Chaplains
Our team of multi-faith Chaplains are here to offer support and spiritual guidance to all students at Glasgow Caledonian University. Our aim is to enhance cultural and religious experiences, bringing together students of all faiths and none in a supportive and inclusive environment. The Chaplains offer a personal approach to faith and belief and are available for one-to-one meetings throughout the week.
As a team, the Chaplains offer:
- Group worship sessions
- Acknowledgements of events in the religious calendar
- Appointments and drop-in sessions for one-to one spiritual advice and guidance
- Group sessions on religious topics to enable people to reflect on their own values and beliefs
- Quiet, reflective space for the individuals and groups
- Advice to academics and others on the faith needs of students
- Involvement in inter-faith and faith in the community events
You are welcome to consult the chaplains whether you are part of their congregation or not. The chaplains provide care and support to those of any faith or none. The chaplains are also happy to provide pastoral care to University staff.
If your religion is not represented and you would like to talk about working with us, please ask an appropriate representative of your religious group to contact faith@gcu.ac.uk. We are always keen to encourage students to form faith groups through the Students' Association and will support them in the provision of events and worship sessions.
Chaplains at GCU
Catholic Chaplain
Father Gareth Thomas provides Catholic chaplaincy support to all students and staff at GCU.
Learn more arrow_forwardChurch of Scotland Chaplain
Rev. Alastair Duncan is the Church of Scotland Chaplain at GCU.
Learn more arrow_forwardHindu/Spiritualist Chaplain
Dr Sujata Sriram - Hindu/Spiritualist Chaplain at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Learn more arrow_forwardHumanist Chaplain
Mandy Evans Ewing- Humanist Chaplain at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Learn more arrow_forwardJewish Chaplain
Rabbi Eliran and Ayalah Shabo are the Jewish Chaplains for Glasgow Caledonian University
Learn more arrow_forwardMuslim Chaplain
Sohaib Shahid Saleem is the Muslim Chaplain for Glasgow Caledonian University.
Learn more arrow_forwardProcess for appointing Chaplains
GCU in Glasgow has a team of volunteer Chaplains who support student and staff spiritual wellbeing and provide guidance and support. Our aim is to enhance cultural and religious experiences, bringing together students of all faiths and none in a supportive and inclusive environment. Chaplains are not staff of the University and no honorarium payments are paid. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
You can find out more about the process by clicking the drop-down link below or downloading the full information document
When a vacancy for a new or replacement volunteer Chaplain arises, recommendations are normally sought from relevant faith groups and organisations (for example, the Mosque, Archdiocese and so on). The following process is followed:
- Meeting with the candidate and the Director of Student Life to assess suitability
- In advance of this meeting, the candidate will provide written details of their suitability for this role and contact details for two referees
- The Director of Student Life will consult with relevant colleagues, the Students’ Association and the wider Chaplaincy Team as appropriate
- Offer made subject to two satisfactory references and PVG
- Once suitability is agreed, the Director of Student Life sends an official letter of appointment to Chaplain.
- Access card issued and email address created allowing chaplain access to the Faith and Belief Centre and GCU email
- The initial appointment is normally for one year from the date of commencement. At the conclusion of this 12-month period, there shall be a review by the Director of Student Life, the outcome of which will determine a subsequent three-year appointment, with further three-year extensions available on review.