The newsletter provides information on: 1. Upcoming multi-faith training opportunities, including a chaplaincy course in Bolton and the fbfe summer conference in York. 2. New research projects on multi-faith spaces and integrating SMSC (spiritual, moral, social, cultural values) into the curriculum. 3. Updates on the NUS Student Inter-Faith Project and the Worcester Diocese FE Project. 4. Details of upcoming regional fbfe forums in the Southwest, Southeast, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Merseyside areas.

1. FIFE NEWSLETTER
FAITH in FURTHER EDUCATION
May 2010
Dear Colleagues,
We hope all is well with you and your colleges. This issue of FIFE contains information relating
to important new(ish) projects/events, including:
• Multi-faith spaces – research project
• Bolton multi-faith chaplaincy training (21-25 June 2010) ~ see attached
flyer
• NUS Student Inter-Faith Project
• Worcester Diocese FE Project
Please do consider getting in touch with the relevant people if you think you can contribute to
these ventures. The summer conference (6-8 July 2010 in York) is heading towards half-full
status so please get your booking form in as soon as possible (send completed forms to
Carole Brown – carole.brown@c-of-e.org.uk)
As some of you will already know, Harjinder Singh will be leaving the fbfe team at the end of
May and moving to Belgium. Harjinder has made a tremendous contribution to our work as
National Development Officer and previously as Chair of Faiths in FE Forum. He will be greatly
missed! At the recent fbfe AGM members joined in tributes to Harjinder and presented him
with a leaving gift. We hope to remain in e-mail contact with Harjinder once he is established in
his new location.
With all good wishes,
John Breadon and John Wise
In this issue:
1. VBF (values, beliefs & faiths) Issues and Resources
2. AFAN News
3. CPD & Training Matters
4. fbfe Forum
5. Job Vacancy ~ Training & Development Adviser
AN ECUMENICAL AND MULTI-FAITH INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY THE CHURCHES’ NATIONAL FE TEAM / fbfe
1

2. AN ECUMENICAL AND MULTI-FAITH INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY THE CHURCHES’ NATIONAL FE TEAM / fbfe
2

3. 1. VBF (values, beliefs & faiths) Issues and Resources
▪ SMSC Guidance from LSIS
fbfe is now planning a series of events to promote the SMSC Guidance. The first of these will be
the fbfe National Conference at Friends Meeting House, Euston, on 13 October. Please note
this date in your diaries. Further details will follow later (Booking Form attached). After the
National Conference there will be a series of regional meetings between October and February.
Dates and venues will be announced during the summer. In the meanwhile, the direct link is:
http://www.lsis.org.uk/Services/Publications/Pages/SMSC-Report.aspx
A hard copy was included in the recent mailing pack sent to the network’s FE College
Chaplaincy Teams: one per college, free of charge (there will be a small charge for any additional
copies requested). Please contact Carole Brown (carole.brown@c-of-e.org.uk)
▪ ‘Multi-faith Spaces: Symptoms and Agents of Social and
Political Change’ – new project
From Dr. Chris Hewson, Research Associate:
We are writing to you with details of our new research project – ‘Multi-Faith Spaces: Symptoms
and Agents of Social and Political Change’ – an assessment of the design, maintenance,
perception and effects of Multi-Faith Spaces (henceforth, MFS).
We are in the early stages of our investigation and are currently seeking to:
(1) locate a wide range of MFS to visit and survey;
(2) speak with individuals who are (or have been) involved in their
design and management;
(3) locate and evaluate key documents and materials.
Please email us if you are interested in taking part in this research or require any further
information. We will then contact you to arrange a conversation, interview or visit (as
appropriate). Additionally, if you could send us any of the following, it would be greatly
appreciated:
(1) nominations for MFS that could be included in this research
(including your own);
(2) an indication of whether you wish to receive further updates about
this project;
(3) any documents or photographs you think may be of interest to our
research team.
Further information is available below and on our website at www.manchester.ac.uk/mfs where
we outline the project and our dissemination strategy in more detail. Full contact details
(alongside Twitter and Blog Feeds) can also be found on the site. Finally, please forward this
email to any other parties you think may be interested in taking part.
Kind regards
Chris
AN ECUMENICAL AND MULTI-FAITH INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY THE CHURCHES’ NATIONAL FE TEAM / fbfe
3

4. Dr. Chris Hewson
Manchester Architecture Research Centre
The University of Manchester,
Humanities Bridgeford Street Building,
Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL
Email: mfs@manchester.ac.uk
Phone: 0161 275 0318 / Mob/Text: 07757 723148 / Fax: 0161 275 6893
FURTHER DETAILS
DEFINITIONS: Our aim at this early stage is to keep the term
‘multi-faith space’ as open as possible, in order to consider and assess
as many examples as we can. Examples of MFS include – but are certainly
not limited to – rooms within: airports, hospitals, prisons, schools,
universities, crematoria, shopping centres, public buildings, etc. These
might be designated ‘prayer’ rooms, or might exist to facilitate a more
varied array of functions. At this latter end of the spectrum exist a
number of specialised examples, including multi-faith centres where
different religions have their own sacred space(s), alongside collective
facilities for secular purposes.
FUNDING: The project is being undertaken by the Manchester Architecture
Research Centre (MARC) at the University of Manchester (UK). It runs
from 2010-2012 and is funded through the Arts and Humanities Research
Council (AHRC) ‘Religion and Society’ research programme. The project
has received ethical clearance from the University of Manchester
(specifics available on request). The principle investigators are
Dr. Ralf Brand and Dr Andrew Crompton, the theological associate is
Revd. Dr. Terry Biddington and the researcher is Dr Chris Hewson.
LOGISTICS: The first phase of the project will examine at least 48
separate MFS (including 12 from outside the UK). We aim to document
these spaces through measured drawings, wide-angled photography and
detailed research into the history of their formation. During this
process our intention is to interview as wide a range of individuals as
possible, particularly those involved in the design, formation and
management of MFS. Subsequently, we will select a number of these spaces
for more in-depth research, looking at both ongoing development(s) and
day-to-day usage. Within this stage we will also seek to interview MFS
users.
▪ NUS Student Inter-Faith Project
NUS Student Inter-Faith Project is a two year project (October 2009 – September 2011) which
aims to improve the experiences of students of faith at further and higher education by
increasing the students' union’s awareness of the needs of students of faith through support,
information and training, developing strong inter-faith collaboration between students to
enhance campus cohesion, creating space for inter-faith dialogue and activities.
AN ECUMENICAL AND MULTI-FAITH INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY THE CHURCHES’ NATIONAL FE TEAM / fbfe
4

5. At FE this will include:
- information and training for students’ unions on how to support students of faith and
improve their experiences whilst at college
- increasing understanding and awareness about inter-faith to students’ unions –
encouraging them to work with chaplaincy and student services to organise events and
projects for inter-faith week and beyond
- a resource for students’ unions including example activities and information on how to
organise successful inter-faith events
Kathryn Luckock is the Student Inter-Faith Co-ordinator delivering this project and can be
contacted at Kat.Luckock@nus.org.uk or by phone on 02073 806662. Please don’t hesitate to
contact her with any queries regarding the project or for help working with the students’ union
at your college.
Kathryn would like to receive any case studies or examples of inter-faith events or projects you
have run at your college, to use in a resource for students’ unions. She would also be interested
to hear about any ideas you have regarding additional resources students’ unions at FE might
require in relation to students of faith and running inter-faith activities.
About NUS
The National Union of Students (NUS) was set up as an association of students’ unions in 1922.
Today NUS is one of the largest student organisations in the world, representing the interests
of seven million students in further and higher education in the UK. Over 600 students’ unions
throughout the country are affiliated and we employ more than 100 staff to service the needs of
students and Students’ Unions. NUS is committed to improving the lives and experiences of
students in the UK, ensuring their voices are heard and effectively represented.
▪ Worcester Diocese FE Project update
Peter Brownjohn was appointed as project consultant in November 2008 and has since been
working on a part time basis to encourage the development of this work. Contact has been
made with over 70 organisations and valuable links built. Almost every Chapter meeting in the
Diocese has been visited and multiple visits have been made to all 14 colleges in the Diocese.
The interest in, and response to, this project has significantly exceeded expectations. The
opportunities that are opening up are diverse and positive. However, the key is the partnerships
that are being developed between students and staff at every level in colleges and the faith group
leaders and representatives in the local communities. A few examples of developments include:
• survey work done with students in some colleges by faith group representatives and
others on the nature of faith and belief and chaplaincy work;
• sharing of a range of resources with colleges to help support this kind of work;
• the interest and practical support of a wide range of agencies, e.g. Saltmine Trust,
Green Light forum, Street Pastors, West Midlands Police, Inter faith Networks, etc.;
• a networking conference attended by 47 delegates from every college and almost every
deanery;
• already 17 volunteers have been identified who have expressed an interest in chaplaincy/
multi-faith support work in our FE colleges, to complement the work of clergy and
other faith group leaders.
For more information about the project and to find out how you can get
involved, please contact Peter Brownjohn on 01384 400684 or 07759 831896.
AN ECUMENICAL AND MULTI-FAITH INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY THE CHURCHES’ NATIONAL FE TEAM / fbfe
5

6. 2. AFAN News
▪ Research Project
AFAN has been awarded a grant from the St Gabriel’s Trust for a research project to examine
best practice in integrating SMSC into curriculum or tutorial provision. The aim will be to
identify the most effective methods (using mainly AFAN approaches and material) and to
develop a guide for teachers and tutors. A number of colleges have already expressed an
interest in acting as trialling sites for the project but if you would be interested in learning more
or getting involved, please contact the Research Worker, Elina Wright (who will be at the FE
Summer Conference) at: general@afan.uk.net
▪ Staff Development Workshops
There has been a very good response to our contacts with colleges (mostly those without
chaplaincies) as part of the joint strategy agreed with fbfe and the chaplaincy network to help
colleges implement the LSIS SMSC Guidance. Most dates we had available during College Annual
CPD weeks later in the Summer term are already taken. There are a few dates left in July so get
in touch if your college would be interested. Contact Navleen Kaur: navleenk@gmail.com
▪ Website
New stuff available this month includes:
Xbox Shockers
Not for the faint-hearted but these clips can shock a group into an in-depth discussion. Topics
are Violence and ‘Life is too Short’
http://www.afan.uk.net/stuff/theme/identity/xbox-advert-life-short
How biased are you?
Video of song and class activity on bias and prejudice: http://www.afan.uk.net/node/add/story
Outrageous and Proud
Gay campaigner, Peter Tatchell, on his 20 year battle with the Church and with prejudice:
http://www.afan.uk.net/stuff/world-views/christian/outrageous-and-proud
AN ECUMENICAL AND MULTI-FAITH INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY THE CHURCHES’ NATIONAL FE TEAM / fbfe
6

7. 3. CPD and Training Matters
▪ FE Chaplaincy/Values, Beliefs & Faiths: Summer Conference
2010
Date: 6-8 July 2010
Venue: York St John University
Cost: £175 (whole event fee)
Booking Form/Programme attached: Please complete the Booking Form and return it
to Carole Brown: carole.brown@c-of-e.org.uk
▪ Chaplaincy Course (Bolton, 21-25 June 2010)
Date: 21-25 June 2010
Venue: The University of Bolton + Bolton Mosque and Church
Cost: £150 (volunteers £75) for the five days
For more information, please see attached flyer
▪ More Dates for your Diary
October 20 (1pm – 4pm)
Diocese of Hereford & Hereford Sixth Form College are planning a half-day conference: ‘What
should an educated 19-yr-old look like today?’ More details to follow.
Invitation from Julian Bond, Director, Christian Muslim Forum
Dear Friends
I am sending this email to let you know about some forthcoming Christian Muslim Forum events
Men's Retreat 4 June 2010 Our first event in Wales
Friends and Neighbours 30 June 2010 A West Midlands Event
I hope that you will be interested in attending one of these. For more details and booking
information, please contact:
Julian Bond
Director
Christian Muslim Forum
Ground Floor, 70 South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, London SW8 1RL
Office 0207 820 0444, Home Office 0845 313 8401
Fax 0207 840 5811, Mobile 07813 018450
www.christianmuslimforum.org
AN ECUMENICAL AND MULTI-FAITH INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY THE CHURCHES’ NATIONAL FE TEAM / fbfe
7

8. AN ECUMENICAL AND MULTI-FAITH INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY THE CHURCHES’ NATIONAL FE TEAM / fbfe
8

9. 4. fbfe Forum
fbfe South West Regional Forum
Facilitated by Jafar Mirza, fbfe Regional Development Officer
Date: Tuesday 8th June 2010
Timing: 10.30-2.30pm (Lunch will be provided)
Venue: Hosted by the University of the West of England, The Octagon Chaplaincy Centre,
Frenchay Campus, Cold Harbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY
Contact on the day: Colin McArthur 07767 893044
For further information and to book a place, contact Jennifer Roberts at
info@fbfe.org.uk
fbfe South East Regional Forum
Facilitated by Jafar Mirza, fbfe Regional Development Officer
Date: Wednesday16th June 2010
Timing: 10.30am- 2.30pm (Lunch will be provided)
Venue: Hosted by Guildford College
Contact on the day: Susan Wheeler
For further information and to book a place, contact Jennifer Roberts at
info@fbfe.org.uk
fbfe Greater Manchester FE Chaplaincy Forum
Facilitated by Gurdev Singh Bal, fbfe Regional Development Officer
Date: Tuesday 14th September 2010
Timing: 12.15-2.30pm
Venue: Hosted by The Manchester College (Openshaw Site)
Contact on the day: Jamie Mackenzie and Scott Fellows
For further information contact Gurdev Singh Bal at
gsb@walsall1.orangehome.co.uk or info@fbfe.org.uk
fbfe Lancashire FE Faith Awareness Forum
Facilitated by Gurdev Singh Bal, fbfe Regional Development Officer
Date: Thursday 16th September 2010
Timing: 12.00noon-3.00pm
Venue: Hosted by Nelson & Colne College
Contact on the day: Amir
For further information contact Gurdev Singh Bal at
gsb@walsall1.orangehome.co.uk or info@fbfe.org.uk
AN ECUMENICAL AND MULTI-FAITH INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY THE CHURCHES’ NATIONAL FE TEAM / fbfe
9

10. fbfe Merseyside FE Chaplaincy Forum
Facilitated by Gurdev Singh Bal, fbfe Regional Development Officer
Date: Thursday 23rd September 2010
Timing: 12.15-2.30pm
Venue: Hosted by Hugh Baird College
Contact on the day: Monica Weld-Richards
For further information contact Gurdev Singh Bal at
gsb@walsall1.orangehome.co.uk or info@fbfe.org.uk
fbfe Cumbria FE & HE Forum
Facilitated by Gurdev Singh Bal, fbfe Regional Development Officer
Date: Wednesday 6th October 2010
Timing: 12.15-2.30pm
Venue: Hosted by Carlisle College
Contact on the day: Christine and David
For further information contact Gurdev Singh Bal at
gsb@walsall1.orangehome.co.uk or info@fbfe.org.uk
fbfe Annual Conference
The fbfe annual conference 2010 will be held at Friends Meeting House, Euston on
13 October. The theme for this year's conference will be the recently published LSIS
guidance on spiritual, moral, social and cultural (smsc) development for the FE sector.
We are delighted that the conference this year will be supported and covered by FE
Focus
The conference programme will include
• Plenary presentations on the smsc guidance
• A round table discussion on smsc with high profile speakers on smsc
development and its implementation in FE
• Workshops on the implementation of the guidance and good practice in smsc
education delivery
To book your place at the conference please return the attached form by email to
Jennifer Roberts at info@fbfe.org.uk or fax on 020 7898 1520.
AN ECUMENICAL AND MULTI-FAITH INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY THE CHURCHES’ NATIONAL FE TEAM / fbfe
10

11. fbfe North West SMSC Guidance Masterclass (with LSIS)
Date: Thursday 21st October 2010
Timing: 10.00am-1.00pm
Venue: Hosted by Runshaw College
Contact on the day: Polly Mason
fbfe North East SMSC Guidance Masterclass (with LSIS)
Date: Wednesday 3rd November 2010
Timing: 10.00am-1.00pm
Venue: Hosted by Stockton Riverside College
Contact on the day: Miriam Stanton / Pauline Smith
fbfe West Midlands SMSC Guidance Masterclass (with LSIS)
Date: Thursday 4th November 2010
Timing: 10.00am-1.00pm
Venue: Hosted by City of Wolverhampton College
Contact on the day: Paul Benton
For further information and to book a place at the above events, please contact
Jennifer Roberts at info@fbfe.org.uk
For more details on these events please see the website www.fbfe.org.uk
AN ECUMENICAL AND MULTI-FAITH INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY THE CHURCHES’ NATIONAL FE TEAM / fbfe
11

12. 5. Job Vacancy
▪ Training & Development Adviser
Connect FE with spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
is seeking to appoint a
Training & Development Adviser
Salary: £22,000 per annum (pro rata)
Part Time (3 days, term time only) temporary two year post
This is a part-time post (term time only), initially for 2 years, working with
further education colleges and faith communities. The Adviser will assist
staff in planning how to meet the needs of learners in relation to spiritual,
moral, social and cultural development. The post holder will be based at
Church House, St John’s Terrace, North Shields.
For further details and an application form, please telephone or email:
Telephone: 01912704100 / Email: e.bell@newcastle.anglican.org
You will have:
• An interest in building relationships with people from a variety of faiths.
• A concern for provision of education and training in a wide context and
in particular post 16.
• Awareness of issues (and legislation) around community cohesion and
equality of religion and belief.
Closing Date: 14 June 2010 at 12 noon
Interview Date: 30 June 2010
Start Date: 1st September 2010
AN ECUMENICAL AND MULTI-FAITH INITIATIVE SUPPORTED BY THE CHURCHES’ NATIONAL FE TEAM / fbfe
12