Lessons in religious diversity for staff
HOUSING staff at Teignbridge Council are being given extra training to deal with diverse religious beliefs such as fasting and 'gender bedroom separation'.
Employees are being given access to guide books and websites to help them better understand different faiths.
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They will be advised on how to engage more with migrant workers, faith groups and different sexual orientation groups. There will also be training on disability, the perception of social deprivation, homelessness and reviewing protocols for waiting times for disabled people needing home adaptations.
After a recent inspection the Audit Commission said housing staff needed more information on religious beliefs, holidays and issues such as fasting, washing rituals and gender bedroom separation.
In certain religions it may be inappropriate for boys and girls or men and women to share bedrooms or certain rooms. Housing staff are being trained to be sensitive to such matters.
The training is part of the council's drive to improve strategies after its housing services were criticised by the Audit Commission.
In 2008 the Commission gave housing a 'zero' rating and inspectors found there were 'uncertain prospects for improvement'.
The council responded by launching a scheme, aimed at reaching a rating of 'excellent' within three years.
Teignbridge Council's deputy chief executive Phil Shears said: "We're working hard with partners to develop a new strategy for housing in Teignbridge, to make sure that our front line housing services are fully supported by good quality long-term plans for issues like affordable housing and helping vulnerable people.
"The aim is to improve people's wellbeing by delivering good quality, affordable housing and making sure that everyone has the opportunity to access a home suitable to their needs and at a price they can afford."
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by In the role, TQ, Torquay
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 10:46PM
“As an employee, not of Teignbridge, I have a little insight here. Quite rightly it has been pointed out that this is just an awareness exercise. It will not actually have an impact on 'the list' or preferential treatment, for example if an Islamic family of mum/dad/brother/sister and both siblings under 10 they will still only be allocated a need of 2 bedrooms as they can technically share. However, it is important for the person dealing with them to understand their concerns and not be ignorant to their cultural beliefs, im sure a Muslim father would far more receptive to a housing officer saying 'Mr X, I understand your concerns and am aware of XYZ, however, as an authority we only have a duty to assist you with a 2 bedroom property, your options are.......' rather than just saying 'Sorry Ahmed computer says no!'.”
by Loon, Torbay
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 4:49PM
“MaryG, the key point is this - staff are to be trained to understand the issues involved (including disability awareness.) This doesn't mean that a particular group gets preferential treatment, it just means that these issues can be taken into consideration when offering accomodation. OK, you may wish to have a separate room to escape your husband's snoring, but if there aren't any suitable houses then your requirement may well cost you the offer of a place.”
by MaryG, Torquay
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 2:35PM
“Another waste of time and money just to pander to the politically correct brigade. They'd be better off sorting out basic accommodation for all those on the waiting list who are desperate to have a pemanent roof over their head. What have fasting and washing got to do with housing allocation? Surely that can be sorted by the tenant when they are lucky enough to be housed. Gender bedroom separation!- well another stupid term for a boy not having to share a room with his sister. Fair enough - that's acceptable. Perhaps I'll ask the council to rehouse me as I could do with an extra bedroom to escape to when my husband starts snoring in the middle of the night. I'm female, he's male so that should fall in the gender separation description. Crazy.”
by Ant, Paignton
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 1:30PM
“I think it's a strange sense of equity in society where the people who follow a religious belief are given greater rights than those who don't.
I think that the French have it right - A Secular Republic.”
by Loon, Torbay
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 12:01PM
“Yes, Gerry - Just like we did when we took over India, Africa, etc...
The bottom line is that Britain is a product of multiculturalism - we've been invaded by Germans, Scandanavians, the Italians and the French. Most of what some people hold as "British values" have, at some time, been imposed upon us. Even things like democracy are relatively new (for many years huge chunks of the population did not have a vote). Ultimately things such as cultural and religious beliefs have to be to be taken into consideration, but if there ain't no houses then I'm sure that people will be happy to accept what they are offered, regardless of background.”