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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED That Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall be duly elected as Chair for a two-year period.
RESOLVED That Councillor Marc Tierney be duly elected as Vice-Chair for a two-year period.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall be duly elected as Chair for a two-year period.
The Senior Democratic Services Officer sought nominations for the election of Chair for a two-year period, as per the SACRE/SACRVE constitution. Councillor Mike James nominated Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman. The vote was taken by way of a show of hands and carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall be duly elected as Chair for a two-year period.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Marc Tierney be duly elected as Vice-Chair for a two-year period.
The Chair sought nominations for the election of Vice-Chair for a two-year period, as per the SACRE/SACRVE Constitution. Councillor Mike James nominated Councillor Marc Tierney; Seconded by Lee Mills. The vote was taken by way of a show of hands and carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Marc Tierney be duly elected as Vice-Chair for a two-year period.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor David Howlett, Rev Heather Cale, Rev Richard Davies, Sajida Madni, Sheikh Mohsen and Rev Belinda Roberts
Moved by Councillor Marc Tierney; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 June 2025 be approved as a correct record. The following updates were given in relation to the actions contained within the 17 June 2025 minutes: · Action 1 - A formal thanks to be written to Puncheston CP School for hosting the Group Amanda Lawrence confirmed that the email had been received. · Action 2 - For further communication to be drafted regarding the concerns with the RS GCSE short course being discontinued to be sent to the Cabinet Member in Welsh Government for Education and Senedd Members The Chair confirmed that the letter had been sent, and whilst no official reply had been received from Welsh Government, a TEAMS meeting was scheduled for Friday with the Welsh Government RVE Lead, where the matter would be discussed and an update would be shared at the next meeting. ACTION RESPONSIBLE OFFICER/MEMBERS That an update following the meeting with the Welsh Government RVE Lead be provided to the group at the next meeting. Councillors Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Marc Tierney and the RVE Advisor · Action 3 - PAPH and PASH to be consulted on the DACW Policy and its launch with schools Abbie Davies confirmed that the policy had been circulated to all schools. · Action 4 - Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Swansea SACRE/SACRVEs to write a letter to Welsh Government requesting a meeting to discuss establishing an RVE contact in Welsh Government, and the future of the annual report. The RVE Advisor confirmed that this had been done and would form part of the Welsh Government meeting scheduled for Friday, of which an update would be provided at the next meeting. · Action 5 - Councillor David Howlett to discuss concerns outlined in action 4 with Paul Davis MS Whilst Councillor Howlett was not present, he had sent an email in advance to advise that he had not yet spoken to Paul Davies MS regarding concerns about support for SACRE groups but would do so now that direct representation had been made by SACRE to Welsh Government. He did, however, add that Sam Rowlands MS raised this very concern about support with the Cabinet Secretary for Education earlier this year. Here is the link to the transcript with Sam’s two questions and the response – https://record.senedd.wales/Plenary/15107#C677271 · Action 6 and Action 7 - Begin a ‘Way of Working’ document for SACRE/SACRVE of completed actions to embed in practice and a new three-year development plan to be drafted and presented at the next meeting The Improvement Advisor stated that the group had initially planned to combine the evaluation of the October conference with requests for feedback on the Collective Worship (DACW) model policy and the Agreed Syllabus, but she proposed that the evaluations be separated. This will give schools more time to use the policy before providing feedback. She proposed that the requests for feedback on the model policy and Agreed Syllabus take place in February next year. The group agreed with this approach. ACTION RESPONSIBLE OFFICER/MEMBERS All schools will be invited to provide feedback on the Collective Worship Policy (DACW) and the Agreed Syllabus in February 2026. Improvement Advisor and RVE Advisor · Action 8 - Discussions to be had with the Director of Education to see if RVE could be looked at by the Schools & Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee It was confirmed by the Senior Democratic Services Officer that ‘Curriculum for Wales’ had been added to the work programme of the Committee and would be considered at the 27 November 2025 meeting. ACTION RESPONSIBLE OFFICER/MEMBERS To receive an update following the matter being considered by the Committee. Democratic Services · Action 9 - For Dr Elizabeth Mackintosh’s website to be shared with members of Pembrokeshire SACRE/SACRVE The RVE Advisor confirmed that the website had been shared with members and that Dr Elizabeth Mackintosh attended the conference. · Action 10 - Share the EY resources with Rev. Heather Cale The RVE Advisor confirmed that the Early Years resources had been shared with Rev. Heather Cale, for which informal feedback had been received, with the final resources due to be finished by March 2026. · Action 11 - A working group to form SACRE/SACRVE’s ‘vision’ be formed and added onto the development plan. It was suggested that this group be formed of a small group, made up by SACRE/SACRVE members, with representatives who could advocate from a school’s point of view. ACTION RESPONSIBLE OFFICER/MEMBERS To send an email to SACRE/SACRVE members requesting that those interested in forming part of the ‘vision’ working group to express an interest Democratic Services For the matter to be added to the agenda of the Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment Strategy group for discussion Improvement Advisor
The RVE Advisor introduced the paper and stated that all Schools in Pembrokeshire that underwent full Estyn inspections last year received positive feedback regarding Religious Values Education (RVE), diversity, and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural) provision. While Estyn’s 2024–2030 framework did not include specific criteria for RVE, it was stated that inspectors report on these areas by exception, highlighting either exemplary practice or concerns. It was stated that encouragingly, no issues or recommendations were identified, and all inspected schools demonstrated good practice which was a positive outcome for SACRE/SACRVE’s monitoring role and should be celebrated. Members were advised that the next steps included sharing the feedback with schools through planned communications. For clarity, Amanda Lawrence highlighted that the title of paper should state ‘September 2024 – July 2025’. Councillor Marc Tierney queried whether ESTYN was taking an increased interest in RVE as the data seemed to record ‘no comment’ during the first part of the year but as the year progressed more comments seem to be made on the matter. In response, the RVE Advisor stated that it was hard to determine whether RVE was seen as a priority during all inspections. Whilst good practice was recognised across regions, it was not explicitly included in ESTYN inspection documents, unlike RSE, which had clear scrutiny points. It was noted that although RVE was mandatory, some schools were reportedly not meeting statutory duties, which was not always identified. It was stated that the matter would be raised with the Welsh Government Lead at the upcoming meeting, with a suggestion for an updated thematic review to be undertaken (last one undertaken in 2017) by ESTYN as current information on RVE implementation was largely anecdotal and lacked research. The RVE Advisor stated that a comparison of inspection reports from Scotland and Wales highlighted significant differences in scrutiny levels. Scotland, operating under the Curriculum for Excellence, received more detailed examination of Religious and Moral Education (RME) than Wales does for Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE). It was noted that in Wales, 56 secondary schools underwent full inspection last year; only eight reports referenced RVE, seven noted RVE as supporting literacy, enriching experiences, and promoting diversity and one school was identified as not meeting mandatory requirements, though that was not a formal recommendation. Clare Campbell raised concerns that ESTYN may not be taking much interest in RVE. In response, the RVE Advisor agreed and highlighted that there had been concerns regarding confusion between RSE and RVE terminology in ESTYN reports, with examples of inconsistencies observed in other Authorities. It was added that secondary school RVE leads had been scrutinised alongside RSE leads, yet ESTYN reports often referenced RSE without mention of RVE. Discussion was had and members agreed that it was important to clarify current practice to support the Committee’s monitoring role. Councillor Marc Tierney queried if schools were being encouraged to specifically showcase their RVE practice during Estyn inspections, to which the Improvement Advisor stated that Schools were advised not to try to engineer or influence the focus of inspection teams but to allow inspection teams to see authentic practice. The Committee emphasised the importance of promoting RVE consistently, not only during inspections, and ensuring staff feel supported and able to raise any concerns early. The group noted the data and information provided.
The RVE Advisor introduced the paper and stated that it outlined the provisional data on A-level, AS-level, and GCSE Religious Studies entries and results for Pembrokeshire. It was highlighted that entries were declining significantly, reflecting a national trend. It was stated that the discontinuation of the short course in Religious Studies had raised concerns about how schools would meet statutory requirements. It was outlined that headline figures showed only nine A-level entries and eight AS-level entries last year, with GCSE entries also reducing, with some schools having limited or no entries, partly due to a lack of specialist teachers. The Committee highlighted the need to consider pupil entitlement and equity in provision at Key Stage 4/5 before RS totally disappears as an option. It was stated that the workforce data would be presented at the spring SACRE/SACRVE meeting. The Improvement Advisor suggested adding some questions on the matter into the survey for secondary schools, which would be circulated next term, to find out what the current provision was and what the plan for upcoming cohorts would be. It was stated that it would be interesting to know what they think SACRE/SACRVE could do to help make the short course an option for learners. It was stated that it would be beneficial for SACRE/SACRVE to invite School RS Leads to a future meeting and for the Schools Scrutiny Panel to be added, for future visits, to ask questions in relation to the RS provision of Secondary schools. ACTION RESPONSIBLE OFFICER/MEMBERS That the following questions be included in the Secondary School Survey: · what the current RS provision is · what is the plan for upcoming cohorts · what SACRE/SACRVE could do to help make the short course an option for learners. RVE Advisor To invite School RS Leads to the 23rd June 2026 meeting at Milford Haven Secondary School. RVE Advisor To request that the Schools Scrutiny Panel, on future visits, ask questions in relation to the RS provision of Secondary schools. Democratic Services The group noted the data.
The Improvement Advisor confirmed that the Collective Worship (DACW) policy had been circulated to schools to be considered as part of their Autumn Governing Body meetings. It was stated that schools would now consider its implementation and a further update on Schools’ thoughts regarding the policy would be reported back at the spring meeting. It was noted that following a request via the RVE Advisor, the policy had also been circulated to other Local Authorities. ACTION RESPONSIBLE OFFICER/MEMBERS To provide an update as to whether schools had decided to implement the DACW policy. Improvement Advisor
The RVE Advisor outlined the rationale for a new guidance document aimed at supporting Pembrokeshire schools in engaging speakers of faith and worldviews to enrich the RVE curriculum in line with Curriculum for Wales and the agreed syllabus. It was stated that the guidance sought to ensure clear processes and safeguarding protocols for both schools and speakers, particularly in the current politically sensitive climate. Key points of the guidance document were stated to include: · Benefits of inviting speakers: providing authentic lived experiences, promoting dialogue, and supporting pluralistic delivery of RVE and collective worship. · Preparatory requirements: clarity on expectations, safeguarding, curriculum links, and informing parents where appropriate. · Principles for engagement: respect for diversity, transparency, safeguarding checks, and prohibition of proselytising. · Training and support: encouraging speakers to complete RE Hubs training and fostering sustainable partnerships. · Integration into curriculum: aligning with progression steps, supporting inquiry-based learning, and promoting cross-curricular links. · Safeguarding measures: pre-visit checks, staff presence during visits, and post-visit review and documentation. Feedback from members was invited on the comprehensiveness and clarity of the guidance. Clare Campbell expressed the need for an increased level of parental involvement, and it was felt that with parents being more involved it would assist with alleviating concerns of what they feel may be discussed and may also assist in encouraging parents to discuss the options available to learners to progress with RS as a chosen subject, when the time comes. A parents evening to cover such matters was suggested to progress the matter along with parents being invited to attend interfaith sessions. Councillor Marc Tierney suggested that it may be of benefit for the group to develop some online resources, which extend beyond words, to show what is going on in schools and the role that SACRE/SACRVE play. It was suggested that short videos could be developed. ACTION RESPONSIBLE OFFICER/MEMBERS To add in the points raised to the School Speaker Handbook and share it with schools before Christmas 2025. RVE Advisor [Councillor Aaron Carey, Lee Mills and Lucy Harris left the meeting at this juncture.]
The RVE Advisor stated that a preliminary meeting was held one month ago with the new Welsh Government Humanities Lead, who also had responsibility for RVE. It was stated that the Lead has committed to collaborative engagement with Pembrokeshire and Swansea SACRE members, with dates scheduled for the remainder of the academic year. It was felt that this demonstrated a clear commitment to equitable communication and collaboration, addressing previous concerns regarding limited access to information compared to WASACRE members. The Lead ensured that consistent messaging from Welsh Government would be shared, which was considered a positive and forward-thinking approach. It was highlighted that a paper authored by Deborah Weston (Secretary, RE Policy Unit) outlined national trends and challenges, particularly regarding teacher training and capacity, and had been circulated. Members were advised that a joint meeting was scheduled for 7 November, with representatives from Pembrokeshire (Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Councillor Marc Tierney, Sian Rowles and Jennifer Harding-Richards) and three members from Swansea SACRE, and the outcomes would be reported at the Spring meeting.
The RVE Advisor outlined the SACRE member summary document which was a one-page overview outlining the purpose and role of SACRE and its members with the aim to provide clarity and consistency across the three SACREs supported (Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Swansea). The need for a clear, accessible summary was noted as existing guidance was stated to be lengthy and outdated. Feedback on the draft was invited, and it was stated that once finalised, the document would be translated and published on the SACRE webpage to ensure transparency. The need to review the existing SACRE/SACRVE membership was expressed, and it was agreed that it would be looked at as an item at the next meeting, with the hope to make arrangements to fill vacancies. ACTION RESPONSIBLE OFFICER/MEMBERS To share the contact details of a potential non-conformist SACRE member with Democratic Services. Amanda Lawrence To review the group’s membership at the March meeting and identify vacancies which need to be filled. SACRE/SACRVE
The RVE Advisor provided an update on efforts to strengthen partnership working with Swansea University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). It was stated that whist engagement with UWTSD has not progressed despite offers of support, a strong and positive partnership has been established with Swansea University’s teacher training department. A range of recent activities were outlined which included: • Participation in an interfaith panel and RVE session for PGCE primary students, which received excellent feedback and resulted in student-led videos and blogs highlighting their learning. • Plans to share these videos with members and explore publication opportunities for student blogs. • Swansea University to host a Diversity Day in February; members will be invited to attend. • Continued intention to pursue engagement with UWTSD to ensure equity of support for trainee teachers. By way of other updates, it was stated that Lee Mills had an article published in RE Today magazine which had been really pleasing to see. In addition, members were advised that the RVE Advisor had been invited to present on RVE, collective worship, and SACRE’s role at the Spring Head Teachers’ Conference. In summing up it was stated that work was underway to collect school case studies for inclusion in the SACRE/SCARVE annual report to showcase effective practice alongside statutory data. The RVE Advisor had planned to share two videos, but due to issues with technology, they would not play, so it was agreed that they would be circulated to members. ACTION RESPONSIBLE OFFICER/MEMBERS To share the two videos with members RVE Advisor [Councillor Mike James left the meeting at this juncture.]
The Improvement Advisor provided an update on the recent SACRE conference. It was stated that the event was considered to have been highly successful, with feedback overwhelmingly positive. Evaluation data showed that all attendees rated the day as good or better, and 87.5% described it as excellent, with a very high response rate. The success was attributed, in large part, to the active involvement of SACRE members in delivering professional learning directly to schools, a practice that is rare among Welsh Local Authorities. It was stated that the evaluation process was being developed to focus on the impact on classroom practice rather than enjoyment and interest alone, in line with the development plan. Baseline data collected on schools’ stages of development would enable progress tracking over time. It was proposed that the conference becomes an annual fixture at the same time each year to allow schools to plan for it, with evaluations carried out at the event and again mid-year to maintain engagement and inform future planning. Sharing anonymised evaluation findings with all headteachers was suggested to demonstrate the value of the event and encourage wider participation in future years. It was recognised that attendance was slightly lower than the previous year, partly due to unavoidable circumstances, and the lack of funding for supply cover was identified to have been a possible barrier. Despite this, the event was regarded as highly beneficial, fostering collaboration, sharing of experiences, and supporting leadership development in RVE. SACRE members commented that they had found the event to also be positive, engaging and informative and agreed that hosting it again next year was a good idea. Particular praise was afforded to the Interfaith Panel which opened up honest conversation and practical knowledge sharing. It was commented that the self-evaluation tool had been a good addition which enabled schools to identify strengths and plan well for the future. Members reflected on the challenge of limited local diversity compared to other areas, such as Swansea, and considered ways to broaden pupils’ experiences. It was suggested that greater use could be made of pupil voice groups, including faith ambassadors and social justice groups, to promote understanding of different values and worldviews. Opportunities for collaboration between SACRE, interfaith panels, and these pupil-led groups were discussed as a potential means of fostering inclusion, community engagement, and shared learning across schools. This approach could help pupils develop a passion for understanding others, collaborate with pupil leaders in other local authorities and contribute to wider community impact beyond their schools. The above suggestion was considered and it was felt that such opportunity could be built into a transition project and would be best undertaken in years 5 to 8. Councillor Marc Tierney informed members that the Authority was preparing to re-pledge its commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), with a report expected to go to Cabinet in December or January. In his role as Cabinet Member for Young People, Community, Well-being and Future Generations he stated that plans were underway to progress an idea of “Pembrokeshire Year of the Young Person,” with the aim to start a wider conversation for increasing youth involvement through conferences, partnership events and existing initiatives. The importance of creating safe spaces for young people to lead discussions and ask questions, supported by appropriate scaffolding was emphasised. The group expressed excitement and support for the proposal and expressed that encouraging it to be learner-led would be the most beneficial way to encourage participation and honest conversation.
The Improvement Advisor outlined the development plan and confirmed that progress was on track. It was stated that most actions had already been addressed through earlier agenda items and the model policy had been circulated. It was noted that following the recent conference, several schools had requested support in using the self-evaluation tool, with feedback to be provided at the spring meeting. It was highlighted that the plan was colour-coded to indicate progress: blue for completed actions, green for those proceeding well, and uncoloured items scheduled for the spring or summer terms. Discussion was had and members agreed to proceed with the planned February survey, which was the only outstanding point requiring confirmation. Overall, the group expressed satisfaction with progress and the approach to monitoring and reporting. ACTION RESPONSIBLE OFFICER/MEMBERS Conduct the Annual RVE survey in February Improvement Advisor and RVE Advisor
The following dates were noted: (a) Members professional learning/regional open session 17th November 2025, 10:00 – 12:00 (MS TEAMS) (b) Spring meeting 23rd March 2026, 14:00 – 16:00 (Pentre Ifan) (c) Summer meeting 23rd June 2026, 14:00 – 16:00 (Milford Haven Secondary School)
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