Do the regulatory standards require religious literacy of U.K. health and social care professionals?

an article by Beth R. Crisp (Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Goldsmiths, University of London, UK) and Adam Dinham (Goldsmiths, University of London, UK) published in Social Policy and Administration Volume 53 Issue 7 (December 2019)

Abstract

Health and social care professionals need sufficient religious literacy in order to handle the complexities of religious beliefs and practices, including the growing numbers who identify with other belief systems and those who claim to identify with no religion.

The extent to which the need for religious literacy has been formalised was examined in an analysis of regulatory frameworks for health and social care professionals in the United Kingdom. Although all but one of the regulators make some reference to religion and beliefs, they are silent on the question as to what is meant by religion and beliefs.

Some standards include a requirement not to impose one's own beliefs on others, but there is very little requirement to develop a reflective and self‐critical awareness of one's own stance.

Likewise, some standards refer to knowledge and skills required, but greater specificity is required for these to be meaningful.

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