Tips for effective SRE negotiations with schools
As an SRE Coordinator there are many joys to the role – you get to see the impact that SRE is having on students across many classes and often, across many schools. However, there are also aspects of the coordinator role that can be challenging. One of these is negotiating effectively with schools, especially when they propose scheduling changes.
In all schools there will be times when conversations need to happen. This may be initiated by the school or by you as the coordinator. Negotiation may be required in areas such as:
- A proposed change in SRE class times
- Deciding on starting and finishing dates for SRE for the year
- Commencing SRE in a new school, or for grades that have not previously had SRE
- Anticipated class sizes and room allocations for the following year
- Expectations around use of school technology by SRE teachers
- Sending information home to families through SRE students
- Special SRE assemblies and events
SRE Coordinators have a key role to play in these conversations with schools. Here are six tips for effective negotiation:
1. Know what your goal is but be willing to be flexible.
Effective negotiation requires a willingness for both sides of the discussion to demonstrate some flexibility. It is helpful to come into a negotiation knowing what your ideal outcome is but also having some other options that will be a suitable compromise. For example, if there is negotiation around the time of day when SRE occurs, it’s helpful to come to the meeting with more than one workable option. The NSW Department of Education SRE policy states:
Principals and approved providers organise SRE/SEE delivery through negotiation and agreement. Principals need to be sensitive to the fact that SRE/SEE teachers are often volunteers and they may have other commitments. (1)
2. Know your responsibilities and SRE procedures as best you’re able
You don’t need to be an expert or know everything, but having a good understanding of your role and responsibilities as an SRE Coordinator will help significantly with negotiations. If you are an Anglican SRE Coordinator your regional SRE advisor is available to assist. The Guide To Primary and Secondary SRE also provides a comprehensive summary of everything you need to know about SRE as a coordinator. It’s worth reading through this document at least annually. Additionally, SRE Masterclasses provide ongoing training to help you be most effective in your coordinator role.
3. Approach negotiations with a problem-solving mindset
Schools are juggling many competing demands and at times will genuinely need to negotiate changes to the delivery of SRE. It’s best to enter negotiations willing to listen well, to seek to understand the school’s viewpoint, and to collaboratively negotiate a solution that is suitable for both parties. Entering negotiation meetings assuming there is hostility or malice does not usually result in a positive outcome. In many cases, school staff are not up to date with SRE policy and procedures as they are so busy with other aspects of school life.
4. Hold negotiation meetings in person, wherever possible
Whilst it may be tempting to negotiate via email, it’s best to meet in person to discuss and resolve any issues as this allows all parties to speak clearly and directly into the situation. Dress appropriately and treat this as a business meeting. It’s best practice to send an email after the meeting to everyone who was present to thank the school for their time and to confirm what was discussed and any agreements that were reached. Do not rely on the school to send this email.
5. Negotiate with all parties in the room, wherever possible
If changes to the delivery of SRE are being discussed, all SRE providers who are impacted should be in the same meeting. It’s also ideal if you can communicate with other providers ahead of the negotiation meeting to ensure that you’re all on the same page regarding desired outcomes and acceptable alternatives.
6. Know when to ask for additional support
At times you may not be able to reach a negotiated outcome with the school. It’s important in these situations not to agree to anything outside of SRE policy or that won’t work for your SRE teachers, even if other local schools are doing what’s being proposed. In these situations, it’s best to politely say that you need to have a conversation with the SRE advisor for your region before an agreement is reached. Contact your regional SRE advisor and we will be more than happy to assist.
Above all, remember to pray to God. Thank him for the opportunity to teach SRE in your local school. Thank him for the SRE teachers, the students, and the school staff. Pray for the negotiation meeting you are about to have, knowing that the outcome is in his sovereign hands. Be encouraged, knowing that the work you are doing as an SRE Coordinator is valuable in helping students across our public schools access SRE classes so they can better understand the Christian faith.
(1) https://education.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/pd-2002-0074-01 Accessed 04/03/2026.
