College Staff Chaplain Royal Air Force Cranwell

Reverend (Wing Commander) Alastair Bissell

Since my appointment at Cranwell I have had the privilege of not only leading a team of chaplains but also working closely with staff and cadets at the college. Those officer cadets who embark upon a career in the RAF must complete a highly pressurised and challenging 32 week course before graduating. For many it’s the first time they have had any significant contact with clergy, as a chaplain you have to make it count and building relationships is fundamental.

In addition to offering pastoral and spiritual care to cadets and staff, I lead a team of four inter denominational chaplains to ensure the delivery of the following key areas for chaplaincy during Initial Officer Training.

1. The Delivery of Beliefs and Values programme to cadets is the responsibility of chaplaincy and is an excellent way of engaging and discussing the core values of the RAF. We also deliver the Care in Leadership Course to potential Junior Officers; this teaches the basic skills that help to look after the well-being of personnel under their command (eg. active listening skills).
   
2. Importance of being proactive; meeting with cadets whilst away on exercises and taking Field Services. Attending social functions and physical training sessions (you need to be fit to keep up!) with cadets on a regular basis.
   
3. Leading worship in the College Chapel on Graduation Day for cadets, staff and families.

This has been an immensely enjoyable period of ministry and I have been extremely fortunate to work with excellent colleagues.

In order to deliver chaplaincy effectively I would suggest that the following attributes (by no means exhaustive or in a particular order) are an integral requirement in any team.

• Recognition of each others talents and gifts
• Importance of planning ahead
• Loyalty/ Teamwork
• Communication