The NASACRE Recruitment and Training project

The purpose of this project was to increase the involvement of members of faith communities in their local community and to build the capacities of SACREs. The initiative was part of the RE Action Plan, the outcome of the REC’s Partnership with the then Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and built on the 2006 REC pilot. The roll-out has now been completed [read the final report].

The project ran from April 2008 until March 2010 and covered all English regions. Training activities were offered to all those newly recruited as well as inexperienced SACRE members already serving. The main programme comprised two full days, one in January to focus on RE and the second in March, focusing on collective worship. In between the two training days, delegates were invited to attend a local SACRE meeting of their choice and to make an accompanied visit to a school to observe an RE lesson.

Work continued throughout on setting up and maintaining a comprehensive database of SACRE details, including Group A vacancies. Meetings with SACRE chairs and LA advisers in the targeted areas established local support. A Reference Group of national representatives of faith communities also met to inform the recruitment process. it is hoped to make use of these resources after the formal end of the project.

In order to offer a sustainable outcome from this work, a ‘stand-alone’ pack of training materials has been produced which was launched at the 2010 AGM. A complimentary copy has been sent to all SACREs and also to every local authority chief officer. Further copies are available from admin@nasacre.org.uk price £5. [download flyer]

Julie Grove
Training Co-ordinator

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