by James Lewis, Premier
Faith groups have been encouraged to strengthen collaboration with local councils, to reach the vulnerable and develop rapid responses to crises.
An independent study of Faith Covenants, first established in 2013 to build trust with local government and recognise the role faith providers play in their communities, has found the agreements have strengthened relationships and provide a framework for collaboration.
The evaluation found Covenants had promoted effective and quick responses in moments of crisis, such as the Covid pandemic and community tension.
There are now 33 Covenants in place, covering 12 million people in Britain, having been introduced by the organisation FaithAction and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Faith and Society. The review, undertaken by the Centre for Inclusive Education and Coventry University, was unveiled at a Westminster event on Tuesday.