---
title: "Belfast Trust appoints first paid non-religious pastoral carer"
date: "2026-05-05T13:45:55+01:00"
modified: "2026-05-05T13:57:53+01:00"
url: "https://humanists.uk/2026/05/05/belfast-trust-appoints-first-paid-non-religious-pastoral-carer/"
post_id: 189880
categories: ["Northern Ireland"]
---

# Belfast Trust appoints first paid non-religious pastoral carer

![](https://i0.wp.com/humanists.uk/wp-content/uploads/PIPPA-1.webp?resize=1200%2C628&ssl=1)Pippa Swan, Belfast Trust’s first paid non-religious pastoral carerNorthern Ireland Humanists has welcomed a milestone for equality in healthcare, after non-religious pastoral care volunteer Pippa Swan was appointed to a paid bank role, providing non-religious pastoral care within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Pippa, a trained non-religious pastoral carer with Northern Ireland Humanists, has been appointed as a Bank Chaplain. This means she can be called upon when the Chaplaincy team needs extra help, including providing cover when other chaplaincy staff are unavailable. It is the first time in Northern Ireland that a non-religious person has been appointed to a paid chaplaincy role within a Health and Social Care Trust.

Non-religious pastoral care provides emotional, moral, and practical support to people who do not identify with a religion, particularly at times of illness, distress, loss, or uncertainty. It is delivered by pastoral carers trained and accredited by the [Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network](https://nrpsn.org.uk/), who offer compassionate, person-centred support without religious assumptions or beliefs. As part of her chaplaincy work, Pippa provides support to people who are both non-religious and religious.

Pippa has volunteered with Northern Ireland Humanists for almost eight years. During that time, she has provided non-religious pastoral care in a range of settings, including Maghaberry Prison since 2019 and within the hospital setting since 2023. Her appointment recognises both her experience and the growing demand for non-religious pastoral care.

#### **Pippa Swan said:**

> ‘I’m really proud to take on my new role within the RVH Chaplaincy department. I’m looking forward to continuing my work in the hospital, providing compassionate support and spiritual/existential care to those who are experiencing challenging or uncertain times. My experience over the years has shown me how important that support can be, and how much active, empathetic listening without judgment can help people when it is offered at the right time. Receiving that support from someone with a similar worldview can also enrich the experience.’

#### **Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator Boyd Sleator commented:**

> ‘This is a historic moment for Northern Ireland Humanists. For the first time ever, a health trust has appointed a non-religious chaplain to a paid role. We offer our warm congratulations to Pippa for her groundbreaking appointment and hope to see the appointment of more humanist pastoral carers across Northern Ireland.
> 
> ‘This appointment reflects trust in our trained volunteers, as well as a growing recognition that pastoral care should reflect the diversity of beliefs in our society, and that everyone, including non-religious people deserve access to such support within public services.’

#### **Rev Derek Johnston**, **Lead Chaplain at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, said:**

> ‘Pastoral care within the Trust is about supporting people as individuals and recognising the wide range of beliefs and worldviews among our patients, families, and staff.
> 
> ‘While many within our hospital community value pastoral and spiritual support that comes from a faith perspective, having a non-religious Bank Chaplain available as part of our team helps us offer appropriate support to those who would prefer care that is not rooted in a religious tradition.’

Northern Ireland Humanists said it will continue to work with health trusts to support the development of inclusive pastoral care services that are accessible to everyone.

#### Notes

For further comment or information, media should contact Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator Boyd Sleator at <boyd@humanists.uk> or phone 07918 975795.

[Read more about our provision of non-religious pastoral support](https://humanists.uk/2025/02/13/growing-demand-for-non-religious-pastoral-care-in-northern-ireland/).

[Find out more about the NRPSN](http://nrpsn.org.uk/).

Northern Ireland Humanists is part of Humanists UK, working with the Humanist Association of Ireland. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.