A scoping group established by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and the Healthcare Chaplaincy Training and Development Unit, (HCTDU, now part of NHS Education for Scotland (NES)) was asked to scope awareness and provision of Spiritual Care in NHS Scotland. The group produced a report covering a survey and literature research. Following a seminar May 2005 in which this report was discussed along with some current research, a further group began work on chaplaincy service standards. A consultation conference held on 27 th June 2006 brought much support and many comments on the standards document. Despite some hesitation in trying to measure things spiritual, these standards should be a useful audit tool and an aid for future work on competencies and help development towards national standards or good practice statements on spiritual and religious care in NHS Scotland.

This article examines the process of formation of the Spiritual and Religious Care Capabilities and Competences for Healthcare Chaplains: its history, the process of writing, the process of consultation, and the impact of the document. The authors argue that the capabilities and competencies are an essential component of the development of chaplaincy as a modern healthcare profession.

Several professional groups have effectively incorporated supervision into their everyday practice. Chaplains as a ‘caring’ profession cannot be immune from the personal effects of engaging in pastoral relationships with patients, carers and staff. Clearly, Chaplains require adequate support to prevent ‘burnout’ and stress. This paper explores Chaplains perceptions of supervision using a focus group methodology. The emerging themes from the findings provide a valuable insight into the perceptions and attitudes of chaplains towards the concept of supervision. In particular, Chaplains view supervision as a necessary part of their professional practice.

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This article describes the launch and content of Revised Guidelines on Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy in NHS Scotland 2008. A Chief |executive's Letter based on the report is under consultation before being distributed. The report consolidates and develops the guidance of HDL (2002) 76. A survey of developments was carried out. Relevant recent documents were consulted and their function explained. A series of recommendations was made concerning work in boards concerning policies, service provision and employment. Relationships with faith/belief communities, Data protection, and chaplaincy provision were examined. Feedback has been and is being welcomed prior to finalised CEL. The integration of spiritual care to health and wellbeing is an ongoing journey.