The following examples illustrate the Civil Service’s commitment to promoting equality for people of all religions and beliefs:
- We issue Office Notices reminding staff of major religious festivals, and to consider the needs of their colleagues.
- We have developed guidance for staff and managers, to provide advice on the major world religions and what these mean for people who follow them.
- We encourage managers to be flexible regarding ‘privilege’ days for those not celebrating events such as Easter and Christmas.
- We ask staff before they attend a training course/conference whether they have any special needs – e.g. dietary requirements.
- We encourage staff networks for different religions.
- We provide accommodation for prayer or ‘quiet’ rooms for use by staff of all faiths.
The Welsh Assembly is currently assisting the Cabinet Office with a project to survey the religion and belief of civil servants in a number of departments and agencies.
Following the pilot project and further discussion with departments, a recommendation will be made on how we should be monitoring religion and belief across the Civil Service.
HM Land Registry guidance
HM Land Registry has issued a booklet to its staff, designed to provide some general guidance on a range of world religions. This is available for anyone to download, and should give a better understanding of different faiths and cultures.