Industrial Mission supports people and organisations from the perspective of Christian faith.
People in over 25 different workplaces ranging from steel works to department stores welcome regular visits by their Industrial Chaplain. In some companies this service has continued unbroken for more than 40 years.
Work is a powerful influence on people's lives. Workplaces are changing rapidly, demanding more skills, more commitment and more flexibility from employees at every level. These experiences should be connected to the individual's beliefs and to the company's stated values.
Chaplains visit the workplace. They do not interfere with the flow of work nor force themselves on people. Yet in the busiest situations, people of all faiths and none find time to exchange views and seek help. Often all the support is needed is a friendly word as the Chaplain passes through.
Chaplains
in some companies contribute to training programmes or sit in on consultative
meetings.
IMSY
is now exploring ways of offering more specific support in particular
situations, such as stress counselling, redundancy programmes and meeting
facilitation.
Chaplains
offer support to people who try to make sense of their mixed experiences and to
discover the right course to follow They bring their belief that all are made
in the image of the Creator and that all are responsible for themselves, their
neighbours and our planet.
Chaplains offer a unique
mixture of direct experience of the workplace, pastoral concern for people and
a prophetic concern for justice. This approach is particularly suited to
helping people at work in ways that meet both their needs and the best interests
of the company.
All Chaplains are given initial and in-service training. Companies and Trades Unions allow Chaplains to participate in their training programmes. Chaplains meet together regularly to support one another, study industrial and theological issues and to improve their skills. IMSY is developing its training programme through Investors in People.
Most Chaplains are volunteers.
IMSY staff negotiate with employers and employees representatives about new Chaplaincies and the appointment of replacement Chaplains.
"It has been a great benefit to have staff of the Mission involved over a number of years. They have introduced a sensitive and neutral application of Christian values into difficult situations bringing comfort to individuals and sometimes direction to groups in conflict"
Peter Birtles Forgemasters Steels and Engineering