Who are ACT's current Directors?
click on their photographs for more information.
Dalwyn Attwell
(Vice Chair)
Geoff Coggins
(Treasurer)
Arthur Jones
(Chair)
About ACT
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ACT and how big is it?
In 1971 three organisations - the Teachers' Prayer Bond (founded in 1926), the Inter-School Christian Fellowship, and the Christian Education Fellowship (founded in 1933 as the School Teachers' Prayer Circle; renamed as the Schoolmasters and Schoolmistresses Prayer Fellowship in 1937) - merged to form the Association of Christian Teachers (ACT). In the UK, there are separate national Associations of Christian Teachers in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. They are, respectively: NIACT, ACT Scotland and ACTW.
Today, ACT membership is open to all Christians who work in - or care passionately about - education in
What is ACT’s mission?
ACT is called to serve and glorify God by serving, inspiring and equipping Christians working in education.
What is ACT’s vision?
ACT seeks to inspire all Christians in education confidently to live out their faith day by day, term by term … positively influencing the culture, values and spiritual environment of their place of work and, ultimately, transforming the nation for the Kingdom of God.
What does ACT do and how can it help me?
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Prayer and fellowship ACT’s national network of local groups encourages Christians in education to meet together in fellowship to pray, praise, laugh, share and learn.
● Advice ACT’s staff and volunteers are on hand to give thoughtful and prayerful advice on legal, professional, spiritual, moral and ethical issues.
● Encouragement ACT’s website and membership magazine provide an entertaining and edifying mixture of helpful information, practical tips and uplifting testimonies.
● Professional development ACT’s programme of regional training days and national conferences helps members deal with everyday workplace challenges; relating their Christian faith to their professional life and vice versa.
● Advocacy ACT’s work with policy makers, politicians and the media helps to promote and safeguard Christian values in education and wider society.
● Reflection and action ACT co-sponsors the Journal of Education and Christian Belief (JECB) and strives to help Christians in education reflect on, and apply, insights generated by cutting-edge theory and research to their own professional situation.
● Support for others By giving to ACT’s Overseas Fund, ACT members are able to bless Christian educators in Eastern Europe and the two-thirds world with practical financial assistance, as well as ongoing prayer support.
Who belongs to ACT?
Members include teaching assistants, student teachers and NQTs, teachers and lecturers, headteachers and principals, HMI and Ofsted inspectors, school governors, diocesan and local authority education advisors, and schools workers.
Associate membership is available to parents and others who want to offer practical, prayerful support to Christians working in education.
Who funds ACT’s work?
Over 90% of ACT’s income comes from individuals and churches. Without this generous support we would not be able to continue funding this important workplace ministry.
If you – and others in your church family – care about education, and want to support Christians working with children, young people and adults, please make a donation to ACT today. Click here for details.
How else can I support ACT?
1. Remember ACT in your prayers.
2. Tell all your friends about ACT.
3. Invite them to support ACT as well.
How do I join ACT?
Please visit the Join ACT section of this website and become an ACT member today.
Why do people join ACT?
People join ACT for a number of reasons.
Some people join ACT because they feel spiritually isolated (e.g. they are the only Christian in their school); others are geographically isolated (e.g. they work in a small rural school). They want to be inspired and equipped in their day-to-day calling in education (whether as a teacher, headteacher, learning assistant, lab technician, school administrator or governor). ACT organises and sponsors distinctively Christian conferences and training courses to meet these needs. ACT also co-ordinates a national network of local groups which bring Christian educators together to pray, praise, laugh and learn.
Others join because, although they do not work in education, they want to support Christians working with children and young adults in schools and colleges. By joining ACT, they know they are adding their voice to the voices of thousands of other Christians who want to see biblical values upheld in society. They are glad that ACT strives to influence policy makers, politicians, the media, the Church and all those with an interest in education, by proclaiming a loving, professional, Christian response to contemporary educational issues. When Rupert Kaye, ACT’s Chief Executive, speaks to the press he speaks on behalf of ACT’s 1,500 members and numerous other Christians who care about education.
Yet others join ACT because they want to offer financial and prayerful support to help Christians working in education in the UK and overseas. They enjoy receiving ACT Now, the Association’s informative full-colour 40-page membership magazine, and prayer diary three times a year.
Christian student teachers (those studying in the UK) or newly qualified teachers (in their first year of teaching in the UK) join because, for them, ACT membership is absolutely free!
Can anyone join ACT?
Yes, membership is open to Christians of all denominations. Anyone who is able to sign the ACT ‘Membership Declaration’ is welcome to join.
There are two types of members: Full Members (Christians who are, or have been, actively engaged in education, e.g. teaching assistants, teachers, school governors, retired teachers, etc.) and Associate Members (Christians who are not, and never have been, engaged in education – but who care about what happens in schools and colleges and want to support Christians involved in education).
ACT members are drawn from many Christian denominations and a variety of worship traditions: 44% are Anglican; 20% Baptist; 13% Independent Evangelical; 6% Methodist; 5% ‘New Church’; 3% Pentecostal; 2% Brethren; 1% Roman Catholic; 1% United Reformed Church; and 5% other.
Most, though by no means all, ACT members would describe themselves as ‘evangelical Christians’.
What is ACT’s ‘Membership Declaration’?
‘I believe in Jesus Christ as Risen Saviour, Lord and God, and in His atoning sacrifice as the only and all-sufficient ground of salvation. I endeavour to be ruled in thought, word and action by the Bible as the inspired Word of God and to live by the power of the Holy Spirit.’
How much does it cost to join ACT?
ACT membership is FREE for all STUDENT TEACHERS (studying in the UK) or NEWLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS (in their first year of teaching in the UK). For everyone else, membership is either £20 or £40 depending on personal circumstances.
£40 per annum standard membership subscription
£20 per annum discounted membership subscription for those who are:
* unwaged
* retired
* on a low income (earning less than £15,000p.a.)
* working overseas as a missionary
£0 free membership for those who are:
* student teachers studying in the UK
* NQTs in their first year of teaching in the UK
£800 life membership (this can be paid in four £200 instalments)
What do ACT members receive?
ACT members become part of a national network of Christians who care about education; a fellowship that offers friendship, support, encouragement and inspiration.
ACT members receive newsletters and ACT’s informative full-colour 40-page membership magazine and prayer diary three times a year. They are also invited to attend regular ACT conferences, training days and retreats.
However, most people don’t join ACT because of what they get out of the Association, they join because they are excited about ACT’s unique ministry and want to support, share with, and learn from other Christians working in schools and colleges in England and around the world.
What do ACT members give?
1. Time, talents and expertise – as volunteers, getting involved with ACT’s many activities.
2. Prayers – offering ongoing spiritual support to strengthen and protect ACT and those who work for it.
3. Money – giving extra financial support which enables ACT to expand and improve its ministry.
Is ACT a registered charity?
Yes, ACT is a Registered Charity (ref: 295328) and a Company Limited by Guarantee (ref: 2056400) which has a particular Christian character and doctrinal commitment.
Is ACT a trade union?
No.
How did ACT begin?
Although the Association of Christian Teachers was founded in 1971 it is able to trace its roots right back to 1926 when its forerunner, the Christian Teachers’ Prayer Bond, was established.
In 1971 three organisations - the Christian Education Fellowship, the Christian Teachers’ Prayer Fellowship (formerly known as the Christian Teachers’ Prayer Bond) and the Inter School Christian Fellowship – merged to form ACT. To read more about ACT’s origins see the following three ACT Now articles.
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A brief history of ACT – part 1 by Richard Wilkins (ACT Now, Summer 2006, pp17-20)
A brief history of ACT – part 2 by Richard Wilkins (ACT Now, Autumn 2006, pp17-20)
A brief history of ACT – part 3 by Richard Wilkins and Rupert Kaye (ACT Now, Spring 2007, pp16-20)
With around 1,500 members, ACT is the second largest national Christian workplace association in the UK (only the Christian Medical Fellowship is bigger).
What does it mean to be a ‘national Christian workplace association’?
There are approximately 80 national Christian workplace associations (CWAs) in the UK. Most are affiliated to Transform Work UK.
In common with other CWAs, the Association of Christian Teachers helps Christians to relate their faith to every facet of human activity – including the world of work. CWAs reject the notion of a ‘sacred-secular divide’ (i.e. a worldview that divides life into things that are holy or godly and things that are mundane or profane). CWAs assert that all activity is ‘Christian ministry’ precisely because all we are, all that we own and all that we can do belongs to God.
For ACT, being an active CWA involves helping teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers, governors, schools workers and others to consider what it means to offer pastoral support to students ‘Christianly’; to relate to parents ‘Christianly’; to nurture links with the local community ‘Christianly’; and to teach all areas of the curriculum ‘Christianly’.
In short, ACT believes God calls people to be 24/7 Christians … not Sunday-only Christians!
Is ACT a member of any Christian organisations?
Yes, ACT is affiliated to:
- EA (Evangelical Alliance)
- EurECA (European Educators’ Christian Association)
- Transform Work UK
Is ACT a member of any non-Christian educational bodies?
Yes, ACT is a member of:
- Religious Education Council of England and Wales
- Values Education Council of the United Kingdom
Does ACT work closely with other organisations?
Yes, ACT is glad to work cooperatively with a variety of other organisations (whether Christian or non-Christian) providing this: (a) does not bring dishonour to God; (b) does not undermine the credibility, mission and purpose of the Christian Church; (c) advances ACT’s charitable aims; and (d) is deemed by ACT's Board of Directors not to strategically damage the Association’s reputation or compromise its ability to carry out its core functions.
For example, ACT works with Scripture Union, The Stapleford Centre and TISCA (The Independent Schools Christian Alliance) to jointly organise the annual National Christian Teachers' Conference each September. Likewise, ACT also works with The Stapleford Centre and TISCA to jointly organise the annual National Christian Headteachers' Conference each February.
ACT has close links with the Association of Christian Teachers elsewhere in the United Kingdom, e.g. NIACT (Northern Ireland), ACT Scotland (Scotland) and ACTW (Wales).
ACT is also part of the Churches Together in England working party which sets the national theme for Education Sunday each year. The working party includes representatives from the Association of Christian Teachers, the Student Christian Movement and all of the major Christian denominations in England.
ACT's governance, management and constitution
What do ACT’s Trustees and Directors do?
Because ACT is both a company registered by guarantee and a registered charity, its governing body is both a Board of Directors (of the company) and a Board of Trustees (of the charity).
ACT Directors/Trustees are (collectively) responsible for making sure ACT is well-run in accordance with the Association's charitable objects and Christian principles. Directors meet together three times a year to: pray and talk; receive reports from ACT's Chief Executive and other office holders; monitor and evaluate ACT's finances; plan strategies for action; and, generally speaking, serve and build-up the Association of Christian Teachers.
As Directors/Trustees, individuals have a duty to serve the best interests of ACT. This means that whilst Directors should share their experience and insight with the Board as a whole, at Board Meetings they should always act in the best interests of the Association - rather than in the nest interest of another organisation. It also means that if conflicts of interest arise they should be declared.
ACT Directors/Trustees do not have to be serving teachers. In fact, the more diverse and balanced the Board is, in terms of experience, expertise, age, gender, race, class, geographical location and Christian background the better! Hence, we would like the Board to include:
• student teachers and NQTs
• serving / recently-retired lecturers, teachers and teaching assistants
• serving / recently-retired school headteachers and college principals
• serving / recently-retired teacher trainers and education researchers
• serving / recently-retired HMI and school inspectors
• serving / recently-retired school governors
• etc.
ACT Directors/Trustees do have to be practising Christians who are able to ensure that ACT’s work and public profile is consistent with its own, distinctive Christian values. For this reason all candidates for election to the ACT Board must sign ACT’s full, doctrinal ‘Statement of Faith’ for Office Holders.
What is ACT’s full, doctrinal ‘Statement of Faith’ for Office Holders?
ACT's full, doctrinal 'Statement of Faith' (to which all ACT Directors must subscribe) articulates the long-held orthodox truths of Christianity:
- The unity of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit in the Godhead.
- The sovereignty of God in creation, providence, revelation, redemption and final judgement.
- The divine inspiration and entire trustworthiness of Holy Scripture and its supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
- The sinfulness and guilt of all people since the Fall, rendering them subject to God's wrath and condemnation.
- Redemption from the guilt, penalty and power of sin solely through the sacrificial death as our representative and substitute, of the Lord Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God.
- The bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and His ascension to the right hand of God the Father.
- The necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit to make the death of Christ effective to the individual sinner, granting repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
- The justification of the sinner by the grace of God through faith in Christ alone.
- The indwelling and work of the Holy Spirit in the believer.
- The one holy, universal Church which is the Body of Christ, and to which all true believers belong.
- The expectation of the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Do ACT Directors get paid?
No, but Directors are encouraged to claim all out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. travel to and from Board Meetings) relating to their role. However, Directors are not entitled to materially benefit from their position, i.e. they must not profit directly from ACT's work. This rule - set by the Charity Commission - is intended to promote good governance and transparency.
How often do ACT Directors meet?
ACT Directors meet three times a year in addition to attending the ACT AGM. All Directors are expected to attend all meetings.
When do ACT Directors meet?
Dates of ACT Board Meetings:
- 3rd or 4th Friday-Saturday in January = Board Residential
- last Saturday in June / first Saturday in July
- 2nd or 3rd Saturday in September
Dates of ACT Board Meetings in 2009:
- 8pm on Friday 23 – 4pm on Sunday 25 January 2009 – Board Residential Weekend (two nights)
- Saturday 27 June 2009 (10.30am – 4.00pm)
- Saturday 12 September 2009 (10.30am – 4.00pm)
- Saturday 10 October 2009 – ACT Day (10.30am – 4.30pm)
Dates of ACT Board meetings in 2010:
- 8pm on Friday 22 – 4pm on Saturday 23 January 2010 – Board Residential Weekend (one night)
- Saturday 26 June 2010 (10.30am – 4.00pm)
- Saturday 11 September 2010 (10.30am – 4.00pm)
- Saturday 9 October 2010 – ACT Day (10.30am – 4.30pm)
Are ACT Directors expected to take on additional responsibilities?
No, but Directors are encouraged consider writing an article for ACT Now (ACT’s termly, colour magazine) at least once every three years and to offer themselves as an ACT Local Contact for the duration of their time on the Board. Although ACT Directors are not asked to work as Local Events Organisers, some choose to do so because they value the opportunity to bring Christian teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers and student teachers together on a regular (whether annual, termly or monthly) basis.
Some Directors have particular responsibility: e.g. Chair, a Treasurer, Overseas Secretary, etc.
Directors may also wish to join particular committees (e.g. the Overseas Committee, which distributes monies from ACT’s Overseas Fund to Christian projects around the world) or to join working parties (i.e. groups convened over the short-term [perhaps for just six or twelve months] with a specific aim in mind: e.g. to suggest strategies for recruiting more student members into ACT; to review or update part of ACT’s constitution; to write worship materials for Education Sunday) as and when such opportunities arise.
How long do Directors serve on ACT’s Board?
ACT Directors are elected for a six year term. At the end of a period of six consecutive years a Director must retire from the Board for at least one full year.
Every year ACT Directors are encouraged to take time to pray and think carefully about their place on the Board, considering what God wants them to do: whether to remain on the Board (or stand for re-election) where this is in accordance with ACT’s ‘Memorandum and Articles of Association’ or to step aside and make room for someone else.
Who can stand for election to ACT’s Board?
Any ACT member can stand for election to the Board as long as they: (i) live in England; and (ii) are able to sign ACT's full doctrinal 'Statement of Faith' for office holders.
Who are ACT’s current Directors?
You can read their profiles by clicking on their photographs at the top right of this page.
How many Board vacancies will there be at the ACT AGM?
Each year, in accordance with ACT’s ‘Memorandum and Articles of Association’, a third of the twelve places on the Association’s Board of Directors fall open for election at ACT’s Annual General Meeting (which is held as part of the Association’s annual ACT Day in October or November).
Whenever fewer than four vacancies on the Board are generated by those finishing their sixth consecutive year on the Board or those deciding to step aside after serving for a shorter period, the remaining places are found by asking those Directors who have been on the Board longest since their last election to seek re-election at the next AGM.
What does the nomination process involve?
ACT members who want to stand for election to the Board at the ACT AGM are asked to submit the following information:
(1) a signed, dated copy of ACT’s full, doctrinal ‘Statement of Faith’ for Office Holders;
(2) a personal statement (of up to 150 words) giving their biographical details;
(3) an election statement (of up to 50 words) explaining how they feel you can serve ACT.
Some people see the election at the ACT AGM as putting their 'fleece' out to discern / test God's calling.
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Who votes for ACT’s Directors?
Only Full Members of ACT who are present at the ACT AGM (or who have sent an authorised proxy) can vote for candidates standing for election to ACT’s Board of Directors.
How is voting organised?
Voting is via secret ballot. All voters (i.e. Full Members of ACT present at the ACT AGM) have one vote per vacancy on the Board (e.g. they can vote for up to four candidates where there are four vacancies; they cannot, of course, use all four votes in support of a single candidate). Votes are counted by two tellers appointed by the AGM.
How is the election result announced at the ACT AGM?
The Chair of the Meeting begins by thanking all candidates for their participation in the process and then announces the names of those persons duly elected to the Board. The number of votes will not be announced at the meeting, but will be formally recorded in the AGM Minutes and will be made available to all candidates (should they wish to know them) after the AGM has been officially closed.
Across the UK
Does ACT cover the whole of the United Kingdom?
No. Although ACT does have members who live and/or work outside England, most of its members live in England. Across the UK there are actually separate and fully independent Associations of Christian Teachers which serve England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales (see details below).
How can I contact ACT?
By post: ACT, 94a London Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 1NX England.
By telephone: 01727 840 298
By fax: 01727 848 966
By email: act@christians-in-education.org.uk
Website: www.christians-in-education.org.uk
How can I contact NIACT?
By post: NIACT, 4 Bolea Park, Limavady, Co Londonderry BT49 0SH Northern Ireland.
By telephone: 028 7776 8339
By email: fredcorscadden@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.niact.org.uk
How can I contact ACT Scotland?
By post: ACT Scotland, 2 Oxgangs Path, Edinburgh EH13 9LX Scotland.
By telephone: 0131 333 4077
By email: actscotland@btinternet.com
Website: www.actscotland.org.uk
How can I contact ACTW?
By post: ACTW/CACC, 17 Brynmawr Place, Maesteg, Bridgend CF34 9BP Wales.
By telephone: 01656 734 118
Website: www.act-wales.org.uk
Do ACT, NIACT, ACT Scotland and ACTW have any formal links?
Yes. Representatives from each of the four ACTs in the UK meet every two years to share, support and learn from one another.
Links to other organisations in the UK
ACT Scotland
ACTW
Christian Initiatives in Early Years Education
Evangelical Alliance
NIACT
RE Council for England and Wales
Schools Prayer Network
Scripture Union
Senior Volunteer Network
The Stapleford Centre
TISCA (The Independent Schools Christian Alliance)
Transform Work UK [formerly: Christian Workplace Forum & Getting God 2 Work]
Transforming Lives
Links to organisations outside the UK
Australian Christian Forum on Education
Association of Christian Schools of Liberia
Teachers' Christian Fellowship Malaysia
European Educators' Christian Association
Transforming Teachers
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