Agenda item

(a)   Presentation by Chris Cowap, Partnership Development Manager, BFVA

(b)   SACRE representative at Steering Group meeting on 14 July 2010

The Partnership Development Manager, Bracknell Forest Voluntary Action gave a presentation in respect of Bracknell Forest Faith and Belief in Action. The presentation gave details of the development of the Faith and Belief in Action project, key results from the questionnaire distributed to faith groups and future steps.

The Faith and Belief in Action project had been funded by Faiths in Action, sponsored by CLG and Equalities Across Central Berkshire, sponsored by Capacitybuilders. It was noted that both funds were due to end in March 2011. 

The project aimed to bring together diverse faiths and beliefs to find common ground and a shared vision which would enhance the communities in Bracknell Forest. A mapping exercise of faith and beliefs in Bracknell Forest was undertaken to provide a snapshot of activities. 45 questionnaires were issued with 53.3% returned. Results showed that weekly attendance for worship was 6,125 with 106 faith and belief projects and activities taking place.

731 volunteers provided 2,067 hours of time a week. When calculated with the minimum wage this equated to £623, 407 of resource to the community per annum. If calculated with a more realistic wage of £10 per hour £1,075,00.00 of resource to the community. It was noted that this figure was likely to be significantly higher across the whole of Bracknell Forest as the survey had not covered all faith and belief groups. Groups who had not responded to the questionnaire would be contacted to see if a wider perspective could be gained.

On 9 March 2010 a Faith and Belief Conference was held which was attended by over 66 people from 18 faith and belief groups. The conference included speakers from other areas and received positive feedback from those who attended.

As a result of the conference a Faith and Belief Steering Group was established to look at the proposed actions and recommendations from the Faith and Belief in Action Project and to take forward any agreed work. The ultimate goal for the Steering Group was to develop a Faith and Belief Forum.

Interfaith Week was to take place in the week commencing 21 November 2010. Any suggestions for events that could be undertaken during this week were welcomed by the Partnership Development Manager.

The Council noted that the Bracknell Forest Cultural Partnership had requested that Dilip Ladwa and Madeline Diver represent and promote Faith and Belief on the partnership.

An Islamic Faith Seminar had been held at Bracknell Forest Council to raise awareness of the faith. The seminar had been very well attended and received positive feedback. Further events were to be planned for the future.

The results of the Faith and Belief in Action project did not reflect how many people regarded themselves as part of a particular faith in Bracknell forest. It was suggested that this could be an area of work for the Faith and Belief Forum to map.

The next meeting of the Faith and Belief Steering Group was to be held on 14 July 2010. It was agreed that Reverend Michael Bentley would attend the Faith and Belief Steering Group as the representative of Bracknell Forest SACRE.

The Chairman thanked The Partnership Development Officer for the presentation.