Faith and Belief Policy Collective

The Collective is resourced by representatives of over 30 religion and belief groups across the UK and reflects a rich diversity of Abrahamic, Dharmic and belief traditions (including Humanists). It was initially established by the Faith & Belief Forum, and the Faiths and Civil Society Unit at Goldsmiths University of London. 

The Collective was originally convened to consider a response to the Bloom Review into How Government Engages with Faith, published in 2023 and the first ever national review of its kind. The review recognises the indispensable role faith groups play in providing vital resources and leadership for the resilience and flourishing of British society, especially in the context of COVID-19 and ongoing poverty. 

The Collective exists to provide a platform to bring collective ideas and insights from the faith & belief sector to the policymaking table and thereby act as a constructive, critical friend to improve the outcomes and rigour of policy making. 

The Collective continues to evolve its work to include four areas of engagement including: 

1. Advocacy: To project the voices of faith and belief communities in policymaking fora.  
2. Enabling: To model and influence conditions that underpin and enhance the safety of faith & belief communities, having regard for human rights and the principle of freedom of religion or belief. 
3. Trust in Institutions: To improve the faith and belief sensitivity of local government, schools, and other institutions which provide essential services.
4. Innovation: To integrate cutting-edge faith-and-belief-based practices supporting community resilience, cohesion and social flourishing into policymaking agendas at local, regional and national levels.