Archived decisions

Contact: Clive Erricker - County Inspector - RE (02392 441459)

[email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report summarises plans to initiate a youth inter-faith forum.

1.2 This paper supports Aim 1 of the Corporate Strategy (maximising life opportunities) and Aim 4 of the Corporate Strategy (building strong and safe communities). The youth inter-faith forum addresses Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE's) responsibilities in relation to inclusion and diversity.

2. Background

2.1 Hampshire County Council (HCC) is committed to setting up a young people's inter-faith project as part of its strategic plan for the county.

2.2 Strong support for this venture was given at the first meeting of the adult inter-faith forum on 14 January 2006.

2.3 Hampshire Youth Council has discussed and given their support for this project.

2.4 A bid is being prepared for funding from (National Association of Standing Advisory Councils for RE (NASACRE), to be received by 2 April 2006.

2.5 The project will be supported by and liaise closely with the Hampshire Youth Council and youth service, the adult inter-faith forum, the ethnic minority achievement service and the rights, respect and responsibility initiative in Hampshire schools.

2.6 The project will be focused upon community engagement in order to:

· inform and develop the HCC strategic partnership;

· address and challenge stereotypes of faith adherence;

· address issues of exclusion, vulnerability and social cohesion.

2.7 SACRE members are asked to be pro-active in identifying young people in their communities and schools who wish to be part of this project.

2.8 The steering group for the project will meet on 21 February 2006 to scrutinise a draft bid presented by the County Inspector for RE.

3. Financial Implications

£50,000 to support a Youth Inter-Faith Forum for five years which has, in principle, been agreed by Hampshire County Council. The majority of this amount will be used to provide administrative support and to secure outside funding to ensure the sustainability of the project.

4. Recommendation

4.1 That SACRE approves the report.

4.2 That SACRE ask the steering group for the young people's interfaith project to agree the proposed bid to be presented to NASACRE with the County Inspector for RE

5. Background Papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB The list excludes:

1. Published works.

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.