Our Work
Below you can find more information about the key areas of work that support the mission of the Conference of Religious, with links to relevant resources and materials from previous meetings and gatherings.
Collaboration Workshops
Our collaboration workshops bring together members to share good practice, explore common challenges, and develop practical solutions that strengthen religious life today.
In recent years, the programme has explored a wide range of themes, including new ways of working, health and care within local communities, legacy planning, inter-congregational support, and opportunities to build on earlier learning.
Building on this work, the Collaboration Committee has developed the current programme with a focus on vocations and initial formation, archives (as a follow-up to earlier sessions), community dynamics and working with challenging behaviours, transitioning to CIO and the governance and trusteeship issues this involves, and the spirituality of ageing.
Workshops take place throughout the year, both in person and online. Further details are shared with members as sessions are confirmed, and materials from previous workshops are made available to support ongoing learning and reflection.
“Our collaboration workshops bring together members to share good practice, explore common challenges, and develop practical solutions that strengthen religious life today.”
“Through its work in health and care, CoR provides ongoing advice and support to members on all aspects of healthcare and community living.”
Health & Care
CoR supports members on a wide range of health and care matters affecting religious communities. Drawing on the experience of religious with professional healthcare backgrounds, together with knowledgeable lay colleagues and external specialists, this work offers practical guidance, shared learning, and a trusted space for reflection and support.
This support is offered through initiatives such as the monthly online Care Forum and annual Workshop. Topics have included ageing and eldercare within religious communities, models of care, managing increasing health needs, closing care homes, understanding CQC guidance, adult social care, care in non-registered community settings, the employment of lay staff, and practical approaches to community-based support.
CoR also engages with emerging areas of need, including mental health and mental capacity, supporting those living with dementia, and promoting good practice in the employment and support of lay staff. Through this ongoing work, CoR seeks to strengthen the quality of care within religious communities and to support congregations in responding confidently to changing needs.
Online Care Forum
The monthly Online Care Forum is a regular networking meeting held on the last Wednesday of each month, bringing together those who run or manage registered and unregistered care homes, as well as congregations providing care in community houses. The forum offers a valuable space to share best practice, explore common challenges, and support one another in delivering high-quality care.
Open to religious and their lay colleagues involved in care provision, the forum also contributes to developing a set of core standards for non-CQC registered settings. Participants are encouraged to attend regularly and to invite others who may benefit from the shared learning and peer support offered.
This is one stream of work that has emerged from the joint Safeguarding the Elderly project undertaken with the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS).
Future forums will continue to focus on topics shaped by the needs and experiences of the group, ensuring that current issues in community care can be discussed openly and collaboratively.
“The forum offers a valuable space to share best practice, explore common challenges, and support one another in delivering high-quality care.”
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting is an important gathering for members of the Conference of Religious, offering time to come together as a community in a shared spirit before moving into the business and planning of the year ahead. It provides an opportunity for congregational leaders to connect, consider the wider context of our shared mission, and discuss the key developments shaping our work.
Vocations
The Conference of Religious continues to support and strengthen vocation promotion across England and Wales through its funding of the Religious Life Promoter role, delivered in partnership with the National Office for Vocation.
This collaboration helps to raise the profile of religious life, provide resources for discernment, and offer support to congregations engaged in vocation ministry.
Visit the National Office for Vocation website.
