Religious observance in higher education: facilities and services

This briefing discusses the provision of facilities and services from a religion and belief perspective.

Including case studies from institutions, the briefing features examples of targeted services for particular religions or beliefs. It also discusses institutions' responsibilities for ensuring that facilities and services do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of religion and belief.

Areas covered include:

• Legislative background
• Providing services free of unlawful discrimination
• Providing targeted service
• Chaplaincy
• Personal reflection, meditation or prayer rooms
• Catering services and alcohol
• Accommodation

The briefing has been informed by discussions with institutions, unions, student-led religion and belief organisations and other national religion and belief organisations as part of our Briefings on religion and belief project. This is the second briefing in a series. The first briefing is on institutional timetabling and work patterns.