A series of two articles have been published in the Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling, authored by SWF Director Sue Miller, and Christopher Stephens, Head of Southlands College. The articles can be read by clicking on the links below:
Assessing Impact Amongst Chaplains in a University Setting: Phase One of an Action Research Project
Abstract:
This article reports findings from an action research project in which a university chaplaincy team explored the desirability and viability of assessing their impact. It uncovers a complexity in chaplains’ understandings about their role and – chief amongst their fears – belief that quantitative measures can be harmful to pastoral and spiritual work. It also reveals a sense of institutional accountability and a desire to engage with processes for determining and articulating chaplaincy’s value.
Assessing Impact Amongst Chaplains in a University Setting: Phase Two of an Action Research Project
Abstract:
This article, the result of an Action Research project, describes the process of creating and testing a resource for assessing the contribution of chaplaincy in a British university setting, and the resultant insights and outcomes: organisational and individual learning, changes in chaplains’ attitudes to monitoring and evaluation, and a resource which is perceived as having benefits and limitations. This article considers the evaluation process as applied to chaplaincy and offers a model for further testing.