William Eichler 07 March 2016

'Unaccountable' religious figures have no place in education, campaign says

New campaign calls for the removal of unelected religious representatives from council education committees.

The Enlighten Up campaign, organised by the Humanist Society Scotland, called on Holyrood to ensure every member of local authority education committees is accountable through the ballot box.

A report published by the society includes details of the 88 religious representatives who have been appointed to education committees without a vote.

Gordon MacRae, HSS chief executive, said: ‘The presence of unelected religious representatives is anti-democratic and out of step with modern Scotland.

‘Parents should not be left guessing who has a right to make decisions over their children’s education. Every full voting member of local education committees should be accountable through the ballot box.’

Mr MacRae points out the law that makes councils appoint religious representatives was brought in under the Conservatives in 1973.

‘As we look to the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections,’ he said, ‘we hope Scotland’s politicians will agree that it is time to end it once and for all.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27934.00 - £35344.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,934 up to £35,344 Per Annum (includes allowance) equal to £14.48 to £18.32 Per HourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Years Keyworker

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
Want to make a difference for children with special educational needs in Greenwich? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Early Years Area SENCo

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£39,855 - £42,324
Have you got extensive experience in working within Early Years, with a clear understanding of child development Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Young Persons Substance Misuse Service Pathfinder

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Are you looking to change the lives of young people? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Regulatory Compliance Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
You will be an apprentice embedded within the Trading Standards team. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner