"Making Space for Faith": Values Beliefs and Faiths in the Learning and Skills Sector

Between October 2006 and March 2007 NEAFE and FiFEF conducted a sector-wide review of opportunities for spiritual and moral development and the place of values, beliefs and faiths in the Learning and Skills sector.

Chaired by Dr. Ann Limb, the review team explored the experiences of students, organisations and faith communities in the nine English regions in order to build up a picture of:

  • the role of the FE sector in enabling all members of society, irrespective of age, gender, ethnic background, values, beliefs and faiths to engage with one another in shaping a positive approach to 21st century pluralism
  • what FE students in colleges and in work places think about issues of values, beliefs and faiths and whether they seek to express and explore these through their studies, work and social activities
  • how the FE sector can improve its response to student needs in relation to issues of values, beliefs and faiths in a way that is in keeping with the sector's economic mission (to raise skills levels), its educational mission (to improve retention and achievement rates) and its social mission (to widen participation and promote community cohesion and integration)

"Making Space for Faith", which can be downloaded from the link below, presents research findings from surveys, consultation meetings, interviews and a national call for evidence. It is published jointly by NEAFE and the Centre for Excellence in Leadership, and has been commended by he Minister of State for Lifelong learning and Universities, Bill Rammell M.P. Its findings, recommendations and conclusions highlight

  • the views of students, staff and stakeholders on issues concerning values, beliefs and faiths, particularly in relation to curriculum and personal entitlement, and in relation to the sector's role in community cohesion
  • examples of good existing practice in addressing these issues that will assist governing bodies and college staff in their implementation of multi-faith student support
  • actions that could be taken by government and their strategic, funding and delivery agencies as well as by colleges and work-based learning providers to ensure that respect for issues of diversity in 21st century British society is strengthened and enhanced

Click the link to download the pdf file, "Making Space for Faith".