The Jubilee Centre for Character and Values
was launched on 16th May at the House of Lords.
The Centre is a multi-millionpound investment
by the John Templeton Foundation, based at the University of Birmingham and
directed by Prof. James Arthur.
Dr. Jack Templeton, President and Chairman of
the John Templeton Foundation, attended the launch which was hosted by Lord
Watson of Richmond who is to Chair the Advisory Board to the Centre. Prof.
David Eastwood, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, also
attended along with other notable dignitaries.
Dr. Jack
Templeton said:
“Sir John Templeton’s powerful sense of gratitude to Britain began as a
student, and grew and grew over his entire life. Sir John especially honoured
the Gift of the Mind and how it is the Mind and the Spirit whence come
Character and Values.
Therefore – the foundation is honoured to support the new Jubilee Centre
for Character and Values at the University of Birmingham and the Centre’s
leadership in a 10-year endeavor: Gratitude Britain”.
The
over-arching aim of the new Centre is to contribute to the renewal of character
and values in Britain through research and development activities.
The Centre
will run a large number of research projects which will cover all areas of
British society: from character education in schools, to examining the values
that motivate professionals such as teachers, lawyers and doctors, as well as
those in the media, finance industries and civil service. It will try to answer
questions that are fundamental to understanding modern Britain including:
- How
does the power of good character transform and shape the future of
society?
- What
would be the wider social, cultural and moral impact of a more grateful
Britain?
- What
personal virtues should ground public service?
- 'How might
such positive character traits as hope and optimism be fostered for
working towards a better British society?’
The Centre
will initiate a national consultation on a proposed curriculum policy for
character building in schools.
For more
information, please contact the Centre Manager Aidan Thompson via: a.p.thompson@bham.ac.uk