The Localism Act 2011 has created the conditions for faith groups to increase their participation in the delivery of ‘Open Public Services’, increasing the choice and skills of local service providers. The coalition government has enabled faith groups a far greater stake in the public sector than previous administrations. In the current economic climate many faith groups are working to stamp out hunger and poverty. According to figures released by the Sikh Federation UK in November 2014 roughly 5,000 meals are now served to non-Sikhs by gurdwaras around the UK each week. The free meals traditionally offered to worshippers have become a “lifeline” for the homeless and hungry. The Christian charity The Trussell Trust alone runs a network of over 400 foodbanks across the UK. According to The Trussell Trust “too many people are falling through gaps in the social security system” with faith groups stepping in to provide the much needed safety net for those living below the breadline.
Whilst the involvement of faith groups in providing community services has its merits and therefore support, the role and involvement of faith groups in delivering public services has many critics who would see all service provision secular in operation, design and delivery.
On March 7th 2014, The Department for Education, Birmingham Council and the West Midlands Police Counter-Terrorism Unit confirmed they would be investigating ‘Operation Trojan Horse’ which has led to calls for the government to prevent religious extremism in schools.
This unique policy briefing examines the role of faith groups in the public sector and effective delivery of public services.
Why attend?
We bring together a panel of leading academics, practitioners and experts on all sides of the debate, to discuss the role of faith groups in schools and beyond throughout the delivery of other public service. Our panel will discuss:
- What action should be taken?
- Is the debate being distorted by the interests of different groups?
- Learn strategies to avoid ‘trojan horse bid’ scenarios?
- How can we ensure that the Public Sector Equality Duty is met and maintained?
This Policy Briefing will interest a wide sector of people such as:
- Parliamentarians
- Civil Servants
- Regulators and oversight bodies
- Local Authorities
- Public Service Providers
- Equality and Diversity Champions
- Public Sector Employers and Commissioners
- Education Providers
- Academics
- Anti Corruption Policy Teams
- Local Authority Anti Corruption Teams
- Health Service and Care Professionals
- Charities and NGO
- Chairs and board members
- Chief executives
- Directors and heads of departments
- Council CEOs, Leaders and Councillors
- Local Enterprise Partnerships
- Stakeholder organisations
- Solicitors, Barristers and Legal Advisers
- Interested Professionals
- Police