FaithNetEast — Faithnet east — Faith net east

Supporting Faith Based Social Action
in the East of England
Supporting Faith Based Social Action
in the East of England

Guidance

Big Society and Faith Communities

Faith communities and inter faith bodies around the UK are beginning to explore the Government’s Big Society agenda. On 16 July, together with the Chief Rabbi, the Archbishop of Westminster and leaders of other faiths, the Archbishop of Canterbury hosted a discussion with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, and CLG’s Minister for Decentralisation, Greg Clark on the Government's Big Society agenda. The Prime Minister made a speech in Liverpool on 19 July on the Big Society.
 

Public Sector Tendering

If you are based anywhere in Cambridgeshire other than Peterborough, you can get FREE assistance from the Greater Cambridge Partnership on how to prepare for and bid for public sector tenders. email Bill Hensley for further information or to make an appointment.
 

IFN AGM and National Meeting

The Inter Faith Network held its AGM and National Meeting in London on 8 July. At the AGM Officers and Executive Committee members for 2010-11 were elected. Co-Chairs are Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern and Dr Manazir Ahsan MBE. Vice-Chairs are Dr Girdari Bhan; Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala; Dr Indarjit Singh CBE; and Mr Vivian Wineman. The National Meeting was on the theme of ‘Shaping our shared society: the key role of local inter faith organisations’ with a wide range of speakers of different faiths from local, regional and national bodies and included presentations on how national faith communities can support and encourage local work. Andrew Stunell MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department of Communities and Local Government was among the speakers. See Keeping Faith in the Big Society. A full report of the Meeting is available from the IFN office. To receive a copy, please email ifnet@interfaith.org.uk.
 

Equality Act 2010: What do I need to know?

The Government is taking steps to implement the core provisions of the Equality Act 2010 with effect from 1 October, (as the previous Government had planned), but decisions have not yet been taken about some of the Act’s provisions, including those on public duties. Equality Act 2010: What do I need to know? is a series of summary guides and ‘Quick Start’ guides to the key changes in the law, produced by the Government Equalities Office in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce, Citizens Advice and the Equality and Diversity Forum, to support implementation of the Act. These guides set out clearly what the legislation will mean for business, the public sector, the voluntary sector and the public, aiming to help people understand their new responsibilities and rights. The guides can be downloaded from here.
 

Help with the digital TV switchover

The Anglia TV Region traditional, analogue signal is being switched off from March 2011. The Switchover Help Scheme offers practical help to people who may face barriers in switching to digital TV due to age or infirmity. If you are not sure if you are eligible for help, call free on 0800 408 5900 or email info@helpscheme.co.uk.
 
If your organisation can help spread the word, the scheme can provide free tailored training for any volunteers who would like to “champion” the Help Scheme; literature and material for you to distribute; organise local Help Scheme events or attend as a speaker at any event you may have planned or are planning. If you are interested in the Scheme in an organisational capacity please contact Sarah Barrett, Regional Manager on 07534 099 692 or email sarah.barrett@eaga.com.
 

Playtime Support for Toddler Group Leaders

If you are one of many faith groups that run toddler groups your group leaders can benefit from being part of the National Playtime Network. Playtime is FREE and supports toddler group leaders through conferences; newsletters; web resources; ‘The Good Practice Guide’. Sign up for the free email newsletter at www.engagetoday.org.uk/playtime-sign-up.
 

Are you victim of racial discrimination or harassment?

Cambridge Racial Incident Support Project CRISP provides free confidential help and advice, advocacy and support to individuals and families who are experiencing or have experienced discrimination at work; from employers; getting access to services such as housing, healthcare, education or social welfare; by the police, courts or prison service; by other organisations; by members of the public. Contact CRISP, 62-64 Victoria Road, Cambridge, CB4 3DU, 01223 462615 or email www.cecf.co.uk
 

'Women-friendly' mosques directory launched

Faith Matters have launched a directory of the 100 most "women-friendly" mosques in England. Fifty mosques were found to meet all five of the requirements set out by inter faith organisation Faith Matters, while a further fifty are listed as meeting four of the criteria:

  • providing a separate prayer space for women
  • services and activities specifically for women
  • an imam or female scholar accessible to women
  • the inclusion of women in decision-making processes
  • and the representation of women on mosque committees
    For more details visit the Faith Matters website
     

    New Ministers in the Department for Communities and Local Government

    The new Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government is Rt Hon Eric Pickles, Conservative MP for Brentwood and Ongar. Two CLG Ministers have roles which are likely to have particular relevance to the concerns of faith and inter faith bodies, Greg Clark, Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells, becomes Minister of State for Decentralisation, Big Society and Planning Policy and Andrew Stunell OBE, Liberal Democrat MP for Hazel Grove, has been appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for community cohesion (including the future of Prevent); race equality; building regulations; Big Society, housing and regeneration. More details on the new CLG Ministers can be found by visiting the CLG website
     

    New study programmes from the Woolf Institute of Abrahamic Faiths

    The Woolf Institute, in conjunction with the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Continuing Education, is running a certificate programme in Islam, Judaism and Muslim-Jewish Relations, which consists of three independent modules. The Institute is also offering an Introduction to the Study of Jews, Christians and Muslims in Contemporary Europe which begins with an induction week from 4 to 8 October 2010.
    For further information please visit: www.woolf.cam.ac.uk/jcme/index.php
     

    Charity Commission good practice guide for faith-based organisations

    The Charity Commission has published Faith in Good Governance, a guide to good practice for the 30,000 faith based organisations in the third sector. The guidance, released by the Commission’s Faith and Social Cohesion Unit, will help trustees, staff and volunteers of faith-based charities, including places of worship, comply with charity law, and equip them to work better, whilst recognising that maintenance of their faith-identity, core aims and mission is key. A full copy of Faith in Good Governance can be downloaded by clicking here
     

    Bassac launches new collaboration guide

    Bassac, the membership body for community organisations, has launched a guide to managing collaboration in the third sector. It offers a step-by-step approach to helping people involved in supporting collaborative working, providing resources, examples of good practice and a range of case studies. Available online, together with other resources, please click here
     

    i-volunteer

    i-volunteer is a new social network for people who love everything and anything to do with volunteering. To find out more please visit www.i-volunteer.org.uk
     

    English Heritage - Help for region’s historic places of worship

    English Heritage brings faiths and denominations together to help congregations look after listed churches, chapels, synagogues, meeting houses, gurdwaras, temples and mosques, and is embarking on the most ambitious attempt yet to assess the condition of the region’s historic places of worship.
     
    A major survey has been undertaken as part of English Heritage’s Heritage at Risk programme to give a unique insight into the condition of the nation’s listed religious heritage and to find out how many buildings are at serious risk of decay. The results can be viewed here. To ensure you receive a practical guide to looking after a listed place of worship, sign up at www.english-heritage.org.uk/powar 
     

    Media Trust run a programme of seminars

    Media Trust run a programme of seminars, workshops and events to offer a comprehensive marketing, communications, digital and media toolkit. Training is informed by a recently produced report on the marketing and communications needs of charities, voluntary and community organisations. Information on training and a copy of the report can be found on the website: www.mediatrust.org
     

    Urban Forum - case studies

    Urban Forum is producing a series of case studies for the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) on how public bodies - councils, schools, PCTs, the police etc - are meaningfully involving marginalised groups in policy-making. They are keen to hear of any examples you think they should know about. To find out more or suggest possible case studies email rachel@urbanforum.org.uk
     

    Counter Terrorism in Places of Worship

    The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) has researched and produced a guide intended to give protective security advice to those who are responsible for security in places of worship. Whilst the document concentrates on measures to counter terrorism, it is hoped that these will also work against other threats, such as theft, burglary and arson (which remain the greatest threats to places of worship). A copy of the guide can be downloaded from www.nactso.gov.uk/placesofworship.php
     

    Charity Commission good practice guide for faith-based organisations

    The Charity Commission has published Faith in Good Governance, a guide to good practice for the 30,000 faith-based organisations in the third sector. The guidance, released by the Commission’s Faith and Social Cohesion Unit, will help trustees, staff and volunteers of faith-based charities, including places of worship, comply with charity law, and equip them to work better, whilst recognising that maintenance of their faith-identity, core aims and mission is key. A full copy of Faith in Good Governance can be downloaded from The Charity Commission's website
     

    Harrassment suffered by Muslims

    Equality and Diversity Forum is currently researching specific examples of harassment suffered by Muslims in public sector services and closed environments (i.e. in a range of settings from prisons, mental health, residential/community care, education and hospital services). If anyone has any examples that they know of, or have documents available in their libraries or names of regional papers that hold this kind of information please contact EDF directly on info@edf.org.uk
     

    Advice Portal for ethnic professionals and employers

    Diverse Ethics Ltd has launched a new web portal to help Britain find new ways out of the recession, through tapping into the strength and creativity of its ethnic professionals. The portal encourages employers to utilise this resource, and professionals to bring their cultural and ethical values to the workplace.  The portal contains advice, interviews and resources. Diverse Ethics Ltd. is a Social Enterprise, based in Colchester, Essex. The portal can be accessed at: www.diverseethics.com.
     

    New Community Engagement Strategy consultation

    New Community Engagement Strategy consultation by Cambridgeshire County Council, intend to ensure that people in Cambridgeshire have the skills and confidence to take part in decision making, and to be able to shape their local area and the services they receive, whether they live in a rural community, a market town or a city. The public consultation on the draft strategy closed on 24 November 2009. Those living and working in Cambridgeshire were invited to take part. Information about the results of the consultation - and the draft documents can be seen by visiting the Cambridgeshire County Council website: click here.
     

    Faith Friendly, practical quality assurance system

    Faithbased Regeneration Network will shortly be running a pilot of a faith-friendly, practical quality assurance system that will be useful in both developing their organisations and also in demonstrating their value to the world outside. FbRN is currently inviting faith-based groups to be one of six pilot organisations. To act as a pilot please contact them on 020 7471 6791 or valr@fbrn.org.uk
     

    Refugee Council On-Line Information Service

    An on-line resource containing comprehensive and regularly updated information on the asylum process, support and entitlement. It is available by subscription only and is aimed at anyone working with refugees or those looking to gain knowledge about the sector. Easy to use, authoritative and up-to-date, it contains information on the entire asylum process from beginning to end. Annual subscription fees 2009:

  • £60 per annum for statutory, educational or business organisations
  • £30 Non Governmental or voluntary organisations
  • £10 Refugee Community Organisations
    To subscribe, email: subscriptions@refugeecouncil.org.uk
     

    The Economic Case for Cohesion

    This Communities and Local Government (CLG) study looks at the available evidence on the economic benefits of building cohesion. It reviews evidence for crime, fear of crime, education, employment, health and economic investment. For further information visit the CLG website: click here
     

    Faith and governance

    The Charity Commission has published a report for all faith-based charities to help them establish strong trustee bodies and good practice. You can access the report on the Charity Commission's website by clicking here
     

    2007-08 Citizenship Survey: Community cohestion topic report

    This CLG report provides an in-depth examination of community cohesion, attitudes towards the neighbourhood and the local area, belonging to the neighbourhood, fear of crime, social networks and peoples' interactions with people from different backgrounds. For further information visit the CLG website: click here
     

    You are invited to participate in FaithXchange

    FaithXchange is a new network for researchers, research-minded practitioners and policy makers working in the area of ‘young people and faith-based social action’. The network is hosted by the Faiths and Civil Society Unit at Goldsmiths College in partnership with DeMontfort University. More information including details of a forthcoming meeting at Derby Multifaith Centre see: www.fbrn.org.uk./news/you-are-invited-participate-faithxchange
     

    The Diocese of Hereford has launched a Toolkit - A Community Development Approach to the Use of Church Buildings

    The Toolkit will take churches through the whole process of opening up their church for wider community use.  Most of the material is of equal relevance to this region and any form of community building both in a rural or urban setting. The Toolkit can be downloaded from the Diocese of Hereford website by clicking here
     

    Duty to Promote Democracy: Equality impact assessment

    Local authorities have a duty to promote understanding of local governance systems and opportunities for members of the public to be involved. This CLG review assesses the impact this policy will have on different equality groups. For further information visit the CLG website: click here
     

    Stronger Together

    This New Local Government Network (NLGN) report suggests that the Government’s current scheme on tackling extremism is alienating Muslim communities and should be reviewed. NLGN is calling for the £45million scheme to focus on tackling all extremism – including far-right – rather than just focusing on Islamic extremism. For further information visit the NGLN website: click here
     

    Serco Welfare to Work

    Would like to hear from organisations interested in partnership working to deliver New Deal Phase 2, the government’s new flagship employment initiative to support long-term unemployed people into decent, sustainable work. Community-based organisations will be subcontracted to deliver core elements of the programme, supporting jobseekers to access and sustain employment, or become part of a network of Specialist Support Providers to provide additional services to jobseekers with complex needs. For more information, please contact Serco’s regional partnership manager, Chris Harrison: 07738 896447 or Christopher.harrison@serco.com
     

    The Refugee Integration and Employment Service is looking for volunteers and mentors in the region

    The REIS is looking for volunteers and mentors in the region, to help new refugees integrate into the locality. For more information contact Tom Daly, Volunteer Coordinator RIES, Refugee Council Eastern Region, Ipswich IP1 1HT, 01473 297908, thomas.daly@refugeecouncil.org.uk
     

    The Cambridge Community Knowledge Exchange

    The Cambridge Community Knowledge Exchange is a new initiative from the University of Cambridge which provides free access to research for voluntary and community sector organisations. Voluntary and community sector organisations can gain access to research services free of charge whilst students have the opportunity to apply academic skills in the community. They accept requests for research on all subjects - including management and strategic planning, policy and legal research, information technology, community health issues, local history and environmental issues as well as a broad range of social issues. If you are a VCS organisation with a research need? Contact via email: ccke@admin.cam.ac.uk or tel: 01223 764069 or visit: www.cam.ac.uk/ccke
     

    Interfaith Facilitators Online Community

    St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace has created an online community for Interfaith Facilitators. It is easy to sign up, you can then start to give and receive information. It is also possible to arrange the settings so that you don’t get more mail than you want to receive. Visit: interfaithfacilitators.ning.com
     

    Churches and Faith Buildings: Realising the potential

    A new joint publication from the Government and the Church of England to help faith groups identify sources of funding to make their buildings more sustainable, by enhancing the facilities and services they offer to local communities. It also discusses faith and local authority structures like LSPs (local strategic partnerships), and regional bodies, and the reluctance of some funders to fund faith-based projects. 'Churches and Faith Buildings: Realising the Potential' can be downloaded at www.culture.gov.uk/ reference_library/publications/5991.aspx
     

    A Future for Community Development

    CDF's new report examines how the community development field and profession is likely to be affected by the recession, and after a general election.  The paper explores where the opportunities for community development may lie in the coming years, examining the most likely scenarios for 2010, particularly from a policy and economic perspective. To read the report, visit www.cdf.org.uk. For more information, contact Tom Archer at tom.archer@cdf.org.uk
     

    Making the Most of Your Money

    The new Consumer Financial Education Body (CFEB), recently created by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the UK’s financial regulator, is offering VCS organisations FREE financial education programmes to help manage money in the present economic climate. Presentations are available to groups of a minimum of 20 staff or volunteers and CFEB have confirmed that groups may wish to liaise to share an event if providing sufficient numbers are a difficulty.
     
    For details or to book a place please email mike.bailey@moneymadeclear.org.uk CFEB also has help available at www.moneymadeclear.org.uk which provides useful information for young adults and new parents.
     

    English Heritage - Support Officers

    EH would like to see the task of looking after historic places of worship made easier by the wider provision of ‘Support Officers’ who can work alongside congregations and give them access to a wide range of skills and advice. They can offer funding for partner organisations to employ Support Officers on 3-year contracts.
     
    The work of each individual Support Officer would be tailored to local needs, but in general they will:

  • identify buildings most in need of support
  • create a local management strategy for historic places of worship
  • give advice to individual congregations on the care of their buildings
     
    Expressions of interest can be made to the East of England English Heritage Regional Office. English Heritage, Brooklands, 24 Brooklands Avenue Cambridge CB2 8BU, 01223 582700 or email eastofengland@english-heritage.org.uk
     

    Voice4Change and Third Sector

    As part of a drive to help civic society organisations make better strategic decisions, Third Sector Foresight have been working in a partnership with Voice 4 Change England to link insight, future trends and strategic planning with their expert knowledge on black and minority ethnic issues. The partnership is funded by Capacitybuilders and has provided new insights about the trends and forces impacting on BME organisations and those they support which are available from www.3sf.org.uk. Training workshops for support organisations, and free pocket guides exploring changing funding, volunteering, population changes and other crucial topics are also available.
     

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