The NRPSN board is open to all suitably qualified and competent non-religious individuals who share the values of network. The board works to deliver against the network’s objectives within the bounds of its constitution.

Our board is made up of individuals selected for their expertise and skills. The Chair and Vice Chair are appointed in line with the constitution policy and the Humanists UK Head of Humanist Care also sits on the board.

The board meets biannually (or more often if necessary) to discuss matters including the current progress of the network, quality assurance considerations, as well as to review our successes and key areas for development.

Our Board

Chair – Lindsay Van Dijk

I obtained my BA and MA in humanist pastoral care at the University of Humanistic Studies (Netherlands) and I am currently following my PhD about the spiritual and pastoral needs of children in hospital. Currently I fulfil the role of lead chaplain at  a NHS Trust where I manage and lead the spiritual and pastoral care department.

I additionally provide monthly supervision for accredited humanist pastoral carers in the UK and I am have recently been accredited as humanist celebrant.

I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and of the British Association for the Person-Centered Approach (BAPCA). I am also an accredited humanist pastoral carer by the NRPSN and by the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy (UKBHC). I am passionate about expanding the profession of humanist pastoral care in the UK and I am currently writing a book on the skills of a pastoral carer, which is supported by Humanists UK.

 

 

Joanna Mutlow

Despite being a lifelong humanist, it is only in recent years I have really tied my colours to the mast. I find it more positive to declare myself as humanist rather than non-religious – what I am, rather than what I am not.

Easing myself out of a university career, I am genuinely excited to have fallen upon pastoral care and the NRPSN as a channel for my energy, skills and expertise – it feels like a good fit. Past experiences that inform my work are residential social work, art therapy, Rape Crisis counselling, community development, and ESOL teaching. I have recently been accredited to deliver funeral ceremonies and find there are many synergies between the two roles.

I am employed one day a week on the spiritual care team at Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust and volunteer on the chaplaincy team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. I am on the NRPSN Board and regional coordinator for Yorkshire and Humber. I see the reality of the inequalities for non-religious people under the protected characteristic of religion and belief and I am keen to contribute to the evolution and growth of the Network, not just in challenging the status quo, but also in carving out new practice areas and services.

 

Simon O’Donoghue

 

Robert Ross

 

David Savage 

I was previously a Trustee of the British Humanist Association (now Humanists UK) and had a special interest in Humanist Ceremonies. Seeing the benefits of providing funeral ceremonies in empathy with the non-religious beliefs and values of the bereaved led me to explore the provision of non-religious pastoral care in healthcare, prisons and further education. In 2014, I successfully completed a two-year training course in healthcare ‘chaplaincy’ at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, where I continue to provide non-religious pastoral care to patients and staff. I was appointed the first Head of Pastoral Support at the BHA and then took on the role of NRPSN Chair. I am currently the Quality Assurance Officer.

 

 

 

Peter Skingley

Having recently been invited to join the NRPSN Board I am pleased to have the opportunity to introduce myself. My wife and I have lived and worked in Milton Keynes for just over 30 years, but now divide our time between Milton Keynes and Northern Ireland.

Since retiring as a special school headteacher I have been working part time as an educational consultant and trainer specialising in providing training for professionals working with children and adults with autism.

I have also been engaged in voluntary community work including chair of governors at a local primary school and as a member of the board of governors at Milton Keynes University Hospital. I am currently a patient representative on the Hospital’s Patient Experience Board and a member of the Hospital’s Learning Disability Group.

I have two adult children, two grandchildren and another on the way!  My wider interests include a love of travel, architecture, contemporary art, music and good food. I have a non-religious world view, a perspective that is expressed for me as an active Humanist with a desire to see a better future for all.

 

Jennifer Valentine

With a twenty-year career in mental health and wellness in the United States, Asia and the United Kingdom, I came to pastoral support with many useful tools and experiences. Supporting pastoral carers who are supporting people as they move through life’s difficult situations is very important to me.

In addition to volunteering at my local trust within the chaplaincy department, I hold multiple roles within Research and Development within the NHS.