The REC was delighted that the Minister for Schools, Nick Gibb MP, took up its invitation to speak at our AGM on 3^rd May. We hope that this fruitful dialogue will continue.

The text of his speech has been reproduced here.

Minister of State for Schools, Nick Gibb, has asked the Religious Education Council for England and Wales (REC) to consider excellent practice in RE teaching and present its findings in a report.  The report will consider the views of teachers, academics and faith and belief organisations. The minister has also offered support to help shape a revised RE teaching framework that ensures RE retains its academic rigour and is in step with the design and style of a National Curriculum. 

Today, the Church of England, the Catholic Church, the Buddhist, Jewish, Sikh and Muslim faiths, the British Humanist Association and professional RE teaching associations are joining forces to support a new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). When it is set up, the new APPG will focus on safeguarding the provision of RE in our schools and explore how the subject can continue to deliver a valuable dimension to the education of all children and young people.

The following committees have now been established to implement the Strategic Plan; details of their current membership and terms of reference can be found below. Each committee consists of at least two board members, and others within and beyond the REC with relevant experience and expertise to contribute.