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Quick start guide for SACRE officers

Advice about the three pivotal functions in the support of a SACRE – the Clerk, the RE Professional and the LA Officer

The role of the Local Authority in Supporting the SACRE

The responsibilities of the Local Authority (LA) to its SACRE are to:

  • Ensure there is a SACRE
  • Ensure all four groups are appropriately represented
  • Establish an Agreed Syllabus Conference (ASC) and appoint members
  • Ensure there is an Agreed Syllabus, reviewed every five years
  • Ensure funds and support are in place for SACRE and ASC to fulfil their duties
  • Take note of and respond to advice from the SACRE

‘Sufficient funding’ for the SACRE may vary, but should not be less than:

  • Clerking support for 3–6 SACRE meetings per year
  • Specialist RE advice and support for 3–6 meetings
  • Support from the Clerk and LA Officer
  • Support for any recommendations arising from meetings
  • Preparation, publication and distribution of minutes
  • Ensuring an annual report is received by the DfE and key partners

Each SACRE must publish an annual report for the Secretary of State.

The role of the Local Authority in Supporting the ASC

SACREs should require the LA to convene an ASC during syllabus review. The ASC:

  • Is a separate body from SACRE
  • Needs the same level of support
  • Must meet regularly during the review period
  • Must be clerked professionally
  • Produces minutes that are legal documents
  • Requires LA funding for writing, consulting, publishing and training

‘Sufficient funding’ for the ASC within a five‑year cycle should not be less than:

  • Clerking support for 3–6 ASC meetings
  • Specialist RE advice for ASC meetings
  • Specialist RE advice for reviewing the syllabus
  • Preparing and publishing the new syllabus and disseminating it to schools

The role of the Clerk to the SACRE and ASC

The Clerk is often the first point of contact for communities and organisations.

Responsibilities

The Clerk should:

  • Arrange, attend and clerk SACRE/ASC meetings
  • Produce and circulate minutes and agendas
  • Ensure papers are circulated in advance
  • Advise on meeting dates (avoiding clashes with religious holidays or council meetings)
  • Arrange venues and equipment
  • Remind members about reports and deadlines
  • Circulate additional papers from NASACRE, REC, Ofsted etc.
  • Work closely with Chair, RE Professional and other officers
  • Be first point of contact for members, faith communities and the public
  • Respond to queries and alert Chair/Adviser when needed
  • Maintain membership lists and attendance
  • Liaise with nominating bodies
  • Contribute information for the Annual Report
  • Issue induction packs for new members
  • Liaise with LA departments and keep officers informed
  • Ensure SACRE publications are circulated
  • Liaise with legal/committee services on governance
  • Pass on invoices for payment

The role of the RE Professional Adviser to the SACRE

In some LAs this role is provided by a consultant. They must work closely with the Clerk and LA Officer.

Responsibilities

The RE Adviser should:

  • Attend all SACRE/ASC meetings and help prepare agendas
  • Advise SACRE on issues relating to its work
  • Ensure SACRE is up to date with local, regional and national RE developments
  • Relate SACRE’s work to wider community issues
  • Lead on Agreed Syllabus, RE and collective worship matters
  • Produce reports to meet deadlines
  • Support SACRE members’ development
  • Manage and deliver training for SACRE members and teachers
  • Manage sub‑groups and working parties
  • Ensure SACRE publications are circulated
  • Produce reports to the Council when changes are required
  • Draft and edit the Annual Report and other publications
  • Update relevant websites
  • Lead on monitoring, including school visits and exam analysis

The role of the Local Authority Officer to the SACRE

This role is vital, especially where the Clerk or RE Professional is external.

The LA Officer:

  • Provides links with council processes and departments
  • Ensures effective communication with schools
  • Provides SACRE with information about local schools
  • Links SACRE to budget processes and council initiatives (e.g., Prevent)
  • Supports the RE Professional with access to school data and LA staff
  • Ensures SACRE can perform its statutory duties
  • Provides additional support during an ASC