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For details about the Executive - click
here
How
did NASACRE start?
In
March 1993, representatives of SACREs met to set up and formally constitute
a National Association of SACREs. This followed the implications of
the Education Reform Act [ERA 1988] and the new powers and responsibilities
entrusted to the local SACREs. The new National Association (NASACRE)
was launched in 1993 in the House of Lords in the presence of religious
leaders and the then Minister of State for Education, Baroness Blatch.
For
the launch, the National Association published its aims and has subsequently
developed a mission statement. These continue to provide the focus NASACRE's
programmes and activities.
How
does NASACRE work?
NASACRE
has a constitution, which recognises primary powers to the affiliated
SACREs. On behalf of the affiliated SACREs the National Association
has an Executive Committee comprising:
1.
A Chair, Deputy Chair, Secretary and Treasurer - all are elected at
the AGM for a two year term
2. 8 people elected for between one and three years at the AGM
3. Up to 3 co-opted members.
Currently
Honorary officers, elected members and co-opted members are listed in
a regular termly newsletter, SACRE news, which is usually distributed
after the Executive Committee has met.
How
is NASACRE financed?
The
National Association is a non-profit making organisation which is financed
by affiliation fees from SACREs and subscriptions to public meetings.
It aims to raise sufficient monies to pay for speakers and meeting places
and to meet its own, internal, running costs.
What
does NASACRE do?
| (a) |
Services you can receive from NASACRE: Currently they fall into
four different categories: |
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| (i) |
The
AGMs which, in addition to the necessary business items, usually
host a keynote speaker, of national standing, on a contemporary
RE issue. |
| (ii)
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Occasional
Forums where major RE issues are presented by a range of speakers.
They have included school pupils as well as national figures in
RE affairs. Distinct from the AGMs, the forums allow more time for
discussion and sharing. |
| (iii) |
A
newsletter covering both national issues and news from local SACREs.
We aim to produce this each term and it is sent to all member-SACREs. |
| (iv) |
Access
to all officers, and both elected and co-opted members of the executive. |
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| (b) |
What
does the executive do on your behalf? |
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| (i) |
The
Executive Committee meets each term to plan events and discuss issues
as they arise |
| (ii) |
Officers
represent the interests of SACREs at meetings of the DfES, QCA and
RE Council of England and Wales. |
| (iii) |
The
Association holds membership of the RE Education Council of England
and Wales and the Inter-Faith Network UK. |
| (iv) |
Officers
are invited to national conferences, seminars and discussion groups
and to contribute to national initiatives such as the non-statutory
National Framework for Religious Education. |
| (v) |
The
Executive Committee has close links with the association of RE Inspectors,
Advisers and Consultants (AREIAC) and the Professional Council for
RE (PCfRE) |
The
Aims of the Association
The
following statements represent an interpretation by the Committee of
the aims of the Association, which appears in clause 2 of the constitution,
namely to:
| (a) |
assist SACREs to fulfil their responsibilities; |
| (b) |
represent
their common concerns to other bodies; |
| (c)
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assist
in the training and mutual consultation of SACRE members; |
| (d) |
encourage
the development of the SACREs; |
| (e) |
undertake
such other activities, appropriate to SACREs, as may benefit RE
and collective worship. |
Mission
Statement
- NASACRE
exists to strengthen local SACREs and to support them in carrying
out all their responsibilities
- NASACRE
stands for the value of RE within the whole school curriculum by supporting
RE, which is determined locally
- NASACRE
considers that the work of SACREs and the Agreed Syllabus Conferences
should involve genuine consultation at the local level with faith
communities and teachers
- NASACRE
seeks to maintain and develop lines of communication with the DfES
and other relevant bodies
- NASACRE
seeks to promote inter-faith understanding and sensitivity
- NASACRE
seeks to strengthen RE by promoting the key role of well-qualified
teachers and advisers in all areas and facets of the subject
- NASACRE
seeks to promote professional development in RE through initial teacher
training and in-service training
- NASACRE
campaigns for adequate levels of resourcing to achieve these aims
- NASACRE
intends to play a key role in any future debates about the place of
RE and collective worship in school.
Constitution
1.
The Name of the Association: The name of the Association
shall be the National Association of Standing Advisory Councils on Religious
Education.
2.
The Aims of the Association
To
assist the SACREs to fulfil their responsibilities
to
represent their common concerns to other bodies
To
assist in the training and mutual consultation of SACRE members
To
encourage the development of SACREs
To
undertake such other activities, appropriate to SACREs, as may benefit
RE and collective worship
3.
Basis of membership and Duties: Each SACRE shall be invited
to pass a resolution recommending its LEA to approve affiliation with
the association. The representatives of each SACRE affiliated to the
association constitute the Council.
Each affiliated SACRE shall be entitled to send any number of representatives
to the meetings of the Council, but on any matter on which the Council
takes a vote, each affiliated SACRE shall be entitled to cast one vote
only.
The Council shall be responsible for review and amendment of the Constitution,
as appropriate.
A majority of two thirds of the Council shall be necessary for any amendment
to the Constitution.
The Council shall meet at least once annually and shall be deemed to
be quorate when one quarter of affiliated SACREs is represented.
4.
The Honorary Officers: These shall be elected for a period
of office determined by the Council (determined as "two years"
at the AGM on 9 July 1994 Min 94.5) and shall compromise:
The
Chair
The
Deputy Chair
The
Secretary
The
Treasurer
5.
The executive Committee:
The Executive Committee shall comprises the elected Honorary Officers
together with no more than eight other members elected by the Council.
The Committee shall have the power to co-opt up to three additional
members.
The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the planning of other
activities and events in fulfilment of the aims of the Association.
6.
Subscription and Finance:
There shall be an affiliation fee, which shall be fixed from time to
time by the Council. It is currently £75 per annum.
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