Block 3 Structures and processes which support dialogue and social action

This Building Block explores how we can work together with national, regional and local organisations to:

• Strengthen existing ways of bringing people together within local communities and supporting the development of formal and informal structures and processes where these do not yet exist
• Ensure that structures are effective in engaging a broad cross section of people from within the local community and result in real and positive change

Research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that "one of the strongest indicators of increasing bridging and linking social capital has been the rapid growth of formal and informal associational structures within and between faith communities and the increasing connections with wider civil society" (JRF 2006).

Where these work well, they can lead to positive and enduring relationships developing between people from different backgrounds - including people with different religions and beliefs and those with none. Responses to the consultation revealed a wide range of formal and informal structures and processes including organisations, groups, forums, meetings, visits, sporting and cultural events which are proving effective in bringing people from different faith backgrounds together.

In many places different structures have evolved to carry out different activities. These include inter faith dialogue, promoting understanding of shared values, mobilising community involvement in social action, or acting as a consultative body to feed community views into decision making by the local authority.

The consultation also asked what was needed to strengthen existing structures and develop and support them where they do not exist. The answers included:

• increase awareness of organisations/structures, the roles they play and their achievements
• improve information flows between national, regional and local bodies
• improve representation and governance arrangements
• support more strategic working with statutory bodies and the wider third sector
• identify routes towards sustainability
• ensure structures are not seen as an end in themselves, but rather bring about increased dialogue and social action involving people from different backgrounds within the local community
• supporting inter and multi faith activity in areas with little apparent diversity

The respondents to the consultation were clear that faith leaders have an important role to play in encouraging people to get involved in dialogue and social action. In keeping with the core principle of Choice, the Framework recognises, and supports the right of partners and communities to choose how to organise themselves. They value existing effective arrangements and want to support the sharing of good practice.

The role of the Regional Forums of Faiths is clearly recognised, particularly in:

• linking local inter and multi faith structures by acting as a "hub" or focal point in the region; supporting the development of networks and partnership approaches; and sharing effective practice
• creating strong links to regional governance and strategies enabling faith communities to make a positive contribution
• encouraging faith communities to take part in local and regional inter faith and multi faith activity

Government will work in partnership with Regional Forums of Faiths, the Inter Faith Network UK, the Faith Based Regeneration Network UK, the Community Development Foundation and Government Offices to build upon the existing achievements of the Regional Forums and further develop their capacity to act as a resource for local projects and groups and to encourage complementary working at national, regional and local levels.

To support this, Government will provide a three year package of investment and support for Regional Faith Forums - worth £1.89m from 2008 to 2011. In December 2007, the North West Development Agency took on the new RDA lead role for faith nationally.

In addition to the package of investment and support for Regional Forums of Faiths, Government will support formal or informal local structures and processes which support dialogue and social action through the Faiths in Action Fund.

A key role is envisaged for local authorities and the full report of research carried out by the Local Government Association in partnership with the Inter Faith Network for the UK on the extent and nature of existing local authority involvement with faith communities, is eagerly awaited.