The Accord Coalition has announced the launch of the eight annual Inclusivity Award. However – in contrast to previous years when the Award was open to schools that were most committed to boosting the growth of inclusion, cohesion and mutual understanding between those of different religions and beliefs – the 2017 Award is to only accept nominations for Standing Advisory Councils for Religious Education (SACREs) that work hardest on these grounds. SACREs are the local authority committees in England and Wales that monitor and advise upon the provision of Religious Education (RE) and assemblies at locally maintained schools.
Chair the Accord Coalition, Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, said ‘High quality RE and assemblies make a major contribution towards pupils learning about beliefs of those from different backgrounds, forging shared values, and better developing and adhering to their own worldview. SACREs have come under increasing pressure, including from academisation and funding restraints placed upon local councils, and their work is often looked. The judges for the 2017 will therefore be looking to reward and draw attention to those SACREs that take inclusivity seriously and advance innovative ideas.’
Further information on the 2017 Award can be found here. The deadline for entries is Monday December 12th and prizes will be announced in the New Year. All former Award winners have obtained national media coverage for their success. The full line up of another respected and experienced panel of judges for the 2017 Award will soon be announced. Former judges include:
- former Secretary of State for Education, Lord Baker of Dorking
- Chair of the Education Select Committee, Neil Carmichael MP
- the Bishop of Buckingham, The Rt Revd Dr Alan Wilson
- the then Chair of the Religious Education Council of England and Wales, Cllr John Keast OBE
- General Secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, Dr Mary Bousted
- journalist, Polly Toynbee
