Policy Academy – the last two weekends of the 2005/6 Development Programme

The final day of the CCF Development Programme in June saw mixed feelings among the group – of satisfaction at having completed the Programme, and sadness that the group would be parting for the final time to go their separate ways. Together they had undergone leadership training, participated in a range of theoretical and practical workshops, worked on a charity project, prayed for one another regularly, and enjoyed building firm friendships.

On the fourth weekend in April the participants had their thinking challenged by Dr. Michael Schluter, journalist Danny Kruger and MP David Burrowes. Then, thanks to the tremendous hospitality of North Hill Farm, they were able to relax with a session of JCB driving followed by a barbeque under the stars.

In June the participants returned for the final instalment of the Programme. The weekend allowed them to put into practice the culmination of all they had learned and discussed throughout the preceding four weekends.

On Saturday economist Baroness O’Cathain, consultant John Glen and author Nick Spencer sat on a panel to review policy proposals put forward by the ten participants. Each policy was to be something the participants were interested in and had researched. It also had to have its foundations in a biblical hermeneutic and had to be practically worked out in community with Conservative values. The presentations the participants came up with were engaging and varied. Topics ranged from tackling homelessness and immigration and asylum, to volunteering programmes and adoption.

After each presentation the panel offered feedback and asked questions of the participants, challenging them on certain points while encouraging them on others. At the end of the day the panellists expressed how impressed they were at what they had heard throughout the day.

That evening, Rt. Hon. Miss Ann Widdecombe joined the participants and speakers from throughout the programme for a formal dinner where she entertained the audience with her stories and insights as a Christian in politics.

The success of the Programme was due in no small part to the efforts of the couple behind the idea and who became the organisers: CCF Trustee Mike Causey and his wife Rachel. The CCF is sincerely thankful to all who were involved.

Feedback…

Last year’s Programme involved people from many walks of life. Not everyone aspired to the same levels of political involvement, but all shared a common passion: to see their faith lived out through engagement in the political process. Here’s what they had to say:

“The programme was great on a number of different levels. I gained a lot from my mentoring relationship and became convinced of the ongoing need for a mentor figure and prayer partner. The course helped to clarify my thinking in a lot of areas and allowed me to articulate my views more coherently.”
Social worker, Edinburgh

“I think I left (weekend 2) with a greater appreciation of the humility with which I need to approach policy making and the importance of listening to those whom my policies will directly affect.”
Parliamentary Researcher, London

“I feel a great sense of achievement that I have finished the course and I have so much to think about and reflect on.”
Lobbyist, London

“I wish it didn't have to end so soon! I won't have the same chance to put my politics into practice straight away like some of the others, but I hope the lessons will sink deep and endure.”
Solicitor, Manchester.

“The programme has been excellent. It has improved my thinking about politics and the ways in which my politics is, and must be, influenced by my faith. Initially I was concerned about the time and money involved, but it has certainly been more than worth it. I have been challenged by the range of ideas I have encountered, both from speakers and from other participants, while our common ground as Christians and as Conservatives has enabled us to engage in positive dialogue that seems driven by a real desire to sharpen one another rather than one-upsmanship.”
PR worker, Edinburgh

“The development programme has really helped me to develop my Christian political thought and engage more in the political sphere. It's also great fun and an opportunity to make new friends!”
Student, Newcastle

Local Councillor’s Training Day

June Discussion Supper with Michael Schluter

Dr. Michael Schluter, founder of the Relationships Foundation, spoke to over 30 CCF members on the topic “Translating ‘Well-being’ into a Public Policy Agenda”. He introduced some thought-provoking ideas on the importance of considering relationships when formulating policies. Dr. Schluter emphasised the point that while we may differ on ways and means, in politics we should aim for shared goals for the betterment of society.

Local Councillors’ Training Day

On Friday 9th June twelve CCF local councillors from throughout England gathered in Westminster for a day of presentations and discussions designed to help support their work as Christian Conservative councillors. CCF Trustee and local councillor Ian Lucas spoke on his experiences, as did David Burrowes MP, who spent many years as a local councillor before being elected to his Parliamentary seat. The group was also treated to a session on personal effectiveness, led by Millar Consulting's Robin Millar and his colleague Eileen Harrop, both of whom are passionate about seeing Christians establish a firm faith foundation on which to base their political activities (www.millarconsulting.com). With the excellent feedback we have had from those who attended, we are looking forward to holding future training days.

Northampton dinner

In early June the CCF joined with the Northampton North Conservative Association to hold a dinner with Brian Binley MP speaking on Christian involvement in politics. It was an excellent opportunity for the CCF Executive Director to meet some of our regional members and introduce the CCF to local Conservatives.