Susanna McGibbon reflects on the communities, connections and progress that made her time as Civil Service Faith and Belief Champion one of the greatest honours of her career.
I’ve been fortunate to see first-hand the incredible work of our networks as they build thriving communities and support colleagues across government. I’ve been impressed by the active and practical nature of support the networks provide – both for their members but also for the wider Civil Service. What is perhaps most inspiring is that this vital work is driven by the dedication of volunteers who give up their own personal time, including lunchbreaks, to foster a more inclusive environment alongside their demanding day jobs.
The Civil Service Muslim Network refreshed its Ramadan Toolkit, continuing to amplify the positive role of faith in our workplaces. The Civil Service Jewish Network grew significantly, providing an essential safe space during difficult times. And the Christians in Government mentoring programme has been a resounding success, helping 160 colleagues find their confidence. To all observing Ramadan and Lent at this time – I wish you well.
I'm proud to see central initiatives progressing too. The Inclusive Practice Team began important work, revising the faith and belief toolkit, and delivering the anti-Semitism training for senior civil servants.
Crucially, inclusion must extend to all beliefs (and none). The Civil Service Vegan Network showed why data quality matters. Humanists in Government took a critical first step, sharing resources with HR teams, laying the groundwork for stronger understanding.
My engagement with the networks and Champions has reinforced my strong view of what is precious about the Civil Service. Particularly our culture of valuing and respecting each other and celebrating our differences. Those differences help us better reflect the society we serve and improve our understanding of each other as well as the issues affecting our world. Ultimately this makes our advice to ministers and our delivery to citizens sharper and more relevant.
What stays with me? The conversations. I have really valued the discussions with network colleagues in different combinations – covering the networks mentioned above as well as SEEN, the Sikh Association and the Civil Service Hindu Connection, telling me what their faith or belief means to them - how it shapes their work, carries them through difficult days connects them to something larger than themselves. Those moments reminded me why this work matters. The common theme across all these conversations was the importance of respectful dialogue and our networks set us all a great example in that regard.
My takeaway is simple. Let’s work together, stay curious and keep talking and listening respectfully across our differences. Finally, thank you to all of you – for your openness, your support for each other and for sharing your stories. I wish my successor, and all our faith and belief networks, every success.
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