Religion and The Big Society: Investigating the Role of Faith Based Groups

Date: 14 December 2010
Time: 10.40am-3.15pm
Venue: Westminster 

Westminster Briefing, hosted by the House Magazine. Title: Religion and The Big Society: Investigating the Role of Faith Based Groups

Cost: £225 per place or £175 for two or more places For full details please visit the Westminster Briefing Website 

The Context
Since the Coalition Government came to power, David Cameron has revived his vision of the ‘Big Society' with community groups and local organisations taking more control of their public services. It is clear that faith based groups will have a considerable role to play if the Big Society is to be a success, both as community anchors and representatives, and as service providers. This in turn is likely to provide new opportunities for faith organisations in terms of accessing funding and gaining the ear of policy makers. However it will also present challenges as they adapt to the scrutiny and the levels of capacity needed to play a full and productive role in the Big Society and helping to build strong and cohesive communities.

The Issues
What role does the Government envisage for faith based organisations in the Big Society?

What new opportunities will exist for such organisations?

In light of the coming spending cuts, how can faith based organisations best cope with increased demand on their services?

How can faith organisations improve their capacity and structures?

What role do representatives from all faiths feel they should play in the Big Society programme?

The key practical steps that local authorities can take in engaging with local faith communities

Ensuring that the role of the faith community in the Big Society is aided by receptive and supportive local commissioning and procurement structures?

How can we reliably map the cultural and religious make up of local communities to aid the Big Society initiative and other cohesion projects?
View Full Agenda Objectives and Outcomes The morning of this Policy and Practice Briefing will provide delegates a forum to be informed on and discuss the progress of the Coalition Government's Big Society plans and the consequences and opportunities for faith based organisations. Delegates will consider the importance of engagement between faith groups and local public bodies and promoting the unique value of faith based organisations. The afternoon will investigate successful examples of the Big Society in action, with case studies of faith groups delivering services and acting as a bridge between local communities and public bodies. Delegates will gain ideas and insights to take back to their organisations and roles.

Who should Attend?
Delegates will be drawn from local authorities, faith based organisations, charities, local service providers, central government, NGOs, welfare groups, regional development agencies, local strategic partnerships, social inclusion officers, youth offending teams, children's trusts, immigration services, community cohesion officers, corporate policy officers, academia and other stakeholders.