Pastoral care

The way that different organisations organise their pastoral care will vary, but it is important that the role of a pastoral worker and their responsibilities are clearly defined and that there are clear lines of accountability and processes for people to refer more challenging issues. 

Pastoral care is an important part of working with people, and can provide a listening, non-judgemental, and caring environment for people to work through any concerns or difficulties.

Organisations need to be aware that all pastoral relationships are ones in which the worker is in a position of power and influence over others by the nature of their work or activity. This is especially significant when the worker is engaging with vulnerable groups.

It is important that all pastoral carers know what abuse is, how to recognise the possible signs and indicators, and how to respond to concerns.

Those seeking pastoral care within an organisation need to know what they can expect in terms of conduct, accountability of workers, and what the boundaries are. Any code of conduct is equally applicable to volunteers and paid workers.

Pastoral workers should: 

• Be supervised and accountable to others. 
• Be clear about the limits of their role. 
• Refer people on to those that can help. 
• Report any safeguarding issues that arise. 
• Be aware of the risk of over-dependency in pastoral relationships (This can apply both ways). 
• Avoid any behaviour that may give the impression of favouritism or of a ‘special' relationship. 
• Be clear about the boundaries of their role. e.g. Where workers are providing mentoring or coaching roles this should be clearly defined. 

Things to consider 

There is a difference between counselling and pastoral care. Counselling should only be done by those who are appropriately qualified as problems can arise when well-meaning but unqualified people take on a counselling role. 

Places of worship may consider prayer as a central part of pastoral care. Prayer ministry needs to be carried out sensitively, responsibly and only by those appointed by the place of worship. Codes of conduct for prayer ministers should give clear expectations and create a shared understanding so this area of ministry is safe for all. 

Where pastoral workers are required to make home visits, your organisation should have a clear policy on who in your team is authorised to carry them out. If they are going alone, you will need a lone working policy.

A pastoral carer may encounter situations that challenge or complicate their responsibilities. For example, navigating boundaries of confidentiality, especially when pastoral relationships and friendships overlap, or when a pastoral relationship evolves into a romantic attachment. In such cases, the person offering pastoral care should inform their supervisor of any concerns or complexities, and it may be appropriate for another carer to take over the role. 


Suggested Training: Supporting Victim-Survivors - thirtyone:eight Training