We all know that policing isn’t a job you leave at the door. The demands of the role can affect us in ways that go far beyond the physical. That's why it's more important than ever that officers and staff have access to the right support, at the right time.
As part of a holistic approach to welfare, many forces have chaplains working alongside the other support services available to you. CNC’s Chaplain is Canon Ian Grainger. We recently met with him to find out more about him and his work.
Ordained in 1992, Canon Grainger brings extensive experience across healthcare, emergency services and the military, including service as an Army Reserve chaplain and as lead chaplain to Cumbria Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service. Appointed Civil Nuclear Constabulary Force Chaplain in June 2023, Canon Grainger supports officers and staff across the organisation, providing confidential, independent pastoral support in what can be a high-pressure policing environment.
So, what exactly does a chaplain do?
At its heart, the chaplain's role is simply to care for us individuals and for our force as a community. They support people of all faiths and none. What makes them genuinely different from other support resources is their independence. Chaplains sit outside the formal management structure, and crucially, what you share with them stays with them. Their work is entirely confidential.
In practice, that means a chaplain can be someone to talk to when you need a listening ear. Having been a regular presence in the force, Canon Grainger has built an understanding of the pressures CNC officers face day to day, and he aims to be a supportive, honest friend to staff at every level.
Chaplains are also there during life's significant moments. They visit colleagues who are unwell, offer support to families, and can play an important role when a colleague dies. They lead memorial services and other formal occasions; Canon Grainger led the service to mark CNC’s twentieth anniversary last year. We’re hoping he will be ae able to join us at our conference in December, allowing our reps to meet and spend time with him.
A resource that's there for you
Whether you're going through something difficult or simply want to talk through something in confidence, Canon Grainger can help. He may be based close to Sellafield, but he is happy to speak with colleagues across the force. Canon Grainger’s contact details are available via the intranet, or you can request them from us.