Agenda and minutes

To elect the Chair and Vice Chair for the Municipal Year 2023-2024.

It was noted that the constitution set out that elections should come with the start of the Academic year and not the start of the municipal year..  It was therefore resolved that the elections would take place at the next meeting.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 26 February 2024 attached.

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the last meeting held on 26^th February 2024 be approved and signed as a correct record.

To receive any apologies and changes to membership and welcome new members.

SCRE noted the apologies of Mr Richard Wharton and Councillors Lambert and Wood.

In addition it was noted that this was the last meeting of Liz Allen.  The Chair thanked her for all of her hard work over the years a wished her well for the future.  It was also noted that Joyce Wan period of cover for Ellie Cousins had drawn to and end and that Ellie would be returning to future meetings.

Members noted that the National Association of Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education reference handbook had been attached to the papers along with a draft of the local induction information pack for discussion.  Members suggested an number of additions  including a glossary of terms and acronyms; the potential to add more information on the monitoring visit; a training schedule; and the code of conduct.

It was agreed that the Chair and Vice chair with the support of the professional advisor would circulate  a further draft for approval at the next meeting.

To discuss any progress in relation to the submitting of the Westhill grant application.

Members discussed the idea of developing a grant proposal for a Westhill Grant.

It was suggested that  a grant could be drawn together to fund an information  programme that set out to debunk the myths and popular inaccuracies about other religions across the City. 

A number of suggestions were broadly outline a possible ways to assemble access information to reach out to the City. 

One suggestion was a number of short information films and inline presentations along those first shown on television but to link them to the City.  Imam Sayfullah explained that he had been involved in a similar project “ I am Human” in Northampton prior to his move to this City.

The following links give an insight as to what this project produced.

https://www.ordinarytoucan.com/showcase/i-am-human

https://www.niff.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/I-Am-Human-Activity-Book-pages.pdf

It was agreed that a working group of members including Ruth Gill, Imam Sayfullah, Tim Tofts , Susan underwood and supported by the Council’s professional advisor Silas Bingley should work together to review the matter for the consideration at the next meeting. 

To receive an update on SACRE’s budget.

It was explained that the budget review for the Service had now been completed at that and allocated.  Members had expressed concerns over the level of professional support for monitoring visits had been listened to.  It was explained that the  allocated budget would allow for professional support on monitoring for schools supported by local authority however, it was noted that there would be a charge to Academy Schools.

Members that wanted to engage with the programme of monitoring visits and the drafting of the schedule of monitoring visits (including the potential of training) should contact the professional advisor so that a schedule could be drawn up. 

It was considered that a training event for Members wishing to undertake monitoring could be explored.  The vice chair explained that they could explore the possibilities of using Bittern Park Secondary for this. 

To discuss the recently published National Ofsted report on religious education. 

Link to the report  Deep and meaningful? The religious education subject report - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Members noted that the National report into Religious Education had now been published Deep and meaningful? The religious education subject report - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) . 

Alison Phillpott talked through the report and discussed the findings made within it.  It was noted that this was a useful document that would help to continue to provide a strong syllabus and increase the links between subjects throughout a child’s education as shown in Research review series: religious education - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

To review draft proposals for SCOF’s education project and take take on comments from the Standing Council.

Tim Tofts from the Council of Faiths outline how the much progress had been made in establishing a database that could be used by organisations seeking to help organisations to contact members of particular faith groups that would be willing and able to discuss their religions. 

It was explained that work had been undertaken to create a proforma for schools that would outline exactly what it was they were requiring and what would be expected of any attendee including the length of time they would be required.

Members noted that this project was being led by the Council of Faiths with the support of the Silas and the Vice-Chair.  

The Chair noted that she had attended the NSACRE conference and reported back to the meeting.  The Chair stated that it was refreshing to see that the many of the ideas nationally discussed had already been implemented locally.  It was noted that the many Council’s made a point of meeting in locations.  The Chair suggested that this should explored locally as it allowed members to gain a greater understanding of religious establishments outside of their own.   Members were requested to explore whether their own organisations would be amenable to hosting future meetings.

Members noted that this years “No Barriers” even would be held on the 28 November 2024.  Members were requested to contact the Vice- Chair nearer the even should they wish to take part.