The Standing Advisory Council for Religion, Values and Ethics (SAC) met to discuss membership updates, receive an update from the Education Achievement Service (EAS) RVE advisor, and discuss WASACRE business, including nominations to the WASACRE Executive Committee. Councillor County Laura Wright, Cabinet Member for Education, was confirmed as Chair of SAC. The council also endorsed nominations for membership of SAC to represent the Roman Catholic Church and the Church in Wales.

WASACRE Executive Committee Nomination

Councillor County Rachel Buckler was nominated for election to the Wales Association of Standing Advisory Councils for Religious Education (WASACRE) Executive Committee. Councillor County Rachel Buckler said:

As a committed member of the Anglican Church in Wales, I regularly attend services and deeply value the role that faith plays in shaping individuals and communities. I believe it is essential that children and young people have the opportunity to learn about religious beliefs and their historical significance. Understanding different faiths, as well as the perspectives of those who do not hold religious beliefs, fosters empathy, respect, and a deeper awareness of the world around us.

Vicky Barlow from Flintshire SACRE and Donna Graves from Merthyr Tydfil SACRE were also nominated.

Annual Report 2024-2025

The council reviewed the Annual Report of the Monmouthshire Standing Advisory Council for Religion, Values and Ethics 2024-2025, which highlights the council's work in supporting high-quality Religion, Values, and Ethics (RVE) education across Monmouthshire¹. The report outlines the council's advice to the local authority on religious education, methods of teaching, teaching materials, teacher training, and collective worship. The report noted that Estyn did not identify any instances of non-compliance with requirements for collective worship during 2024-2025. It also noted that the