Faith and belief engagement strategy

Aims and outcomes

Our engagement strategy aims to allow Scottish Government to:

1. Gain a more accurate picture of faith and belief across Scotland.

The Scottish Government has a more detailed picture of faith and belief in Scotland and uses this to inform policy development. The Scottish Government's own collection and analysis of data on faith and belief is improved, and helps to inform our future approach to faith and belief communities.

2. Develop improved external engagement with faith and belief groups.

Scottish Government's engagement with faith and belief communities is widened such that the diverse voices of Scotland's faith and belief communities are heard. There is fair and proportionate representation for faith and belief communities in Scottish Government engagement.

3. Develop internal engagement on faith and belief in Scottish Government.

Religious literacy across Scottish Government is improved, with Scottish Government officials and Ministers having a more nuanced and detailed understanding of the diverse faith and belief communities in Scotland.

4. Review funding for faith and belief groups.

A review of Scottish Government funding to faith and belief organisations helps to identify overlap, gaps and potential for new funding. Faith and belief communities are better signposted towards relevant funding opportunities and future funds are designed with clearer understanding around the eligibility of faith and belief organisations.

5. Develop its interfaith and multi-faith approach to community cohesion.

Interfaith work across Scotland continues to promote meaningful interactions and dialogue between different faith and belief groups, supporting safe and resilient communities. Multi-faith collaboration is more widespread in the delivery of community projects. The faith and belief representatives group is a vehicle for interfaith relations and promotion of multi-faith projects at a strategic level.

6. Improve the EQIA process in assessing impacts for faith and belief communities in Scotland.

The impact of proposed new or revised policies or practices on faith and belief communities is given due regard in the EQIA process addressing protected characteristics, including that of religion or belief, contributing to better outcomes. Faith and belief is embedded within Scottish Government's work to mainstream equality and there is earlier participation for faith and belief communities in contributing to policy development. Dialogue takes place with faith and belief communities about the range of other protected characteristics alongside religion or belief.