20 Apr 2005 - Review of the Government's Interface with the Faith Communities
The Government has reviewed how it communicates and engages with faith communities. The report Working Together: Co-operation Between Government and Faith Communities makes many recommendations. The chapter entitled 'Advice to faith communities' suggests various approaches which the faith communities themselves can adopt to get the most out of their dealings with Government. It recommends that faith communities should:
* Familiarise themselves with Government and take the initiative in raising issues.
* Be persistent, reminding Departments of the importance of involving faith communities.
* Speak with a common voice, coming to the consultation with a position that has been negotiated and agreed in advance.
* Develop appropriate structures to maximise capacity to be an effective partner.
* Be clear and aim to meet deadlines.
* Include women, young people and older people and demonstrate how this has been achieved.
* Become involved in local structures and raise your profile by taking part in consultation.
* Familiarise themselves with Government and take the initiative in raising issues.
* Be persistent, reminding Departments of the importance of involving faith communities.
* Speak with a common voice, coming to the consultation with a position that has been negotiated and agreed in advance.
* Develop appropriate structures to maximise capacity to be an effective partner.
* Be clear and aim to meet deadlines.
* Include women, young people and older people and demonstrate how this has been achieved.
* Become involved in local structures and raise your profile by taking part in consultation.
