Faith Leader Training Initiative

Developed following direct consultation with faith leaders and as a key aspect of the Government's Integrated Communities Action Plan, the Faith Leader Training Initiative seeks to empower faith leaders with the confidence and knowledge to meet the changing needs of their congregations.

The Edward Cadbury Centre for the Public Understanding of Religion in collaboration with a series of consortium partners leads this work on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

This voluntary training is delivered both in-person in four locations across England (Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and London) and also online. It focusses on upskilling faith leaders and improving their capacity to identify and address issues like domestic and sexual abuse and mental health concerns, as well educating them on equalities legislation and UK marriage law. The initiative seeks to develop well-qualified, informed and confident faith leaders who will able to better support their communities and signpost them to the relevant professional services. The programme curriculum was designed and shaped in direct collaboration between the Government, the Cadbury Centre and leaders of various faiths and denominations to ensure the training offer meets the needs of religious ministers themselves.

Lord Bourne

Faith Minister, Lord Bourne

“Faith ministers are the heart and soul of our communities, acting as role models and leaders and providing support and guidance to their congregations. Our Faith Leader Training programme recognises this central role and will ensure they are able to better support their congregations. ”

Andrew Davies

Andrew Davies, Programme Director

“Great leadership can have a transformative effect upon an organisation. Our faith communities are doing amazing work up and down the country and one of the reasons for this is the exceptional dedication, vision and passion of their leaders. This training initiative will support them in their continued pursuit of excellence and help ensure that our faith leaders are confident in engaging with some of our pressing social challenges, committed to the highest standards of governance and effective and fulfilled in their ministries. ”

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