News
Competency self-assessment now available to members
Members can now reflect on their practice and build a CPD plan using the Guild's pilot competency framework.
The professional home for UK imams
Recognised. Supported. Represented.
The British Imams Guild is an independent professional body for imams and Islamic religious professionals — championing professional standards, fair employment and wellbeing, and giving imams a collective voice.
Members can
- Build a tailored contract from the Guild's model contracts
- Get confidential support with problems at work
- See new jobs first on the Guild jobs board
- Keep a CPD record and reflect with a competency self-assessment
- Carry a membership card that mosques can verify
- Shape professional standards through consultations
What is a guild?
A guild is an association of people who share a craft or profession. They uphold its standards, pass on its skills, look after one another and speak with one voice. From the guilds of medieval Britain to the craft guilds (asnāf) of Muslim cities, they have long combined practical support with an ethical ethos.
The British Imams Guild brings that tradition to imams today. It is run by and for imams, and is independent of any mosque network or school of thought. It is not a regulator, a trade union or a religious authority.
More about the GuildOur aims
- Recognition of the imam as a skilled profession
- Standards shaped by imams themselves
- Development through training, mentoring and CPD
- Fair employment with written contracts and fair pay
- Wellbeing for those who care for others
- Good relations between imams and mosque committees
- A collective voice backed by evidence
- Good governance independent and accountable
What the Guild does
Eight functions guide our work. Some are well established; others will grow as the Guild develops.
- Mission and professional identityA recognised professional identity and home for imams across the UK.
- MembershipA professional community with clear eligibility, benefits and governance.
- Professional standards and developmentA code of conduct, shared standards, competency self-assessment and CPD.
- Employment rights and representationPlain-English guidance and confidential support for members at work.
- Imam welfare and mutual supportPeer support, signposting and a commitment to imams' wellbeing.
- Mosque–imam relationsModel contracts, good practice and constructive dispute resolution.
- Advocacy, research and representationA collective voice, backed by evidence from members.
- Governance, finance and sustainabilityTransparent leadership, policies, fees and accountability.
Latest news
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Members' consultation: draft professional standards
Members are invited to give their views on the first draft of the Guild's professional standards.
Statement
Statement on written contracts for imams
Every imam should have a written statement of employment particulars from day one.
Upcoming events
All eventsFacing a problem at work?
Read our plain-English guides to your employment rights. Members can ask the Guild for confidential support. Our support is general guidance, not legal advice.