Accreditation Application

Welcome to Your
Registration Page

Thank you for your payment and your expression of interest in CSN accreditation. Everything you need to complete your application is here.

Begin Your Accreditation Journey

Please start by downloading and reading the Accreditation Handbook. When you are ready, complete the online application form below.

Accreditation Handbook

Essential reading before you apply. Learn about the process, eligibility, your reflective statement, and what the Panel looks for.

Download Handbook

Application Form

Complete all sections of the online form, upload your supporting documents, and submit your application to the Accreditation Panel.

Start Application

What Happens Next

1

Read the Handbook

Familiarise yourself with the accreditation process, eligibility criteria, and guidance on preparing your reflective statement.

2

Complete Your Application

Fill in all sections of the online form and upload your supporting documents, including your CV, formation certificates, reflective statement, and DBS certificate.

3

We Acknowledge Receipt

You will receive confirmation within 5 working days that your application has been received and is being processed.

4

Panel Review & Interview

The Accreditation Panel will review your application and invite you to an interview, either via Zoom or in person.

5

Receive Your Decision

You will receive the Panel's decision in writing, normally within four weeks of your interview.

6

Pay Annual Membership Fee

Upon successful accreditation, pay your annual CSN membership fee to activate your membership and post-nominal letters.

7

Receive Access to the CSN Portal

Welcome to the community. You will receive login credentials to the CSN member portal, the practitioner directory, and all member resources.

Take Your Time

There is no rush. The reflective statement is an important part of the process — it is your opportunity to share your journey, your practice, and your connection to the Carmelite tradition. Please give it the attention it deserves. You may save your application and return to it later if you need more time.

In this house, all must be friends, all must be loved, all must be held dear, all must be helped.
St. Teresa of Ávila

Complete Your Application

Fill in all sections below and click Submit. You can also open the form as a pop-up if your browser supports it.

Section 1: Personal Details
Section 2: Accreditation Stream
Please indicate which stream(s) you are applying for
Section 3: Formation & Training
Section 4: Current Practice

Complete whichever section(s) apply to your stream.

Section 5: Ministry Accompaniment
Section 6: Carmelite Spirituality
Section 7: References

Reference 1 should be your Ministry Companion.

Section 8: Safeguarding
Background check type
Section 9: Membership & Fees

The accreditation fee is £150.

Select payment method
Section 10: Declarations & Signature
Professional Standing — have you ever:
Been refused membership or had membership revoked by any professional body?
Been subject to disciplinary proceedings in a Christian ministry role?
Been convicted of a criminal offence?
By submitting, I confirm that:

Or email your completed application to [email protected]

CSN Privacy Policy

Who We Are

The Carmelite Spirituality Network (CSN) is a not-for-profit organisation registered in England & Wales. CSN acts as the data controller for information you provide during the accreditation process.

What Data We Collect

  • Personal contact details (name, address, email, phone)
  • Professional and ministry background information
  • Formation certificates and qualifications
  • References and referee contact details
  • Safeguarding and DBS (background check) information
  • Financial information for fee processing

How We Use Your Data

  • To assess your accreditation application
  • To manage your ongoing membership and annual renewal
  • To communicate CSN news, events, and resources
  • To maintain the public practitioner directory (with your consent)
  • To process payments and membership records

Legal Basis

We process your data on the bases of legitimate interests (accreditation and membership management), contractual necessity (membership agreement), and your explicit consent where required.

Retention

Your data is retained for the duration of your membership and for seven years thereafter in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Your Rights

You have the right to access, correct, or request erasure of your personal data. For any data request, please contact us at info@csn.org.uk.

This is a summary. Please read the full policy. ↗ Open Full Privacy Policy (PDF)

CSN Covenant

Introduction

The CSN Covenant is the foundational agreement between each accredited practitioner and the Carmelite Spirituality Network. It reflects our shared commitment to the values, spirit, and ethos of the Carmelite tradition.

Our Shared Values

  • Prayer and Contemplation — Nurturing a personal and communal life of prayer rooted in the Carmelite tradition.
  • Community — Belonging to and contributing to the CSN community with mutual respect and care.
  • Service — Offering accompaniment with humility, integrity, and generosity of spirit.
  • Formation — Committing to ongoing personal and professional formation.
  • Accountability — Receiving ministry accompaniment and remaining accountable to CSN standards.

Commitment

By signing the Covenant, you affirm that you will uphold these values in your ministry, maintain professional standards, and engage with the CSN community as a fellow pilgrim and practitioner.

Annual Renewal

The Covenant is renewed each year as part of your annual membership renewal process.

This is a summary. Please read the full Covenant. ↗ Open Full Covenant (PDF)

CSN Code of Ethics

Purpose

The CSN Code of Ethics sets out the ethical framework within which all CSN-accredited practitioners are expected to work. It applies to every session and every aspect of your ministry practice.

Core Principles

  • Respect for Persons — Honouring the dignity, autonomy, and spiritual journey of every person in your care.
  • Confidentiality — Maintaining strict confidentiality except where safety concerns require disclosure.
  • Competence — Practising only within the bounds of your formation and experience.
  • Integrity — Acting with honesty, transparency, and consistency between values and conduct.
  • Boundaries — Maintaining appropriate professional and relational boundaries at all times.
  • Non-exploitation — Never misusing the trust or vulnerability of those in your care.

Dual Relationships

Practitioners must avoid dual relationships that could compromise their integrity or the welfare of those they accompany. Concerns must be discussed in ministry accompaniment.

Reporting Concerns

Any breach of the Code must be reported to the CSN Accreditation Coordinator. Practitioners who become aware of another practitioner's ethical breach are encouraged to seek guidance.

Consequences of Breach

Serious or repeated breaches of the Code of Ethics may result in suspension or withdrawal of accreditation following the CSN Complaints and Disciplinary Procedure.

This is a summary. Please read the full Code. ↗ Open Full Code of Ethics (PDF)

CSN Safeguarding Policy

Our Commitment

CSN is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all people — especially children and vulnerable adults — who come into contact with our accredited practitioners. Safeguarding is a non-negotiable condition of accreditation.

Requirements for Accredited Practitioners

  • Hold a current Enhanced DBS certificate (UK) or equivalent check (non-UK), renewed every three years.
  • Have completed appropriate safeguarding training (minimum Foundation level) within the past three years.
  • Know how to identify signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
  • Know how and when to make a safeguarding referral.
  • Discuss safeguarding matters in ministry accompaniment where relevant.

Mandatory Reporting

If you have a concern about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult, you have a duty to report this to the appropriate statutory authority (e.g. Local Authority, Police) and to notify the CSN Safeguarding Lead.

Named CSN Safeguarding Lead

The CSN Safeguarding Lead can be contacted via info@csn.org.uk. In an emergency, always contact the statutory authorities first.

Annual Compliance

Practitioners confirm compliance with safeguarding requirements as part of each annual renewal.

This is a summary. Please read the full policy. ↗ Open Full Safeguarding Policy (PDF)

Ministry Accompaniment

What is Ministry Accompaniment?

Ministry accompaniment (formerly called 'supervision') is the regular, structured space in which an accredited practitioner reflects on their ministry practice with an experienced companion. It is both a professional requirement and a spiritual resource.

Why CSN Requires It

Accompaniment protects the practitioner, safeguards those in their care, and ensures continued growth and accountability. It is considered essential to good and sustainable ministry practice within the Carmelite tradition.

Requirements

  • A minimum of six sessions per year with a suitably qualified and experienced Ministry Companion.
  • Your Ministry Companion should hold relevant qualifications or experience in accompaniment, pastoral supervision, or an equivalent discipline.
  • Sessions should cover your practice, ethical issues that arise, your own wellbeing, and continuing formation.

Changing Your Ministry Companion

If you change Ministry Companion during the year, please notify the CSN Accreditation Coordinator so that records can be updated. Any change must be noted at annual renewal.

Commitment

By ticking this box, you confirm that you will maintain appropriate Ministry Accompaniment for the full duration of your accreditation.

See the Accreditation Handbook for further guidance.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

What is CPD?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) refers to any structured learning or reflective activity that maintains and develops your skills, knowledge, and practice as an accredited practitioner.

Minimum Requirements

  • A minimum of 30 hours of CPD per year is expected for full accreditation.
  • At least 10 hours should be directly related to your accreditation stream (Spiritual Accompaniment or Ministry Companionship).
  • Up to 10 hours may include personal reflection, spiritual direction, or Carmelite spirituality formation.

Eligible CPD Activities

  • Workshops, conferences, and training courses
  • Relevant reading with structured reflection
  • Retreat attendance
  • Peer consultation groups
  • Study days and formation modules
  • CSN events and webinars

Recording CPD

You are required to maintain a CPD log and submit a summary with your annual renewal. A CPD log template is available in the CSN Member Portal.

Commitment

By ticking this box, you confirm your commitment to engaging in at least 30 hours of appropriate CPD each year during your accreditation.

See the Accreditation Handbook for full CPD guidance.

Annual Membership Fee

When Accreditation is Awarded

Upon successful accreditation, you will be invited to pay your first Annual Membership Fee. This activates your full membership, your post-nominal letters (ACSN or MCSN), and your listing in the public CSN Practitioner Directory.

Fee Structure

  • Single stream accreditation — £120 per year
  • Dual stream accreditation — £160 per year
  • A concessionary rate may be available — contact the Coordinator in confidence.

Payment Methods

  • BACS bank transfer (preferred)
  • Cheque payable to "Carmelite Spirituality Network"
  • Instalment plan (by arrangement)

Annual Renewal

Membership renews annually on the anniversary of your accreditation. You will receive a renewal reminder 6 weeks in advance. Renewal includes confirmation of CPD, safeguarding, and ministry accompaniment compliance.

Lapsed Membership

Failure to renew within 30 days of the due date may result in suspension of accreditation and removal from the public directory.

Contact info@csn.org.uk for fee queries.

Access to the CSN Portal

Welcome to the Community

Once your membership fee has been received and processed, you will receive login credentials to the CSN Member Portal by email, usually within 5 working days.

What the Portal Includes

  • Practitioner Directory — Your public listing, including name, streams, location, and contact details (you control what is shown).
  • Member Resources — Access to CSN documents, templates, policies, and the Accreditation Handbook.
  • CPD Log — An online tool for recording and submitting your annual CPD hours.
  • Peer Forum — A private discussion space for accredited CSN practitioners.
  • Events Calendar — Listing of CSN events, study days, and retreats for members.
  • Renewal Centre — Manage your annual renewal, update your details, and submit compliance confirmations.

Your Post-Nominal Letters

Upon joining, you may use the following post-nominal letters after your name:

  • ACSN — Associate of the Carmelite Spirituality Network (new accreditation)
  • MCSN — Member of the Carmelite Spirituality Network (senior or dual-stream practitioner)

Keeping Your Profile Up to Date

Please ensure your portal profile and directory listing remain accurate. Any significant changes to your practice should be reported to the Accreditation Coordinator.

Contact info@csn.org.uk for portal access queries.