Resource
Approaches Approaches for the future: Faith, inclusion and growth
The integrated strategy for supporting Quaker communities
Approaches for the future: Faith, inclusion and growth
The integrated strategy for supporting Quaker communities
In Autumn 2025, we asked Quakers across Britain to tell us what they think the priorities should be for supporting Quaker communities to thrive in the next five years (2026 to 2030).
The strategy is rooted in the vision of Our Faith in the Future. It links to the strategic priorities of Britain Yearly Meeting trustees and Woodbrooke trustees. Other partners link in ways that are appropriate for their organisation or group.
Approaches for the future: Faith, inclusion and growth is about the support which is offered to help Quakers make that vision a reality.
Support is available in several ways – see the Support section below.
Why do we need a strategy?
Does “strategy" sound a bit boring? Do you think people spend ages writing a strategy, then it never gets looked at until it's time to review it?
Quakers in Britain and Woodbrooke have found having a strategy useful. It helps us to prioritise which work is important. It makes sure that our work covers all necessary areas, or topics. It helps us to work together more closely. This has made the work of each organisation more effective.
This strategy sits underneath other strategic documents. One is Our faith in the future, which is a vision for the Quaker church in Britain. Another is the strategic priorities of Quakers in Britain, which covers the centrally managed work of the organisation. The priorities address how the whole organisation delivers our four charitable purposes of sustaining the Quaker church and faith; supporting Quaker communities; promoting Quakerism; and putting Quaker faith into action. Approaches for the future 2026 - 2030 adds detail to our plans for supporting Quaker communities, which is the responsibility of Quaker Life.
Jargon busting
If you don't quite know what is meant by some of the words and phrases we are using, this might help!
Quaker communities – any group of Quakers who get together to do things connected to being Quaker. This includes our usual local meetings, area meetings, and regional groups. It can also include less formal groups, such as online worshipping communities, young adult groups and Quaker Recognised Bodies. It also includes Quaker communities which are short term, or don't happen often, such as different Quaker camps, young people's events, activist and protest groups. In terms of support, these groups would usually need to include worship, community building, and some sort of Quaker way of organising to receive support from Quaker Life and other partners.
Our faith in the future is a word picture of the kind of communities we want to be – now, and in the future. It helps all of us to think what are the key aspects of being Quakers, in our communities, and in our lives.
Integrated Strategy – Quaker Life and Woodbrooke agreed a shared strategy in 2026. The involvement of both groups is the "integrated" bit.
Quakers in Britain is the name for the whole Quaker church in Britain. It can also describe the centrally managed work which is done on behalf of the church by staff and central committees and governance bodies. It is the registered working name of the charity in Britain. Sometimes the term "Britain Yearly Meeting" (BYM) is used to describe the same thing – although this can also refer to the annual event where Quakers come together to worship, celebrate and discern.
Quaker Life – Quaker Life is the team in the centrally managed work of Quakers in Britain with the main responsibility for supporting Quaker communities to thrive. There are 34 paid staff in this team, mainly Development Workers. These staff are based across Britain, working with Quaker communities on all the things they need to do to function well and legally.
Quaker Life Central Committee – The work of Quaker Life is discerned and supported by Quaker Life Central Committee (QLCC), which is a group of nominated Friends from across Britain. QLCC are responsible for discerning the work of the Quaker Life department.
Woodbrooke Learning and Research – Woodbrooke provides learning and research across the world for all things Quaker. In Britain, they work closely with Quaker Life to provide learning for role-holders in Quaker communities, as well as opportunities for everyone to deepen their faith, understanding and experience in Quakers.
Support for your Quaker Community – what is currently available?
Development workers are available across Britain to all Quaker communities. They can work on all aspects of Our faith in the future, helping communities to grow and change. They are part of Quaker Life, part of the centrally managed work of Quakers in Britain. They are paid staff.
The Faith in Action Team supports Quakers and Quaker communities in grassroots witness and activism. The Faith in Action team are part of Quaker Peace and Social Witness (QPSW). QPSW is a department within the centrally managed work of Quakers in Britain. QPSW supports Quakers to take action and works on their behalf to build sustained peace and social justice.
Other central support is available through other departments at Quakers in Britain, including Communications and Fundraising, the Library and Archives, and the Governance team.
Learning opportunities are provided by Woodbrooke Learning and Research. These are available online, and in person. Woodbrooke put on learning events and activities. Your own Quaker community can also arrange for them to work directly with you.
Role holder networks are available for most of the key roles which are needed to keep a Quaker community running. These networks include online sessions, in person events, and e-mail groups. There are national networks. Some development workers also run regional networks.
Resources are available for Quaker communities. Quakers in Britain provide a range of leaflets, handbooks, advice sheets, session plans, books and publications to support Quaker communities. Other organisations also provide helpful resources.
Events and activities can be organised to help Quaker communities to thrive.
Quaker Recognised Bodies are groups of Quakers with a shared interest in a particular topic or concern. They offer a range of different opportunities, including worship, fellowship, faith in action, spiritual nurture, outreach and community connection.
