Meet Mari Vaughan-Owen, the Senedd’s humanist pastoral carer

Mari Vaughan-Owen is a pioneering humanist pastoral carer, providing emotional support to staff and Members of the Senedd (MSs) in Cardiff – the first humanist to provide chaplaincy-style support for politicians in any parliament or devolved assembly in the UK. 

As an accredited member of Humanists UK’s Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network (NRPSN), Mari makes sure everyone has access to support from a non-religious perspective should, and when, they need it.

We spoke to her about non-religious pastoral care and her unique role supporting MSs with the stresses and strains of Welsh politics.

Hi Mari! What drew you to humanist pastoral care?

Pastoral care is an extension of my previous role as a nurse and health visitor. I have more time to devote to talking to people and exploring the issues that are concerning them. When I was working in the NHS, I was never able to spend time with people when they needed it the most. I always wanted to stay in a caring role. Pastoral care fits the bill. I have to admit that I have always wanted to be involved with the Senedd in some way and this role is just perfect for me.

Why do you think non- religious pastoral care is important in political settings? 

As the only humanist pastoral carer in any parliament in the UK, I wonder why the other parliaments have not come on board with having a representative in their country. The number of people who do not have a faith is increasing nationally and in Wales non-religious people are in the majority. Therefore, it is appropriate that they are represented and have the same services as people of faith! Saying that, I do provide support to both non-religious people and those with a faith in the Senedd. There is no demarcation line as it is all about care and helping people in the best way possible.

What does a typical day look like at the Senedd?

There is no typical day in the Senedd really. I start off by catching up with the front of house staff such as security, education, events and reception. There is always lots going on, and they direct me towards members of staff who may need support. Then, the most important thing is to have a coffee and chat with the coffee shop staff. They see so many people every day and are adept at identifying people who may need to talk to someone.  

If time allows for them, I see some of the staff on a weekly basis just to talk things through. Their concerns range from health (including mental health), relationships, bereavement, children; anything and everything. Everyone has a story or a concern. I approach people having a drink in the café area and speak to visitors, people who work in other areas and parents who bring their children into the play area. Occasionally, I am able to go to the dining room, and this gives me an opportunity to speak with staff who work in the main building such as PAs, office staff and kitchen workers. 

Events take place inside the Senedd building every day and I am able to observe these. They range from representatives of hospice care, farmers, opera companies, community choirs, to people with advanced life support needs, to name just a few. I am able to discuss their work and find out more about why they are there and what they are trying to achieve. 

Another of the best aspects of working in the Senedd is the view over Cardiff Bay which is something I never get tired of looking at. Whatever the weather, it always looks amazing. It is very therapeutic.

Can you tell me about a particularly memorable encounter you’ve had?

I was contacted by a member of staff who was struggling with a recent bereavement, and at the same time he was trying to find an appropriate work/life balance as his work schedule was gruelling.  We talked through these issues over many hours and he told me that our interactions had inspired him to join Humanists UK. Now, he works in the community supporting suicide prevention. He is dealing with his grief as best he can and has addressed his difficult work issues. This was achieved through motivational interviewing and simply listening.

What advice would you have for anyone considering becoming a non-religious pastoral carer?

I would recommend this role if you enjoy meeting a wide variety of people. Sometimes, their circumstances are difficult, upsetting and tragic. You need to have the confidence to be able to approach people and accept that sometimes they just do not want to talk to you and you cannot ‘fix’ things for them. It can enrich your life as some interactions with people can be nothing short of amazing. However, you need to make sure that you protect your own wellbeing and have regular supervision sessions with colleagues or friends. You need to have resilience, confidence and some inner strength in order to make a difference and fulfil this role.

Train as a non-religious pastoral carer

Our volunteers and paid members work in the NHS, HMPPS, and the armed forces. We have trained more than 300 pastoral carers, and currently have a presence in 9% of prisons and in 30% of NHS Trusts and growing. Will you join us in making pastoral care more inclusive and equal?

Upcoming training dates:

• Leicester (top-up course for NRPSN members seeking paid positions) – 15 and 16 March 2025
• London (induction course (Skills course)) – 17 and 18 May 2025
• Leicester (top-up course for NRPSN members seeking paid positions) – 5 and 6 July 2025
• Coventry (induction course (Skills course)) – 19 and 20 July 2025
• Northern Ireland (induction course (Skills course)) – 4 and 5 October 2025

Please read the attached Application Pack, and then complete this online application to register your interest. The application deadline is six weeks before your chosen course, and interviews will be completed shortly after your application is received. If you have any questions please reach out to Clare Elcombe Webber, Director of Humanist Care at clare@humanists.uk.