Professional Diploma in Pastoral Supervision
The Professional Diploma in Pastoral Supervision
formerly the Professional Certificate in Pastoral Supervision (click here for an explanation)
A course for Clergy, Pastoral Care Team Leaders, Lay Ministers, Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Chaplains, Pioneer Ministers and Spiritual Directors to develop understanding and skills in reflective supervision in pastoral and ministerial settings.
Taster Days
Taster Day booking form:
PDPS Brochure 2025:
What are the course aims?
The overarching aim of this course is to equip participants from a variety of contexts to become proficient in the practice of reflective pastoral supervision, both as supervisees and supervisors. Within this, the course aims
- to give a sound theoretical base for pastoral supervision practice
- to develop participant skills through the observation and practice of pastoral supervision.
How will I Learn?
Your development as a supervisor will be assessed by yourself, your peers and the course facilitators, and monitored through:
- assignment writing
- observed skills practice
- interactive learning with peers
- recorded supervision sessions.
Assignments are designed to contribute to your practice and will form part of a portfolio of evidence of professional competence in pastoral supervision.
“I found all the assignments to be challenging and constructive. I enjoyed them all and found that they greatly assisted my learning.” [2024 graduate]
“I was grateful for the variety of assignments that were included, and that they were in some circumstances practical and could be used for practice in the future.” [2024 graduate]
Who is the course for?
This course, which has been running since 2010, may be of interest to you if:
- you would like to gain an in-depth understanding of pastoral supervision and effectively use it to support your ministry
- you would like to foster and develop skills in spiritual care within multi-disciplinary teams
- you would like to extend your existing line management capacity by offering reflective supervision sessions to team members
- you would like to draw on both theological and psychological understandings of Christian mission and ministry in a variety of settings
- you would like to offer non-threatening reflective supervision to a range of pastoral practitioners.
“I thought the content was always excellent and well designed. I appreciated the depth, variation, relevance and pace of every session.” [2024 graduate]
“I very much appreciated worship at the beginning of each day and the variety that was included within those.” [2024 graduate]
“The wisdom and knowledge of the tutors shone through.” [2024 graduate]
How do I qualify?
The course is suitable for you if:
- you are currently in pastoral and ministerial working context
- you have supervisory responsibilities within your setting where you can practise and apply your learning
- you have good listening skills
- you comply with your Code of Ethics.
What will I gain on completion?
On successful completion:
- you will be able to give and receive pastoral supervision, working as a pastoral supervisor with individuals and within groups
- you will have met the training criteria for accreditation by the Association for Pastoral Supervision and Education (www.pastoralsupervision.org.uk)
- you will receive the award of Professional Diploma in Pastoral Supervision, made by the Institute of Pastoral Counselling and Supervision.
“I think it is probably the best put together course I have come across, I really valued the attention to all aspects, the structure and organisation of the learning, the range of tutors and their input to skills work. I would really recommend it.” [2024 graduate]
“I appreciated the quality of the teaching from the front and the opportunities to learn from other’s practice.” [2024 graduate]
“This is a brilliant course. I have gained from every aspect and am delighted to have participated in it.” [2024 graduate]
What are the course credentials?
The course was originally developed in conjunction with the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham. It is recognised by the Association for Pastoral Supervision & Education.
When and where does the course take place?
The Professional Diploma in Pastoral Supervision course will be delivered in a series of six two-day workshops on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
As each workshop builds on the learning of the previous one, a commitment to attend all twelve training days is essential. The training follows a hybrid format: the first, second and final workshops take place at the Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough LE11 3NW. All other workshops are on zoom.
“I appreciated the blended offering, not either in person or online. This gave more opportunity to establish relationships, while I also learned more about online skills.” [2024 graduate]
Course Dates
2025
Workshop 1 (In Person): 14th -15th October 2025
Workshop 2 (In Person): 25th-26th November 2025
Workshop 3 14 – 15 January 2025 (on zoom)
Workshop 4 18 – 19 March 2025 (On zoom)
Workshop 5 29 – 30 April 2025 (On zoom)
Workshop 6 17 – 18 June 2025 (at Emmanuel)
Workshop 3 (Online): 20th-21st January 2026
Workshop 4 (Online): 3rd-4th March 2026
What is the course fee?
Professional Certificate in Pastoral Supervision name change
In response to course member feedback over a number of years, we are changing the name of our longest running course from the Professional Certificate in Pastoral Supervision to the Professional Diploma in Pastoral Supervision. This decision has been made for two main reasons:
- the course is a substantial and demanding course, comparable to other courses of similar length offered in the UK which are pitched at Diploma level
- the course fulfils the Association of Pastoral Supervision and Education’s requirement for training hours for those pursuing accreditation as Pastoral Supervisors.
We consider that we have been under-representing our course and that this name change is a more appropriate representation of its stature.