The Buddhist Health and Spiritual Care Network (BHSCN) is a professional body of individuals who provide pastoral and spiritual care to patients, relatives, friends and staff within the hospital and hospice sectors.
Our members are practising Buddhists in a range of supportive roles ranging from volunteers to registered healthcare chaplains.
The Buddhist Health and Spiritual Care Network are:
Responsible for faith endorsement of Buddhist Healthcare Chaplains in the UK.
A member of the Network for Pastoral, Spiritual and Religious Care in Health.
Providers of training, education and guidance to Buddhists interested in pursuing a role in spiritual, pastoral and religious care within a healthcare setting.
A specialist group within the Network of Buddhist Organisations, the representative body of all major Buddhist traditions in the UK.
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The Annual Conference of the College of Healthcare Chaplains (CHCC) this year is entitled “Chaplaincy with the End in Mind” and will take place from 28th-30th September. Keynote speakers include Kathryn Mannix, author of With the End in Mind and Listen!
The conference is open to CHCC and non-CHCC members and a day-rate is also available to those unable to attend the whole weekend. Further details are available at the CHCC website.
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Chaplaincy regulation is undergoing a major change, as responsibility shifts from the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy (UKBHC) to the newly established College of Pastoral & Professional Chaplaincy Council (CPCPC).
Following a period of scrutiny by the Professional Standards Authority, the creation of the CPCPC marks a structural shift intended to modernise chaplaincy oversight, strengthen professional standards, and streamline accreditation.
The CPCPC website has recently been launched but UKBHC will continue to manage existing registrants, applications and the implementation of updated codes of conduct during this transition period.
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The Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Chaplains (AHPCC) has formally become part of the College of Healthcare Chaplains (CHCC), marking a significant step toward a more unified professional voice for chaplaincy across UK health and social care.
The move brings specialist hospice and palliative‑care chaplains into a larger national structure, strengthening representation in workforce planning, professional standards, and policy discussions. Leaders from both organisations say the integration will support clearer pathways for training, accreditation and advocacy at a time when chaplaincy roles are evolving rapidly.
AHPCC members will retain their specialist identity within the CHCC while contributing to a broader, more coordinated approach to pastoral, spiritual and religious care across the NHS and wider healthcare sector.ext goes here