A Milestone for Partnership, Inclusion and Civic Trust
On Thursday, 13 November 2025, Sheffield City Council and local faith and belief-based organisations formally signed the Sheffield Faith & Belief Charter at The Circle, Rockingham Lane.
The launch marks an important milestone for the city strengthening relationships between Sheffield City Council and its diverse faith communities, while setting out clear shared commitments to collaboration, equality, safeguarding and inclusion.
DiverseCity Development Trust (DDT) was honoured to support this work and to take part in the celebration as part of our ongoing commitment to community cohesion and strategic partnership development across Sheffield.
A Renewed Relationship Built on Trust
Sheffield City Council described the Charter launch as “a great step forward and one to be proud of.”
Shahida Siddique, CEO of DiverseCity Development Trust, delivered an inspiring leadership message on behalf of DDT and our community partnerships network. She highlighted the importance of collective leadership and the responsibility shared across institutions and communities.
She said:
“It is a privilege to stand among so many who give their time, compassion, and leadership to our city.
The Faith & Belief Charter represents a renewed relationship between Sheffield City Council and the diverse faith communities across Sheffield.
Progress happens when the Council, public services, voluntary groups, and faith organisations work together with honesty, respect, and shared purpose.
To look beyond differences and build a Sheffield where everyone belongs is the type of leadership our city values and needs.”
Shahida also reminded attendees that:
“Today is not the end of something it is the beginning of a new, more connected way of working.”
What the Charter Means for Sheffield
The Faith & Belief Charter forms part of the wider Sheffield City Goals and the city’s Communities Strategy. It reinforces a practical and values-led framework for partnership.
The Charter ensures that:
All communities feel represented and heard
Faith-based organisations are recognised for their vital civic role
Partnership working between Council and communities is strengthened
Safeguarding and equality remain central to delivery
Dialogue continues through two annual sessions and a yearly forum
This structured engagement creates continuity moving beyond one-off events toward sustained, accountable collaboration.
DDT’s Ongoing Commitment
At DiverseCity Development Trust, we remain committed to strengthening civic trust, supporting faith and community leadership, and contributing strategically to Sheffield’s cohesion agenda.
The Charter reflects the type of city Sheffield aspires to be inclusive, respectful, and forward-looking.
We thank all partners, faith leaders, community representatives and Council colleagues who contributed to this milestone.
Together, we continue building a Sheffield where everyone belongs.
