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Rooted Conference 2026 – Conference Report
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Police Chaplaincy UK's Rooted Conference 2026 was held at the College of Policing in Ryton from 8–10 June, bringing together police chaplains, policing leaders and wellbeing professionals from across the United Kingdom. The conference theme, Rooted, focused on being resilient, open, offering care, trustworthy, equipped and deepened in both personal faith and professional service.
The conference was blessed with excellent speakers throughout, reflecting the high regard in which chaplaincy is held for its pastoral care. Delegates also heard practical examples from chaplains on the ground through the STAR presentations, demonstrating the tangible difference chaplaincy makes across policing. Summaries of these STAR presentations can be found at the end.
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The conference opened with a welcome from Revd Dom Jones, Chair of Police Chaplaincy UK, followed by greetings from Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council.
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Professor John Harrison, National Police Chief Medical Officer, delivered the opening keynote address, The State of Police Health, examining the challenges affecting the wellbeing of officers and staff across policing. He addressed the importance of suicide prevention and postvention and described how policing's approach to wellbeing has evolved from a focus on physical health, through mental health, to an increasing recognition of spiritual wellbeing as part of a holistic model of care.
Through the National Police Wellbeing Service and Oscar Kilo, John outlined a whole-system approach in which wellbeing permeates every aspect of policing. Promoting the philosophy of "Join Well, Train Well, Work Well, Live Well, Leave Well," he emphasised support throughout an individual's policing career. He also recognised chaplaincy as a valued component of this wider wellbeing framework, providing vital support to officers and staff across the service.
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Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs and National Police Chaplain Revd Matt Hopley were interviewed by Bernard Rix (Policing TV), discussing the current and future role of chaplaincy within policing.
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Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Gilmer (Police Reform) addressed what she described as the most significant reform to policing in two centuries and considered how chaplaincy can support officers and staff through periods of major organisational change.
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Revd Matt Hopley delivered a presentation entitled Staying Rooted, encouraging delegates to remain spiritually and professionally ‘rooted’ in their chaplaincy ministry. He invited all present, whatever their faith or belief, to hear the authenticity of his own dependence on faith, expressing his hope that his Christian story would resonate with others helping them to find common ground across the diversity of beliefs in the room and fostering a shared sense of being deeply rooted.
Reflecting on spirituality, belief and the values that shape those who serve, he acknowledged the significant crossroads that many chaplains encounter throughout their personal and professional journeys. Drawing on scriptural imagery, including the account in 2 Kings, Matt challenged delegates to draw strength from being deeply rooted in their respective faiths, drawing from the ground that sustains resilience during difficult times.
Using the metaphor of salt, he encouraged chaplains to consider how they influence those around them preserving what is good, sustaining those in need, and bringing out the best in others. His message concluded with a memorable challenge to “Stay Salty”, reminding delegates that faith and belief provide the enduring substance from which effective chaplaincy flows.
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Fr Steve Walters brought the first day sessions to a close with a thought-provoking presentation on leadership during significant occasions, particularly within non-religious settings. Drawing on his extensive experience, he examined how chaplains can provide effective leadership and support where faith may not be openly expressed but spiritual and emotional needs remain present.
Through personal stories and practical examples, including his memorable reference to "Steve in braces", Steve illustrated how vulnerability and humanity often create opportunities for connection and support. Returning repeatedly to the ministry of presence, he reminded delegates that during times of grief, crisis, celebration or major life events, chaplains do not always need answers. Often their greatest contribution is simply being there, offering a calm, compassionate and trustworthy presence when it matters most.
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The evening featured a well-received discussion between Rabbi Dovid Lewis and Imam Nasser Kurdy MBE, highlighting the importance of interfaith understanding, dialogue and cooperation. Together they gave the conference a raw, honest and deeply moving insight into what it truly takes to build bridges across historical and cultural divides. Sharing the story of their enduring friendship as a Jewish Rabbi and a Muslim Imam, they described how they have chosen dialogue over division despite differing religious, cultural and political perspectives. Drawing on their experiences in schools, community groups and public forums, they demonstrated how meaningful relationships can flourish even where significant disagreements remain, offering a powerful example of respect, trust and friendship in action.
Reflecting on tensions affecting Jewish and Muslim communities, they spoke about the importance of preventing overseas conflicts from damaging local relationships. They encouraged people to get around the table, listen honestly and respectfully, and build understanding through conversation rather than assumption. Delegates were challenged to become bridge-builders within their own communities. Their central message was that genuine relationships are built not on agreement, but on trust, understanding, neighbourliness and a shared commitment to treating others with dignity and respect.
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Day two began with a recorded greeting from Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for Policing and Crime, who recognised the important contribution made by police chaplains in supporting the wellbeing, resilience and effectiveness of officers and staff across policing.
The morning programme centred on wellbeing in its broadest sense. Martin Bellingham of Police Friendly addressed financial wellbeing within policing, highlighting the impact that financial pressures can have on individuals and families and outlining the support available to help officers and staff build greater financial resilience. Claire McGlashan of Police Mutual followed with an overview of practical wellbeing tools, services and resources available to support police personnel throughout their careers.
Delegates then received an expansive threat briefing from colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters. The session outlined the current threat landscape facing the United Kingdom, highlighting emerging risks and challenges across the policing environment. They also offered insights into workforce attraction and development within Counter Terrorism Policing, together with key resources and support available to forces and partners responding to an increasingly complex and evolving threat picture. Counter Terrorism Policing also expressed a desire for greater chaplaincy engagement with its teams, an area which Police Chaplaincy UK will now work with CT Policing to develop and establish.
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Mental health and wellbeing remained central themes throughout the day. Hannah Bailey of Blue Light Wellbeing delivered a detailed presentation on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), examining neurological and behavioural indicators, the effects of trauma, and warning signs associated with suicide risk and escalation.
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Her session provided chaplains with valuable insight into recognising vulnerability and supporting those who may be struggling.
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The focus then turned to diversity, equality and inclusion. Fiona Merkin, representing the National Police Chiefs' Council Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Committee, examined how inclusive practices can be embedded into everyday policing and organisational culture. Fiona’s session challenged delegates to consider how chaplaincy can contribute to creating workplaces where all officers and staff feel valued, respected and supported.
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Paul Giannasi followed with a thought-provoking presentation entitled The Real Picture of Hate in the UK, examining the realities of hate crime, prejudice and community tensions.
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Paul was followed by Chief Constable Rachel Kearton, NPCC portfolio lead for Faith, Religion and Belief, spoke about the importance of ensuring that faith and belief are recognised as a legitimate and valued part of policing life. Drawing on her national leadership role, she encouraged forces to create environments in which officers and staff can bring their whole selves to work, feel able to speak openly about their beliefs, and contribute authentically to an inclusive policing culture.
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Paul, Rachel and Fiona joined representatives from several faith associations for a panel discussion considering the role of faith, religion and belief within modern policing, and the contribution these can make to wellbeing, inclusion and organisational culture.
Hannah Bailey returned later in the afternoon to deliver a very well received keynote session, further developing themes of psychological wellbeing, moral injury, resilience and support for those working within policing.
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The day concluded with the Police Chaplaincy UK Annual General Meeting, providing delegates with updates on the organisation's work, future priorities and developments across police chaplaincy throughout the United Kingdom. The Chair welcomed Steve Edwards (Northamptonshire Police) and Maria Mackey (Surrey Police, not pictured) as newly elected volunteer board members and congratulated George Hadley on his re-election as a Lead Chaplain board member.
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The final day of the conference focused on ethics, professional standards and the future of police chaplaincy. Marcus Griffiths of the College of Policing examined the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Behaviour, emphasising the importance of integrity, accountability and ethical decision-making in maintaining public trust and confidence in policing.
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Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs, the NPCC portfolio lead for chaplaincy, spoke passionately about the continuing value of chaplaincy within modern policing. He emphasised the unique role chaplains play in supporting the wellbeing of officers and staff through pastoral care, trusted relationships and visible presence, while expressing a strong commitment to ensuring chaplaincy remains an integral part of policing in the years ahead.
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Revd Matt Hopley then reviewed the progress made since the launch of The Gold Standards for Police Chaplaincy, highlighting the significant advances achieved across the United Kingdom. He reflected on the positive reception the framework has received from chaplains, police leaders and partner organisations, and how it has helped establish greater consistency, professionalism and accountability within chaplaincy provision. Examples were shared of forces strengthening governance, expanding chaplaincy teams, improving training and development, and embedding chaplaincy more deeply within operational policing and wellbeing structures.
Looking to the future, Matt outlined an ambitious vision for continued growth and development. He described chaplaincy becoming increasingly recognised as a trusted and valued part of the policing family, with greater collaboration across forces, stronger engagement with diverse communities and faith groups, and wider opportunities to support officers, staff and volunteers. His message was one of optimism and confidence, celebrating how far police chaplaincy has come while encouraging delegates to build on that success and continue striving for a service that is visible, sustainable, inclusive and fully integrated into the life of modern policing.
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Tiff Lynch, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, addressed the challenges currently facing officers and discussed the support mechanisms available to them nationally. A chaplaincy leadership panel then considered priorities for the future, exploring what Police Chaplaincy UK needs to develop further in order to remain effective, relevant and responsive to the changing needs of policing.
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The conference concluded with a closing session that looked ahead to the future of both individual chaplains and Police Chaplaincy UK as a whole. Delegates left Ryton encouraged to remain rooted in service, strengthened in their calling, and better equipped to support the wellbeing of officers, staff, and communities across the United Kingdom.
In his closing remarks, Matt expressed his deep appreciation for the incredible dedication of the volunteer trustees and all they are doing to continue strengthening the foundations of Police Chaplaincy UK as it prepares for future growth. This includes growth in the number of chaplains, as we seek to better serve the 270,000 people across policing, those who have retired, and their loved ones.
Matt also made a clear call for chaplains to consider how they might contribute to the wider work of PCUK through their own skills and experience. Areas highlighted included financial expertise, communications, governance and policy, design, fundraising, marketing, and practical administrative support.
If you have skills you feel you could offer, please doThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Thank you to each of the delegates for attending, to each speaker and marketplace exhibitor who contributed, and also to the sponsors who enabled us to host the training conference.
We hope that you all thoroughly enjoy being with colleagues and that the conference content has inspired you and that you feel both equipped and enthused for the journey ahead.
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STAR Presentation Summaries
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Kerry Connolly – Strengthening Chaplaincy Through Research
Drawing on experience in therapy, pastoral ministry and volunteer chaplaincy, Kerry Connolly recognised the need to better understand the distinctive challenges of police chaplaincy. She undertook Masters-level study in chaplaincy through Durham University and the Luther King Centre, exploring subjects including chaplaincy models, organisational culture, reflective practice and multi-faith working. Her current research focuses on one of the major challenges facing police chaplaincy: recruiting and sustaining diverse multi-faith teams. By examining successful approaches from across the country, she hopes to identify practical lessons that can strengthen chaplaincy provision, improve representation and contribute to the growing academic evidence base supporting police chaplaincy.
George Hadley – The Bedford Sanctuary Project
Driven by concern over the rising levels of violence against women and girls, particularly within Bedford's night-time economy, George Hadley helped develop the Sanctuary Project to provide practical prevention rather than simply responding after harm has occurred. Working with churches, police, local authorities and community partners, a dedicated safe space was established within St Paul's Church in Bedford, offering refuge, support and onward assistance for vulnerable women. Linked to initiatives such as Ask for Angela and supported by street pastors, police and first responders, the project aims to provide a visible place of safety in the town centre. The initiative has gained significant local support, secured funding, prompted plans for expansion, and is now being explored as a potential model that could be replicated elsewhere across the country.
Steve Edwards MBE – The Chaplain's Chat
Faced with the challenge of introducing chaplaincy into a large Criminal Justice Centre where many of the 200-plus officers and staff had little understanding of what a chaplain did, Steve Edwards developed a simple but highly effective engagement initiative. Through personally delivering a monthly newsletter, accompanied by a Chupa Chup lollipop, he created regular opportunities for informal contact with every member of staff. What became known as "The Chaplain's Chat" evolved into far more than a newsletter; it became a vehicle for relationship-building, trust, visibility and accessibility. The initiative generated numerous requests for confidential pastoral support, demonstrated the value of proactive engagement, and showed how consistent personal presence can embed chaplaincy into the everyday life of policing.
Major David Stephenson – Operational Support Through Practical Care
During a major public-order operation involving protests that attracted national attention and required large numbers of officers, David Stephenson and the Warwickshire chaplaincy team identified a practical welfare need among officers waiting for deployment for extended periods in challenging weather conditions. Working alongside operational planners, chaplaincy deployed a wellbeing vehicle supplying food, drinks and refreshments while creating opportunities for informal conversations and support. What began as a practical welfare initiative became a valuable pastoral opportunity, with officers reporting that they felt cared for, valued and supported. The operation enhanced the reputation of chaplaincy, strengthened relationships with officers, and demonstrated how practical service can naturally open the door to meaningful pastoral engagement.
Revd Julie Wearing - Operation Seafront. Julie presented a compelling account of Operation Seafront, following the discovery in March 2024 of 35 bodies and approximately 200 sets of ashes at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull. She described how the incident unfolded and highlighted its profound impact across the entire force, extending far beyond those officers and staff directly involved in the investigation.
The nature of the crime touched the whole policing family, as it involved a respected funeral director responsible for the care of deceased loved ones. The breach of confidence and dignity at the heart of the case resonated deeply with officers, staff and the wider community.
The presentation focused on the role chaplaincy played alongside the force's Wellbeing and Mental Health Department during the critical first seven to ten days following the discovery. It illustrated how chaplains provided an additional layer of pastoral support, helping personnel process the emotional impact of a case that affected not only investigators but the wider workforce.
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Julie undertook the Great North Swim after Conference to raise funds for Police Chaplaincy UK. It's not too late to sponsor her!
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