SURREY Police and the Diocese of Guildford are launching a new plan to support the work of chaplaincy within the county constabulary.

More than 20 volunteers, co-ordinated by the force chaplain, provide support to all officers and civilian support staff, plus other volunteers, and their families – whether they have a faith or none but still require support at a time of need.

Deputy Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said: “I am delighted to launch the chaplaincy business plan in partnership with the Diocese of Guildford.

Over the past few years, the multi-faith chaplaincy service has grown from strength to strength and developed into a unique and necessary support service for our staff and the wider police family as well as our faith partners to forge closer links with the communities we serve.

“At a time of increased demand involving harmful and complex criminality, the health and well-being of our staff is vital.

“Our volunteer chaplains offer a safe and confidential environment where officers and staff can share their concerns, for those of any faith or none.

“This business plan demonstrates our shared commitment to the chaplaincy service, and the valuable support it provides.”

The Diocese of Guildford has a long history of providing chaplaincy to Surrey Police.

In 2009 this was formalised through a partnership agreement and the service was developed to become a multi-faith chaplaincy through the recruitment of volunteers from different faiths to provide support to their local police teams.

The plan sets out how both grous intend to support staff and their families and volunteers, contribute to the learning and development and health and well-being of the organisation and staff, and how it can help support operational matters and also contribute to communicating with the community’s different faith groups.

The Archdeacon of Dorking, the Venerable Paul Bryer, said: “This plan further strengthens our joint working and support of the police in the challenging work they do in helping to make our communities safer and stronger.”