Faith At Work Charter
The following charter was created by a group of people from diverse faith backgrounds, who first came together to organise 'faith in the workplace' sessions at the 2023 New Organising Conference. Throughout the following year, through collaborative working meetings and get-togethers, the group came together to form the Faith and Belief Working Group within the Ella Baker School of Organising. As part of their work together, they created the Faith at Work Charter, which was launched in 2024 at the second annual New Organising Conference. You can see, and endorse, the full charter here.
The charter is designed to encourage employers to behave in a way which celebrates the diversity of beliefs that their workforce hold. A key aim is for people to be able to bring their whole self to work. When one is able to do that, it fosters a better understanding of each other’s beliefs, customs and identities, which leads to a better social environment, and greater productivity in the workplace.
If you agree with the Faith at Work Charter, then please endorse it by completing this form.
If you're interested in knowing more about, or getting involved in the Faith and Belief Working Group at the Ella Baker School of Organising, then get in touch with Mahmooda at: mahmooda.qureshi@ellabakerorganising.org.uk
The Charter
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As a company, we recognise and respect the religious faith or/and beliefs and heritage of all of our staff, visitors and clients, and will work as much as we can to maintain a workplace environment that supports the faith identity of everyone.
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We commit ourselves to the Faith Friendly Workplace charter:
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We recognise that custom and beliefs are an important part of who people are – we want to be a company where people can bring their “whole selves” to work, recognising this as a vital contributor to workplace wellbeing and effectiveness.
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We will create an environment where people can feel safe and affirmed by practising their faith and belief.
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We will challenge narratives and behaviours that undermine or demean the faith of our employees, visitors and clients.
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We will encourage people to learn from one another, where reasonably possible, to share and celebrate diverse faith customs and traditions.
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We will not make assumptions about race and religion, recognising that faith communities are racially diverse and racial communities are religiously diverse.
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We will explore how religious festivals and traditions can enrich our workplace experience, irrespective of whether people who practice that faith are part of our workforce.
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We will accommodate the faith traditions as much as we can within the constraints of good working practice, seeking to listen and give clear and honest reasons where this cannot be the case.
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We will not make assumptions about what people need or will be offended by and will engage in dialogue with our employees about their faith before making decisions.
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We will recognise that faith is integral to the identity of our customers, clients and neighbourhoods, and will seek to operate with sensitivity and openness to the needs and opportunities that arise from this.
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We recognise that a positive attitude to faith is an expression of good business practice and can have tangible benefits in a business environment.
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We will learn, inform and engage in best practice with regard to faith and belief.
Endorse the Faith At Work Charter​
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If you agree with the Faith At Work Charter, then please complete this form to endorse it.
Charter endorsed by
People:
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Ruzina Begum
Mr Anand M Pillai
Don Thompson​
Mahmooda Qureshi
Dave Law
John Page
Rabiyah Latif
Fevzi Hussein
Sajid Quayum
Iggy Pont Lezica
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Organisations:
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Mossley Hill Church, Liverpool
Thrive Together​​
Bandofla Podcast
Islamic Society of Britain
​Unison Thames Water Branch
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A mini photo gallery
of the Faith & Belief group's journey
Some of the members getting together to put the final touches on the plan for the first ever 'faith in the workplace' session, at the 2023 New Organising Conference.
Little did they know, that with the rest of the team, they would soon form the Faith and Belief Working Group, and produce their very own charter.
The first 'Faith at Work' session underway. Bringing organisers and activities together from across the country and beyond, to celebrate strengths, explore collective challenges, and discuss what needs to be done.​
With great connections forged, a group of dedicated organisers continued to meet throughout the year, inviting others to join along the way - growing the community, developing ideas and approaches, and producing the Faith at Work Charter, to support workers of all faiths and beliefs in the workplace.
This picture was taken with just some of the Working Group members on the day that the charter was first written.
Taking us up to the summer of 2024, when the Faith at Work Charter was launched at the second annual New Organising Conference.
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This year, the group will be continuing the charters' roll out, and developing their next steps in the journey. Get involved in the next chapter by emailing Mahmooda at: mahmooda.qureshi@ellabakerorganising.org.uk