Healthcare chaplaincy over the last decade has begun to move away from a largely faith‑based service to a recognised clinical profession. The CPCPC (formerly UKBHC) standards, code of conduct and competency frameworks are acknowledged as a way to bring chaplaincy in line with other allied health professions.

Postgraduate training is increasingly expected of chaplains with many obtaining postgraduate diplomas or master’s degrees focused on evidence‑based spiritual care and reflective practice.

In Scotland, a national Spiritual Care Framework has been introduced alongside the role of Spiritual Caregiver. These changes are aimed at formalising training, ensuring consistent competencies across Health Boards and embedding inclusive, multi‑belief spiritual care within mainstream healthcare.