Religion or Belief and Public Services BHA conference 11 Dec 2008 Richard Exell, Senior Policy Officer, TUC Economic &Social Affairs Department

The Context “… this report recommends that once claimants have been supported by Jobcentre Plus for a period of time, back-to-work support should be delivered through outcome-based, contracted support. This arrangement could in principle apply to all benefit recipients, including people on incapacity benefits, lone parents and partners of benefit claimants, but excluding carers. The private and voluntary sector would be responsible for intensive case management and for providing individual, tailored help for individuals to re-engage with the labour market.” David Freud

Giving the Game Away Put simply, I believe that there is not an entirely secular solution to achieve social cohesion in our communities. It can not be done without the partnership of all faith- based groups. A partnership based on mutual respect, tolerance and understanding; that draws on the values that unite us all – of whatever creed, colour or race. That looks for the positive influence of faith-based groups as forces for good within the community – helping people to overcome barriers to work and to make their contribution to the wider social good. Welfare provision is just one such area – and it is why I believe faith groups can play a pivotal role in delivering success in welfare reform over the next decade.

What Gets Lost in Translation from America Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof….. First amendment to the US constitution

Is this the future? Applicants for the post are required to have a Christian commitment and be able to uphold our Christian Ethos. This requirement is a Genuine Occupational Requirement in terms of the Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations 2003.… The Team Leader will, through responsible Christian leadership, operate as the Senior member of staff within the Unit responsible for day to day management. He/She will carry responsibility for the overall care of residents and the efficient management of his/her own working team. In addition, he/she will be required to contribute to achieving the highest professional standards of social care practice and for ensuring that quality standards are met.

Guarantees that we need Employment services should be provided in buildings that are not being used for worship or other religious activities. Employment services should not discriminate against clients on the grounds of religion, belief, gender, sexuality, race, disability or age. Faith-based employment services should not attempt to evangelise to their clients and contact details obtained through providing these services should not be provided to the religious outreach arm of the organisations concerned.

GUARANTEES FOR WORKERS Faith-based providers should not be allowed to discriminate against new or transferred staff on religious or other grounds. Faith-based providers should not ask staff unnecessary questions about their beliefs or other protected grounds. Faith-based providers should not require staff to participate in worship or other religious activities.

Thank you for your attention