Work Place Chaplaincy Scotland Blog

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WPCS chaplains across Scotland - we're in Shetland too!

WPCS chaplains across Scotland – from The Borders to the Shetland Isles

The week started with some very encouraging feedback from two of the organisations for which we provide chaplains.
Here’s what Pat Watters, Chair of the Board of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) says about WPCS: “Since the SFRS came into being on April 1 last year, I have been delighted to witness the benefits to our staff of having WPCS chaplains in our workplaces. In their day to day duties, our crews and station staff often experience very difficult circumstances. We are all someone’s son or daughter, parent, sibling, colleague or friend and as such know how hard it is to lose someone, or see loved ones suffer. Whether in the aftermath of traumatic traffic accidents or a tragedy like that of the recent helicopter crash at The Clutha bar in Glasgow, it is reassuring to know that our WPCS chaplains are there for us, for as long as it takes.”
In addition to providing chaplaincy nationally to the SFRS, we also have chaplains working with Royal Mail in the Borders. Paul Kelly, Royal Mail Delivery Director for the east of Scotland, told us: “Workplace Chaplaincy Scotland, working with Royal Mail, gives us a real opportunity to improve staff morale. Having a chaplain in some of our offices, who is willing to listen and not judge, in confidence, creates a feeling of being valued. This benefits not only the person who has had support from the chaplain, but also the whole team. With this kind of support for staff it can help to reduce absenteeism and improve productivity.”
To date, some 1200 outlets: from shopping centres like Braehead in Paisley; Falkirk’s Howgate: The Gyle in Edinburgh and Union Square in Aberdeen; Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports; several local authorities, retail giants like Boots, John Lewis, Harvey Nichols, Tesco, Morrison’s and Asda, Royal Mail in the Borders and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service nationally, all use WPCS.
Research by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Scotland, shows that a pro-active approach to staff well-being has a positive effect, on not only morale and absence rates, but productivity.
Says WPCS Chief Executive, Rev Iain McFadzean: “When staff are happy at their work a positive atmosphere is created and quality relationships and creative work are nurtured. Having a job is good, but having a career where everyone from the boss to the new apprentice is motivated and works as a team, and where production prospers, is significantly better. It is in this context that the chaplain can assist with positive working practices through pastoral support and a listening approach. A burden shared really is a burden halved.”

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