Our Special Interest Group (SIG) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and dynamic community of researchers, educators, and scholars who are deeply passionate about the critical intersection of Religions, Values, and Education. Our primary aim is to provide a dedicated platform within BERA for researchers to share their valuable insights, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions surrounding the important field of religious and moral education. Through our SIG, we strive to create an environment that encourages collaboration and the exploration of diverse perspectives. By doing so, we aim to facilitate the dissemination of innovative research findings and contribute to the broader academic community’s understanding and appreciation of the significance of religious and moral education within the realm of educational research and practice. We pride ourselves on adopting an inclusive approach that values and embraces multidisciplinary perspectives. We recognize that religious and moral education is a complex and multifaceted domain that intersects with various disciplines, cultures, and contexts. Additionally we work collaboratively with other SIGs includingEducational Technology, Sexualities and Gender, Race, Ethnicity and Education, and Philosophy of Education.

Research interests:

• Curriculum Development
• Religious Identity and Pluralism
• Moral Education and Ethical Development
• Teacher Education and Professional Development
• Interdisciplinary Perspectives
• International and Comparative Studies
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Policy and Practice
• Prevent Policy, Anti-terrorism and Radicalisation

SIG aims:

• Foster a Research Community: Creating a platform within BERA for scholars of Religions, Values, and Education to collaborate, share findings, and inspire innovative ideas.
• Amplify Key Topics: Promoting greater visibility and significance of issues pertaining to Religions, Values, and Education across the British Educational Research Association and the wider academic landscape. 
• Champion Research Engagement: Facilitating the acknowledgment and exploration of research in these domains through our annual conference, hosting seminars, and promoting research papers in esteemed journals like BERJ and other relevant publications.

SIG Convenors are volunteers whose main role is to co-ordinate, oversee and develop the mission and activities of each particular SIG. 

If you would like to be considered, key aspects of the Convenors’ role include:

• Preparing text for a regular (ideally once per term) newsletter to SIG members.
• Hosting at least one annual SIG forum meeting for all members (organised via the BERA office)
• Encouraging submissions of individual papers and symposia for BERA conference.
• Reviewing abstracts or acting as a third reviewer.
• Grouping together abstracts for the conference.
• Succession planning.
• SIG events
• SIG Forum Meetings
• BERA Conference
• Social media

If multiple expressions of interest are received an election may be run.

By agreeing to assume a position of SIG convenor, individuals are committing to fulfilling the responsibilities and obligations that go with that role. SIG Convenors are expected to exercise their own judgment to meet the requirements listed in BERA guidance and to seek further advice from the BERA Office if in any doubt on any of these matters. If any procedures are not followed then BERA reserves the right to take whatever action may be necessary to protect BERA’s legal, financial and reputational position.

If multiple expressions of interest are received an election may be run.

This role is intended to serve a 3 year term, finishing 30 September 2027

The deadline to apply is Monday 22nd January 2024

Please click above to apply.

As part of our wider commitment to greater equality and diversity at all levels of the organisation, we continue to seek increased representation from members with a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background. In acknowledging the structural inequalities and unjust power imbalances that affect our members, we wish to be proactive in addressing this within our own structures.