Chaplains on campus: Understanding chaplaincy in UK universities

Chaplaincy is a significant aspect of university life. The chaplaincy is often the first port of call for students of faith, as well as for non-religious students, staff, international students and those seeking a supportive, listening ear. Moreover, chaplains often play an important role in the management of on-campus challenges concerning religious discrimination, religious extremism and freedom of speech, their work increasingly framed by legal obligations issued in the Equality Act (2010) and the CounterTerrorism and Security Act (2015). In the 21st century, university chaplaincy is often organised around a multi-faith model, under the auspices of a full-time coordinating chaplain who is most likely to be Anglican. This report, from the largest multi-method study of university chaplaincy, explores how this model of operation is worked out in practice. At a time of new public scrutiny of religion in universities, this report offers evidence to help shape the future of chaplaincy across the university sector.