Carmarthenshire Standing Advisory Council for Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE)

Welcome to Carmarthenshire SACRE

We are a community of teachers, Carmarthenshire-based faith leaders and representatives, and members of the Local Authority. We are here to support the delivery of Religious Education and Collective Worship in schools across Carmarthenshire.

About Carmarthenshire SACRVE

The Carmarthenshire SACRE is a group made up of teachers, local faith leaders, and representatives from Carmarthenshire County Council.

SACRE stands for Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education. Its main job is to give advice and support to schools on teaching Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE) and on the Daily Act of Collective Worship (DACW).

Every local authority in Wales must have a Standing Advisory Council on Religion, Values and Ethics (SACRVE).

SACRVEs ensure that RVE and DACW are delivered to learners in schools in a way that is fair, balanced, and includes both religious and non‑religious beliefs.

 

 

 

What does a SACRVE do?

Key responsibilities of SACRVE include:

  • Crucially, SACRVEs recommend an Agreed Syllabus for each local authority to adopt. This syllabus is used by schools to deliver their RVE curriculum to their learners.
  • Advising the local authority on RVE and DACW.
  • Monitoring and supporting the quality of RVE and DACW in schools.
  • Publishing an Annual Report detailing activities and advice.
  • Considering determinations (requests from schools to modify DACW requirements).
  • Recommending updates to the Agreed Syllabus for RVE.
  • Promoting community cohesion and interfaith understanding.

 

Who serves on a SACRVE? 

SACRVEs are comprised of three statutory groups:

Group A: Representatives of Christian denominations and other religions and beliefs (including Humanists).

Group B: Representatives of teacher associations.

Group C: Representatives of the local authority (usually elected members).

Each group has one vote (when votes are required), and SACRVEs may also include co-opted members (non-voting) to reflect local diversity or provide expertise.

 

 

 

Meet our members

Our RVE Advisor - Jennifer Harding-Richards

With a background as a secondary school teacher, having taught in London, Merthyr Tydfil and Swansea, I now work as an adviser for Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE), supporting schools across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Swansea. I also serve as the RVE adviser to the three SACRVE bodies across the region, working with local authorities, schools and practitioners to support strong and inclusive RVE provision.

I believe that high quality RVE is a vital part of every learner’s educational entitlement and plays an important role in supporting children and young people to become ethical and informed citizens. My vision for RVE is that it enables learners to think critically, engage respectfully with diverse religious and non religious worldviews, and explore ethical and philosophical questions that help them make sense of the world. I believe SACRVE has a pivotal role in supporting schools, promoting equity and ensuring that RVE reflects the ambitions of the Curriculum for Wales.

Co-opted member – Dr. Lynda Maddock

Following a forty-year career as an RE teacher, senior lecturer, PGCE Secondary RE Course Director and Subject Officer for GCSE Religious Studies at the WJEC Examination Board,  I now sit on Carmarthenshire SACRE/SACRVE as a co-opted member. 

I believe Religion, Values and Ethics is a crucial part of a broad, educational entitlement. RVE promotes critical thinking, informed debate, an understanding of belief systems, a thoughtful consideration of life’s ultimate questions and an awareness of world events.  I am proud of the work we do as a SACRE/SACRVE to promote the subject and support Carmarthenshire’s RVE teachers and learners.

Local authority member - Councillor Martyn Palfreman

Following a local government career spanning over 30 years, I now work as a freelance consultant, supporting improvement in public services across Wales. I was elected as a County Councillor in 2022.  As part of my role, it is my privilege to sit on Carmarthenshire’s SACRE/SACRVE and to be its Chair. It is my job to ensure that the Committee undertakes its business effectively, oversees implementation of its delivery plan and ensures that all members of the Committee have an equal voice.

The SACRE/ SACRVE is critical in overseeing delivery of Religion, Values and Ethics across Carmarthenshire, supporting teachers, promoting it as a subject of choice, and championing daily acts of worship in schools. It plays a vital role in ensuring that RVE remains a valued and properly resourced subject for Carmarthenshire students, and I’m proud to be part of making this happen.