Religion in the Workplace

I have studied religion and religions in the UK’s urban spaces and written extensively on various elements of religion. I am widely recognised as one of the founders and key thinkers in the area of lived religion, placing the emphasis on the way in which individuals, groups and communities live out their religion in their everyday lives.

I have also been involved in programmes to encourage religious literacy among leaders in Higher Education, studies of the management of religion and the facilitation of difficult conversations between religious communities.

Religion is one of the protected characteristics in the 2010 Equalities Act that universities, alongside other public institutions and large scale employers find particularly difficult to address. The recent concerns over Antisemitism and Islamophobia have only add to the unease that many managers face when approaching questions of religion within the workplace.

I can bring considerable knowledge and experience to advise and work with institutions as they explore the particular issues relevant to their organisation.

I can offer the following specific services:

Training (Religious Literacy, Religion in the Workplace)

I am happy to lead or to facilitate training sessions for leaders or others within the institution around the themes of religious literacy, religion in the workplace or religious abuse. I would be happy to discuss the kind of programme that is being looked for and to front a session, or series of sessions as appropriate.

I can also contribute to wider EDI programmes providing a particular focus on religion, advise on how an organisation, or the welfare or education teams, might engage with those of different religious heritages, and facilitate consultations with those of particular faiths, or from different faith groups across the institution.

Chaplaincy

I have experience of working with colleagues in a wide range of different chaplaincies and have offered talks and engagement in conferences on the nature of chaplaincy within higher education.

I would be happy to lead a review of chaplaincy services, act as an advisor on restructuring or a widening of religious representation within chaplaincies and take the role of critical friend to chaplaincies who are exploring their own work and futures.

Conducting Difficult Conversations

I have enabled and facilitated difficult or delicate conversations on or around religion in a number of very different contexts. I understand the language of religion, I listen critically and I can identify and allow space for specific concerns and issues that may be missed by those without the experience of working with religious communities.

Please do get in touch whether you simply wish to discuss how to manage a particular issues or concern within your institution, or if you wish to enable a wider discussion across the organisation.

Contact me at martinstringer62@outlook.com