Code of Practice for Spiritual Directors

It is expected that every spiritual director in the Diocese of Coventry network will:

  1. Be committed to a regular pattern of prayer, engage in the wider life of the Church and be regularly receiving spiritual accompaniment themselves
  2. Have been through a process of discernment which is recognised by this diocese and which has concluded that they are suitable for this ministry
  3. Have attended a training course which is recognised as appropriate, or can demonstrate appropriate experience in this ministry
  4. 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)
  5. Recognise the safeguarding issues which may arise in the course of spiritual accompaniment and abide by the safeguarding policy of the Diocese of Coventry*
  6. 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
  7. Engage in regular supervision for this ministry, either in a group or in a one-to-one setting
  8. Participate regularly in events for their own growth, training and development, as well as continuing to read and reflect by themselves
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. Review the spiritual accompaniment relationship with each pilgrim on a regular basis (e.g. annually)
  12. Not ordinarily relate to the pilgrim in another context (e.g. friend, colleague, supervisor)
  13. At all times act in a way that respects the personal and spiritual integrity and wellbeing of the pilgrim
  14. 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.

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