Agenda item

Background information to the item:  Link to Circular 10/94 published by the former Welsh Office in 1994:

http://www.wasacre.org.uk/publications/wag/E-circular10-94.pdf

(a)  A request had been received from the Humanists to serve as voting members on the Gwynedd SACRE. 

(b)  The Senior Solicitor explained that local authorities had a statutory responsibility to create SACREs and the Constitution was the responsibility of the Cabinets of those Authorities; however, the SACRE could co-opt members.  Reference was made to a letter dated 3 May 2018 from Kirsty Williams, noting that Welsh Government's current view was: 

"to ensure compatibility with the Human Rights Act 1998 the provisions relating to the constitutions of SACREs and ASCs in the 1996 Act are to be interpreted as permitting the appointment of persons who represent holders of non-religious beliefs in the same way as they permit the appointment of persons who represent holders of religious beliefs..." She went on to note, "an appointment is dependent on the relevant local authority's opinion as to whether such a representative would help ensure that the relevant traditions in the local authority's area are appropriately reflected in Group A."

(c)   It was noted that the membership / constitution had not been reviewed since 1996. It was questioned whether the relevant traditions of the area were being reflected appropriately in Group A, and views were sought on the Humanists' request to be members of Group A. 

(ch) The following points were raised when discussing the above:

i.              What happened in other Authorities?

ii.             The guidance in the GCSE course was that Humanists could be invited to schools to speak.

iii.            Was Humanism a belief system, rather than a religion?

iv.           Shouldn't we welcome as much diversity as possible in Group A, bearing in mind the recent situation where there was no quorum at a meeting?

Reference was also made to the following observations - 

-       The Committee would benefit from hearing the voices of various religions in their discussions which was essential for the Religious Education Learning Field curriculum.

-       It would promote contact between Headteachers, Teachers and Pupils of various beliefs directly face-to-face.

-       It would be an opportunity to build bridges and promote a society that is more tolerant of various beliefs.

-       It was confirmed that Humanism was introduced in some of Gwynedd's schools

It was confirmed that the Wales Association of SACREs had appointed a Humanist on its Working Committee and shouldn't SACRE reflect what was being taught?

There was a need to be careful in case of giving priority to some beliefs and such requests needed to be managed carefully.  

Were there any criteria?

This was an opportunity to learn and share expertise.

Recommended: That the SACRE Committee would be favorable to evidence-based requests, with the condition that non-religious beliefs be taught in Gwynedd Schools. Referring to the specific application, it was confirmed that the inclusion of the Humanists to Group A.

It was reported that a discussion had arisen at the previous meeting regarding the possibility of inviting school pupil(s) to be a part of the current membership in order to hear the voice of the pupil. The principle was discussed for the purposes of being inclusive; however, it was noted that practical matters existed that meant that this would not be possible, such as co-travelling to meetings. Some highlighted their concern that they were not certain of their purpose as the voice of any pupil was clear in the school and it was questioned in what context the pupil would be involved in any decisions?

Recommended:         To withdraw the proposal.