It is expected that every spiritual director in the Diocese of Coventry network will:
- Be committed to a regular pattern of prayer, engage in the wider life of the Church and be regularly receiving spiritual accompaniment themselves
- Have been through a process of discernment which is recognised by this diocese and which has concluded that they are suitable for this ministry
- Have attended a training course which is recognised as appropriate, or can demonstrate appropriate experience in this ministry
- Participate in regular accountability to the network by completing an Annual Agreement and a regular Ministry Review (or show evidence of similar to another network)
- Recognise the safeguarding issues which may arise in the course of spiritual accompaniment and abide by the safeguarding policy of the Diocese of Coventry*
- Undertake DBS clearance through their own church, as there is a requirement that all spiritual companions have current DBS clearance at least at standard level
- Engage in regular supervision for this ministry, either in a group or in a one-to-one setting
- Participate regularly in events for their own growth, training and development, as well as continuing to read and reflect by themselves
- Be aware of the differences and boundaries between spiritual accompaniment, counselling, coaching and mentoring; be clear about the distinctive nature of the ministry of spiritual accompaniment; and be willing to assist people to seek appropriate help elsewhere when necessary
- Discuss expectations, boundaries and confidentiality at the beginning of a new spiritual accompaniment relationship; notify new pilgrim of confidentiality unless a legal obligation is involved. Other disclosures may be made in certain cases of serious harm in agreement with a pilgrim.
- Review the spiritual accompaniment relationship with each pilgrim on a regular basis (e.g. annually)
- Not ordinarily relate to the pilgrim in another context (e.g. friend, colleague, supervisor)
- At all times act in a way that respects the personal and spiritual integrity and wellbeing of the pilgrim
- Have knowledge of, and abide by legal and ethical guidelines – for instance in relation to safeguarding
*Diversity is welcomed, and it is recognised that some spiritual companions may be from a different denomination or location. However, the Diocese of Coventry has authorised the network to which commissioned spiritual companions belong.