen understanding and community – which in turn will increase a sense of belonging and wellbeing across the entire institution.