Dr James Holt

I teach across all of the programmes in Initial Teacher Education focussing on the teaching of Religious Education. These programmes include:

PGCE Early Years

PGCE Primary

BA QTS

PGCE Secondary

I also have subject leadership responsibility for RE and for Social Science.

I teach and supervise on the EdD and welcome postgraduate students for research degrees.

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Religion and Education.

The current emphasis of this strand focuses around the representation of religions in the classroom. This has led to the following publications:

Understanding Judaism. A Guide for Teachers part of the Teaching Religions and Worldviews Series (Bloomsbury, 2024) under contract

Understanding Hinduism. A Guide for Teachers part of the Teaching Religions and Worldviews Series (Bloomsbury, 2024)

Understanding Buddhism. A Guide for Teachers part of the Teaching Religions and Worldviews Series (Bloomsbury, 2023)

Understanding Sikhism. A Guide for Teachers part of the Teaching Religions and Worldviews Series (Bloomsbury, 2023)

Religious Education in the Secondary School: An Introduction to teaching, learning and the world religions Second Edition (London: Routledge, 2022)

Beyond the Big Six: Expanding the Boundaries in the Teaching of Religion and Worldviews 100,000 words approx. (University of Chester Press, 2019)

As part of this research I have been involved in research projects including:

2021-2023 AHRC Co-principal investigator with Professor David Clough. Christian Ethics of Farmed Animal Welfare Education Project.

2019-2020 LASAR (Learning about Science and Religion) Centre, Canterbury Christ Church University, Epistemic Insight Initiative

2016-2017 ‘Big Ideas’ led by Professor Michael Reiss from UCL Institute of Education, London. The aim of the project is to address issues concerning curriculum content selection, curriculum coherence and subject relevance in Religious Education (RE) in the 21st century by applying the theory of ‘Big Ideas’. The outcome of the project will be the identification of Principles and Big Ideas for RE, which can then be used as criteria for selecting and sequencing subject content.

2016-2019 ‘Learn Teach Lead RE’ Primary RE teaching in the North West. The programme is funded by the Culham St Gabriel Trust and is the fourth area of the programme (www.ltlRE.org).

2013- RE Council of England and Wales Subject Review of Religious Education 3-19 Member of Task Group Two

2011-2012- Reviving Palestinian Schools: Investing in classroom teachers program (5-9 years). This involves meeting with Palestinian colleagues in Chester and teaching model lessons; and reviewing course proposals for implementation at Bethlehem University

2005 Member of a PCFRE/RE Today Working Group to develop Assessment for Learning Resources for use within Religious Education.

Across the Key Stages:

Christian Education. I am particularly interested in the effect of faith on practise, as well as exploring a Christ centred pedagogy of teaching. A recent research project in this area is: 2017 In collaboration with the National Institute for Christian Education Research and Canterbury Christ Church University- an investigation into [perceptions of] the features of Christian foundation universities’ Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes that are particular to the university’s Christian foundation.

Religion and the arts. The reflection of both the author’s and reader’s religious beliefs in literature is the main focus of this element of research. Much work has been carried out on various authors and their religious beliefs reflected in their writing. My research tends to focus on fantasy literature and authors such as Tolkien, Lewis, and Orson Scott Card. However, a relatively undeveloped area of research centres on the interface between the reader and literature. As such I am exploring how a reader’s beliefs can be developed and enhanced through an engagement with fantasy literature. Systematic theology mainly focussing on Mormon theology and inter-faith dialogue. My PhD thesis developed a utilised Christian theology to construct a systematic theology of various elements of Mormon theology: Christology, Pneumatology and Eschatology. These three areas remain a focus of research and have been extended to include other aspects of Mormon doctrine and theology. Papers and articles in this research area have included setting ground rules for inter-faith dialogue; the place of the Holy Ghost in LDS theology, and the interface between Mormon faith and scholarship.

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Books:

• Beyond the Big Six: Expanding the Boundaries in the Teaching of Religion and Worldviews 100,000 words approx. (University of Chester Press, 2019) 
• Bowie, R., Casson, A., Hulbert, S., Benton, M., Holt, J., James, M., Jarvis, P., McGuire, L., Podesta, E. and Stone, G. (2018) What really matters about teacher education at Cathedrals Group Universities: volume 2 the case studies. Research Report. Canterbury: Canterbury Christ Church University.
• Religious Education in the Secondary School: An Introduction to teaching, learning and the world religions 100,000 approx. (London: Routledge, 2015)
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints The Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley approx. 300 pages (my contribution 12.5%- 15,000 words) (Salt Lake City: Intellectual Reserve, 2016).

Journal Articles:

• “A Latter-day Saint approach to addiction, its aetiology and treatment” in Religions (2015), 6, 1–13
• “Teaching and a Teacher’s Faith and Beliefs” in REsource 35: 2 (Spring 2013) pp7-9
• “The Holy Ghost in Latter-day Saint ritual experience” in International Journal of Mormon Studies Volume 5 (2012), pp 128-138.
• “Interfaith Dialogue: A Way Forward in Setting Ground Rules” in Sacred Tribes Journal Volume 7 Number 1 (2012), pp. 70-79
• “Jehovah’s Witnesses and the R.E. Classroom” in REsource. 26: 2 (Spring 2004) pp16-19
• “The frontiers of Christianity” in RE Today 22:2 (Spring 2005) p34
• “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the R.E. Classroom” in Resource. The Journal of the Professional Council of Religious Education24:3 (Summer 2002) pp6-8

Chapters:

• “Religious Education” in Deborah Pope ed., Understanding Subject Knowledge for Primary Teaching 5,000 words (Learning Matters, 2019)
• ‘There's only one God, ma'am’- one God or many gods in the world of the Avengers” in Nicolas Michaud ed., Iron Man vs Captain America and philosophy5,000 words (Open Court, 2016)
• “Inclusion” in L. Philip Barnes, Andrew Wright, Ann-Marie Brandom ed., Learning to teach Religious Education in the Secondary School 3rd edition6,000 words (Routledge, 2016 g)
• “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” in Brian Gates, ed., Religion in National Systems of Education. Insider and outsider perspectives on Religious Education in England3,500 words (2016)
• “The Worth of a Soul: Alma and Abinadi” in Julie Smith, ed., Come, Let Us Reason Together: Dialogues with Scripture3,500 words (Greg Kofford, 2016)
• “A Latter-day Saint reading of Tolkien” in The Return of the Ring: Proceedings of the Tolkien Society Conference 2012 Edited by Lynn Forest-Hill.(Luna Press, 2016)
• “Religion in the Ender’s Saga?” in D. Wikktower, ed., Ender’s Game and Philosophy, 3,500 words (Chicago: Open Court, 2013)
• “Faith based practice? The impact of a teacher’s beliefs on the classroom” in D. Morris, ed., Re-Imagining Christian Education for the 21st Century chapter 17 (3,500 words) (Chelmsford: Matthew James, 2013).
• “Beyond the Big Six: Minority Religions in the Secondary RE Classroom” in Schmack et al, ed Engaging RE pp 76-91 (Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars, 2010)

ADDITIONAL:

Book Reviews:

• Joseph Smith and the Early Mormon Conquest of Death by Samuel M. Brown in International Journal of Mormon Studies (2013).
• The No-nonsense guide to Religion by Symon Hill in RE Today 29:3 (Summer, 2012), p61.
• The Poverty and Justice Bible in RE Today 26:2 (Spring, 2009). p61
• Interfaith RE by Pamela Draycott (ed).in RE Today 25:2 (Spring, 2008). p61
• Hinduism. A New Approach 2nd Edition by Veronica Voiels in RE Today 23:3 (Summer, 2006). p59
• Science in Faith and Hope: an interactionby George Ellis in RE Today 23:2 (Spring, 2006). p59
• The Authentic Gospel of Jesus by Geza Vermes in Resource 27: 3 (Summer, 2005). pp19-20.
• GCSE Religious Studies for AQA. Christianity: Behaviour, Attitudes and Lifestyles. Foundation Edition by Joanne Cleave in RE Today 22:3 (Summer, 2005). p60
• Theatre of Learning, Experiential RE: Making RE Make Sense and Teaching Christianity with the Theatre of Learning, Experiential RE bySue Phillips in Resource 26: 3 (Summer, 2004). pp20-21.

Research Reviews and Reports:

• National Institute for Christian Education Research and Canterbury Christ Church University (2018)- an investigation into [perceptions of] the features of Christian foundation universities’ Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes (2018) (
• Big Ideas in Religious Education (2017), University of Exeter
• RE Council of England and Wales, Subject Review of Religious Education 3-19 (RE Council, 2013). Co-author of 1 section of the report (the section being approximately 25%).

School Resources:

• International GCSE Religious Studies: Christianity and Islam 390 pages ( Glasgow: ICS, 2011)
• “My Experience of Teaching Islam” in Muslim Youth Foundation Educational Supplement Issue 1 pp10-11.
• Buddhism for Edexcel GCSE Teacher’s and Pupil Guide 183 pages (Harlow: Pearson, 2010)
• Muslims in Britain: A Scheme of Work and Teaching Resources 100 pages to accompany DVD (Manchester: Muslim Youth Foundation, 2009)
• Key Stage 4 Islam Interactive Activities CD Rom (Boardworks, 2009)
• Gordon Reid, Sarah Tyler and James D. HoltReligion and Life: Edexcel GCSE Religion and Life CD Rom,Interactive resources (approx. 25% of total content) (Harlow: Pearson, 2009)
• “Guided imagination as a basis for understanding the importance of special places” NATRE support materials for implementation of Secondary National Curriculum (2007) 

Invited Papers/ Panel Discussions:

• February 2020 “Expanding the Boundaries in the Teaching of Religion and Worldviews Beyond the Big Six Religions.” at the University of Cumbria
• February 2020 “Expanding the Boundaries in the Teaching of Religion and Worldviews Beyond the Big Six Religions.” at Bishop Grosseteste University
• February 2020 “Expanding the Boundaries in the Teaching of Religion and Worldviews Beyond the Big Six Religions.” To Lincolnshire NATRE RE Hub
• January 2020 “Expanding the Boundaries in the Teaching of Religion and Worldviews Beyond the Big Six Religions.” at the University of Birmingham
• January 2020 “What is RE? Exploring the pedagogies of RE.” at the University of Birmingham
• January 2020 “Expanding the Boundaries in the Teaching of Religion and Worldviews Beyond the Big Six Religions.” at Birmingham City University
• November 2019 “Beyond the Chocolate Box: Religion and Worldviews in a Post-Truth World” Public Lecture at University Centre Shrewsbury
• November 2019 “Expanding the Boundaries in the Teaching of Religion and Worldviews Beyond the Big Six Religions.” at Edgehill University, Religion Now! series of lectures
• November 2019” Religion and Education” Keynote address at Sex and Relationship Education– Addressing Faith Communities Concerns Conference at Faith Network for Manchester
• April 2019, “Minority Voices within Religion” Public Launch of the Lunchtime Lecture Series at Storyhouse Chester, part of the University of Chester Research and Knowledge Transfer Festival
• October 2018 ‘Religious Education Today’ to Public Lecture at York Inter-faith Forum
• June 2017 ‘Assessing A Level Religious Studies’ to Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster Heads of RE Conference
• March 2017 ‘Teaching World Religions using Sikhism as a case study’ Annual SACRE Lecture of the Cheshire West and Chester SACRE
• November 2016 ‘Assessing GCSE Religious Studies’ to Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster Heads of RE Conference
• July 2016 ‘Teaching GCSE Religious Studies’ to Aquinas Conference at St. Mary’s Univeristy, Twickenham
• June 2016 ‘Teaching GCSE and A Level Religious Studies’ to Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster Teachers’ Conference
• May 2016 ‘Teaching A Level Religious Studies’ to Academy Conferences at the University of Oxford
• April 2016 ‘Teaching GCSE and A Level Religious Studies’ to Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nottingham Teachers’ Conference
• March 2016 ‘Teaching GCSE and A Level Religious Studies’ to Durham Local Authority Teachers’ Conference
• March 2016 ‘Teaching GCSE and A Level Religious Studies’ to North Yorkshire Local Authority Teachers’ Conference
• March 2016 ‘Teaching GCSE and A Level Religious Studies’ to Bromsgrove Local Authority Teachers’ Conference
• February 2016 ‘Teaching GCSE and A Level Religious Studies’ to Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool Teachers’ Conference
• February 2016, "A Level Religious Studies" Keynote Address at Harris Academy Trust Academies Training Day London
• November 2015 ‘Teaching GCSE Religious Studies’ to Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham Teachers’ Conference
• November 2015 ‘Teaching GCSE Religious Studies’ to Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham Teachers’ Conference
• November 2015 ‘Teaching GCSE Religious Studies’ to Roman Catholic Diocese of Lancaster Teachers’ Conference
• October 2015 ‘Teaching GCSE Religious Studies’ to Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool Teachers’ Conference
• November 2015, “A Latter-day Saint approach to addiction, its aetiology and treatment” at Chester Studies of Addiction, Recovery and Spirituality Group Conference
• June 2015, "Inter-faith dialogue: A transformational third space" at Education Week, University of Oxford
• June 2015, " Inter-faith dialogue: Islam and Christianity" at Education Week, University of Oxford
• June 2015, " The importance of a coherent teaching identity: Reflection on belief and education" at Education Week, University of Oxford
• October 2014, "Why do we have to do RE? The importance of RE for pupils and schools" Keynote Address at Harris Academy Trust Academies Training Day London
• June 2014, "The Unspeakable Gift: The Role of the Spirit in Mormonism" at Mormon Theology Seminar, BYU London
• November 2013, "A Response to the RE Review" at University of York St. John
• November 2013, "A Response to the RE Review" at Liverpool Hope University
• September 2013, “Inter-faith dialogue: a transformational third space” at Oxford Council of Faith Annual General Meeting.
• March 2013 “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” to the Inter-faith Society of the University of Manchester
• October 2012 “Mitt Romney's Mormonism: Implications for the 2012 Election and Beyond” at Lancaster University, Public Lecture, Department of Politics and Religion
• August 2012 “Piercing the Veneer of Reality, Tolkien’s Spiritual Visions” at The Return of the Ring: Annual Conference of the Tolkien Society, University of Loughborough
• February 2012 “The Journey of gaining a PhD” at the University of Chester Graduate School Training
• February 2007- Becoming a member of a SACRE- exemplar lesson and workshop delivered on behalf of REC and NASACRE
• October 2006- “Becoming an AST in RE” and “Assessment at GCSE” at Oldham RE Conference
• October 2004 “New Religious Movements in the Secondary RE Classroom” at the Westhill/PCfRE Seminar ‘RE and Inclusion’

Papers Presented:

• March 2020, “Towards a Latter-day Saint theology of religions: How do we live theologically in a pluralist world?” at Global Mormon Studies 2020 Conference, From the Outside Looking In: International Latter-day Saints and Their Neighbours, Coventry University, UK
• March 2020, “A transformative third space: Latter-day Saints and popular culture” at Mormon Scholars in the Humanities Annual Conference, University of Oxford, UK
• February 2020, “The Boundaries of Islam” at British Islam 2020 Conference, organised by new Horizons in Islam, Amnesty International, London, UK
• March 2019, “Towards a Latter-day Saint theology of religions” at University of Utah, Society of Mormon Philosophy and Theology
• July 2018, “Initial Teacher Education and Christian Distinctiveness at the University of Chester” at Liverpool Hope University, National Institute of Christian Education Research
• July 2017, “Teaching ‘as one having authority’: implications for a Christian educator” at Christian Education and Contemporary Culture, Canterbury Christ Church University, National Institute of Christian Education Research
• November 2016, “Engaging with beliefs in the formation of teacher identity” at Exploration of Religious Voices and Indentities in Higher Education, University of Manchester
• October 2016, “Prevent and RE: An uneasy relationship” at Words Beyond Words, Annual Conference of NATRE and AULRE
• June 2016, “A Christ Centred Pedagogy: Lessons from the example of the Master Teacher” at Christian Faith and Formation, Centre for Christian Education and Pastoral Theology, Liverpool Hope University
• January 2014, “Mormons and the Media: A historical analysis” at INFORM 25th Anniversary Conference, London School of Economics
• September 2013, “‘I’m a Mormon’: the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its utilization of an integrated media campaign. What is its purpose?” at Global Network for Public Theology, Third Triennial Consultation- The Word and the World: Global Theology in a Media Age, University of Chester
• July 2013, “A reflection on Government policies on the subject of religious education: misunderstandings and the way forward.” at Subject and Subjectivities Conference, Edgehill University.
• March 2013 “Religion in Orson Scott Card’s Enders Saga” at the National Conference of The Popular Culture Association/ American Popular Culture Association, Washington DC.
• September 2012 “A Wittgensteinian Problem: Restricted or Universal Salvation in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” at Alternative Salvations Conference, University of Chester
• August 2012 “A Latter-day Saint reading of Tolkien” at The Return of the Ring: Annual Conference of the Tolkien Society, University of Loughborough
• July 2012 “Faith based practice? The impact of a teacher’s beliefs on the classroom” atRe-Imagining Christian Education for the 21st Century, Liverpool Hope University
• March 2012 “A new approach to Pneumatology” at Society for the Study of Theology Annual Conference, University of York
• March 2012 “’It becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbour’: The Mormon Imperative to Spread the Word” at 'Spreading the Word' Seventeenth Theology and Religious Studies Conference. University of Bristol.
• August 2011 “The Holy Ghost in Latter-day Saint ritual experience” at European Mormon Studies Association annual conference, University of Durham
• June 2011 presented to TRS Faculty and PhD Students of the University of Chester a paper entitled “LDS- Evangelical Dialogue”
• May 2011 “The creation of a myth- Tolkien and his influences” at Myths, Legends and Folklore Conference Cardiff University
• February 2011 “They’re not all the same: reflections on teaching minority ethnic and religious pupils” public lecture at University of Chester Diversity Festival
• March 2010 “The Dichotomy of Interfaith Dialogue: A Way Forward” at BYU Studies Symposium, BYU, Provo, Utah
• March 2010 presented to TRS Faculty and PhD Students of the University of Chester a paper entitled “Ecclesiology and salvation”
• June 2009 “Beyond the Big Six: New Religious Movements and the RE Classroom” at Engaging RE Conference, Liverpool Hope University
• May 2008 “Fostering or Failing Faith” to Mormon Scholars in the Humanities Conference at Southern Virginia University

University Consultancy:

• 2013 University of Central Lancashire. External validator for MA History and Education.
• 2013 University of Central Lancashire. External validator for MA Modern Languages and Education.
• 2012 Bethlehem University, Advisor to the construction of ED451 Religious Educational Tools and Equipment Providing a critical eye to the course documentation, structure, module descriptors, assessment requirements, teaching methods and bibliography.
• 2012 Bethlehem University, Advisor to the construction of Religious Education in Low Primary Stage (1-4). Providing a critical eye to the course documentation, structure, module descriptors, assessment requirements, teaching methods and bibliography.
• May 2012 University of Central Lancashire. External validator for MA Religion and Education.
• 2012 Bhaktivedanta College, Belgium. Advisor to the steering and validation of BA (Hons) Theology and Education. Providing a critical eye to the course documentation, structure, module descriptors, assessment requirements, teaching methods and bibliography.
• March 2009 Delivered “New Religious Movements in British Society and Culture” to Undergraduate (Level 3) and Master’s Students in the Theology/ Religious Studies Dept of the University of Chester
• 2008 Advisor to the Abrahamic Religions Project at the University of Manchester
• 1997-2009 Visiting Lecturer in Religious Education at Manchester Metropolitan University. This included delivering lectures, marking assignments, completing school visits. In 2008 leadership of the RE aspect of the Secondary course was assumed for 3 months as a result of staff illness.

University Consultancy:

• 2016 External adviser/ validator BA and MA Jewish Education London School of Jewish Studies, affiliated with the University of Middlesex
• 2013 University of Chester, Chair of Validation Panel for MA Theology and the Media
• 2013 University of Central Lancashire. External validator for MA History and Education.
• 2013 University of Central Lancashire. External validator for MA Modern Languages and Education.
• 2012 Bethlehem University, Advisor to the construction of ED451 Religious Educational Tools and Equipment Providing a critical eye to the course documentation, structure, module descriptors, assessment requirements, teaching methods and bibliography.
• 2012 Bethlehem University, Advisor to the construction of Religious Education in Low Primary Stage (1-4). Providing a critical eye to the course documentation, structure, module descriptors, assessment requirements, teaching methods and bibliography.
• May 2012 University of Central Lancashire. External validator for MA Religion and Education.
• 2012 Bhaktivedanta College, Belgium. Advisor to the steering and validation of BA (Hons) Theology and Education. Providing a critical eye to the course documentation, structure, module descriptors, assessment requirements, teaching methods and bibliography.
• March 2009 Delivered “New Religious Movements in British Society and Culture” to Undergraduate (Level 3) and Master’s Students in the Theology/ Religious Studies Dept of the University of Chester
• 2008 Advisor to the Abrahamic Religions Project at the University of Manchester
• 1997-2009 Visiting Lecturer in Religious Education at Manchester Metropolitan University. This included delivering lectures, marking assignments, completing school visits. In 2008 leadership of the RE aspect of the Secondary course was assumed for 3 months as a result of staff illness.

School Consultancy:

• 2017 St Nicholas’ Catholic High School, Hartford, Working with the RE department to establish vision, structure, documentation and resources for the teaching of Judaism at GCSE.
• 2016 The Catholic High, Chester, Working with the RE department to establish vision, structure, documentation and resources for the teaching of RE at GCSE.
• 2016 Harris Academies Trust, London Working with the RE departments to establish vision, structure, documentation and resources for the teaching of RE at GCSE.
• 2016 New Charter Academy, Ashton-u-Lyne Working the RE department to establish vision, structure, documentation and resources for the teaching of RE at GCSE.
• 2016 Rastrick High School, Brighouse Working the RE department to establish vision, structure, documentation and resources for the teaching of RE at GCSE.
• 2013 Childwall Sports and Science Academy, Liverpool. Working the RE department to establish vision, structure, documentation and resources for the teaching of RE from Years 7-13.
• 2012 Queen’s Park High School, Chester. Working the RE department to establish vision, structure, documentation and resources for the teaching of RE from Years 7-13.
• 2012- St Richard Gwyn High School, Flintshire. Working with RE department to raise achievement at GCSE.
• 2012 Wiltshire SACRE/ RE Today. Review of additional religions material for inclusion in Agreed Syllabus.
• 2011- ICS Home Learning. Review of A-Level course material for suitability and compatibility with AQA specification requirements.
• 2010- presentAdvisor and training provider for the Cheshire Constabulary in the “Educating against Extremism” schools project.
• February 2009 Delivered “Challenging Hompohobia” training day to staff ofParrs Wood High School
• 2006-2008 Delivered a variety of training courses to Primary and Secondary Schools in Manchester including RE for the Gifted and Talented, Levels in RE, and Effective teaching ideas for the Foundation Stage, KS1, KS2, KS3 and KS4.
• May 2006 Delivered Teaching Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism across the Key Stages Course at Oundle School, Peterborough.

Charity and Organisational Consultancy:

• 2016- Present Expert Subject Adviser, Ofqual
• 2016 ‘Expert Judge’ Ofqual. This research looked at changes in candidate performance over time in a small sample of GCSE subjects including Religious Studies.
• 2015 Writer of the new GCSE Specification and GCE Specification for Religious Studies; Pearson Education.
• 2014 Adviser/ Compiler of report into the place of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Iran for an immigration/asylum case. Instructed by Wilson Solicitors LLP, Tottenham, London
• 2014 Faith adviser to Religious Education Council Qualification Committee on the implementation of the new requirements for GCSE and A Level Religious Studies
• 2012 Edexcel- Scrutineer for final check of selected GCSE Religious Studies papers. Checking that the paper meets the demands of the specification and is suitable for sitting by candidates.
• 2007-2008 Regional Subject Advisor for QCA/NATRE New Secondary Curriculum
• 2006- 2010 Advisor to the Muslim Youth Foundation in Educational Resources

Courses Delivered:

• March 2016, Co-organiser of the Chester/ Cheshire West SACRE Annual Lecture ‘Child Theology’ hosted at the University of Chester
• 2015/16 Delivery of national courses to support the introduction of GCSE and A Level Religious Studies, Pearson
• March 2015, Co-organiser of the Chester/ Cheshire West SACRE Annual Lecture ‘Creativity and Spirituality’ hosted at the University of Chester
• February 2014, Co-organiser of Montgomery Trust lecture hosted by Chester/ Cheshire West SACRE and the University of Chester- D. Rebecca Nye “Children’s Spirituality”
• May 2010- Co organiser of NATRE/ Hockerill Foundation day for New Teachers of RE at the University of Chester.
• 2007-2008 As RSA for Religious Studies a variety of Subject Leader, Local Authority and School Conferences across the North West about implementing the new Key Stage 3 Curriculum.
• January 2008- Delivered How to Deliver Outstanding GCSE RE Lessons Studies in London for Keynote Educational
• November 2007- Delivered Variety: Adding the Spice in Teaching AS/A Level Religious Studies in London for Keynote Educational
• September 2007 and June 2008 Teaching Outstanding RE Lessons Course for Keynote Educational
• April 2007 Delivered SMSC training to NQT and RQT at Parrs Wood High School
• February 2007 Delivered Teaching Judaism, Christianity and Islam across the Key Stages Course in London for Keynote Educational.
• November and December 2006 Delivered Variety: Adding the Spice in Teaching AS/A Level Religious Studies in Manchester and London for Keynote Educational
• May 2006 Delivered Teaching Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism across the Key Stages Coursein London for Keynote Educational
• March 2006 Delivered Teaching Judaism, Christianity and Islam across the Key Stages Course in Manchester for Keynote Educational.
• November 2005 Delivered Assessment in RE across the Key Stages Course in London and Manchester for Keynote Educational.
• 2004 Delivered a workshop on ‘Assessment for Learning’ as part of whole school INSET.
• 2002 Presentation to Tameside RE Teachers on the use of Assessment, and the application of levels within the RE Classroom.

Television:

• 26th September 2018 Panellist on TRT’s Roundatable “Religious Education: Time for a Rethink?”
• 31st July 2013 Guest on BBC North West Today discussing Mormonism
• 13th October 2012 Special Guest on “Simply the Truth: Mitt Romney and the American Presidency” Revelation TV. Expert introduction and panellist on Mormonism

Radio:

• February 2020, Guest of BBC Radio Coventry Sunday Breakfast show discussing The Church of England and same sex relationships
• February 2020 Guest on “Academic Faith” podcast
• November 2019 Special guest on ‘Daybreak’ Sunday morning show on BBC Radio Merseyside discussing Religious Education
• April 2019 Special guest on ‘Me, you and a brew’- Sunday morning show on BBC Radio Merseyside discussing Minority Voices in Religion
• April 2019 Special guest on ‘Upfront’- Sunday evening show on BBC Radio Merseyside discussing Minority Voices in Religion and University of Chester Research Festival
• January 2018 Special Guest on Voices of Islam Drive time, “Angels in the World’s Religions”
• December 2017 Special Guest on Unbelievable with Justin Brierley, Premier Christian Radio discussing issues of faith transitions.
• 3 April 2016 Special Guest on BBC Radio Merseyside Sunday Breakfast Show: “The National Register of Places of Worship and changing patterns of worship in the UK”
• 28 February 2016 Special Guest on BBC Radio Merseyside Sunday Breakfast Show: “Beyond the Ordinary: Training to be an RE Teacher”
• September 2015 ‘Saved by Grace: A discussion of Evangelical and Mormon understandings’ panelist on Premier Christian radio
• 20 March 2014Guest on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast discussing a Court Case involving Mormonism
• 4 August 2013 Special Guest on BBC Radio Lancashire Sunday Breakfast Show: “The British Pageant”
• 28 July 2013 Special Guest on BBC Radio Lancashire Sunday Breakfast Show: “The British Pageant”
• 23 June 2013 Special Guest on BBC Radio Lancashire Sunday Breakfast Show: “The British Pageant”
• 24th October 2013 Special Guest on BBC Radio Manchester Sunday Breakfast Show: “Places of Worship in Greater Manchester”
• 21st October 2012 Special Guest on BBC Radio Lancashire Sunday Breakfast Show: “An increase of missionaries in Lancashire?”
• 15th June 2012 Special Guest on BBC Radio Lancashire Weekday Breakfast Show: “Mitt Romney's Mormon roots in northern England”
• 20th May 2012 Special Guest on BBC Radio Lancashire Sunday Breakfast Show: “175 years of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lancashire”
• April 8th 2012 Special Guest on BBC Radio Manchester Sunday Breakfast Show: “The Mormon Experience in Manchester”
• March 2012 Special Guest on BBC Radio Merseyside Daybreak (Sunday Breakfast Show) discussing issues of education and faith.
• November 2011- Present Guest panellist on the Moral Question radio show CAT 1251AM (University based radio station)
• April 2011- Co-commentator on Silkmen Player match commentary: Macclesfield Town v Stevenage

Newspaper:

• “We must not give in to feelings of hatred” in Manchester Evening News 23 April 2013

Membership of Professional Bodies:

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Member of AULRE
• Member of Cheshire/ Chester West SACRE
• Member of Cheshire East SACRE
• Member of NATRE.
• Member of the Higher Education Academy
• Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors
• Member/ Clerk to Manchester SACRE (2005-2009)

Roles in Professional Bodies:

• Trustee and Board Member of the RE Council of England and Wales (2015-)
• Member of the RE Council of England and Wales on behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Mormon Studies
• Member of the Editorial Board of Resource. The Journal of PCfRE. (2003-2007)
• Member of the National Executive of the Professional Council for Religious Education (2003-2006)

• University of Liverpool PhD 2011
• University of Birmingham MEd (Religious Education) 2005
• University College Chester (University of Liverpool) MA Military Studies 2000
• Manchester Metropolitan University PGCE (Secondary) 1997
• University College Chester (University of Liverpool) BA Honours (Combined Subjects) Theology and History 1996