Race Equality Strategy needed more than ever
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V4CE and other national organisations say Race Equality Strategy needed now more than ever
National BME third sector policy advocacy organisation Voice4Change England has responded to the government’s Tackling Race Inequalities consultation by making 18 recommendations for a distinct race equality strategy that tackles the continuing inequalities and disadvantage experienced by BME communities.
Their proposals have been endorsed by the Black Training & Enterprise Group and NAVCA.
Welcoming the consultation as a sign of the Government’s continuing commitment to having a Race Equality Strategy, V4CE says it is important that this opportunity is taken by all stakeholders to put race as an issue firmly on the policy agenda in delivering better outcomes for people of BME origin.
“Ten years on from the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry and after subsequent legislation and BME third sector activity it is the case that progress towards race equality in Britain has been mixed. Some outcomes for some ethnic minorities have improved while others have had little progress and it remains the case that BME communities continue to face high levels of deprivation and discrimination compared to the rest of society. Action is urgently needed after the election of two BNP MEPs to redress this and the new strategy must be integral to all areas of public service and embedded in all public authorities to bring about improvements for all ethnic minority communities,” stated V4CE Director Vandna Gohil.
V4CE has some worries about the consultation process and began its response by questioning whether an evaluation had been undertaken of the existing Race Equality Strategy and expressing concern at the relatively low number of BME third sector representation at the official consultation events.
“If the new race equality strategy is to succeed then it must be based on an assessment of the existing strategy so that the lessons of the existing approach can be built into whatever replaces it. We also need clarity over the scope of the Race Equality Strategy in terms of what it will inform and how is it intended to link in with other strategies. Further, it is important that the Strategy engages with BME communities and the third sector organisations that represent and support them to ensure that they are involved from the point at which policy is developed to the frontline delivery of it,’ said V4CE Director Vandna Gohil.
V4CE believes that national government is the right place for a Race Equality Strategy in setting the framework and establishing the importance of tackling race inequalities, and that the strategy must also be able to respond to local and regional needs if it is to be successful. To ensure that any new Race Equality Strategy reaches local communities V4CE has called for a national indicator specifically on race to ensure race equality is implemented and monitored at a local level.
V4CE also said that the Government should move away from a discourse that positions tackling race inequality and overcoming class inequalities as opposing or exclusionary. This sets BME communities and white working class against each other and avoids tackling the real issues faced working class communities such as unemployment, health and housing.
In addition, V4CE called for public funding for the BME third sector to promote race equality, and also for the Government to recognise the value and continuing need for BME community specialist support services in meeting targeted need. V4CE argue that Government need to take a two-pronged approach to meeting the needs of BME communities through public service delivery by mainstreaming race equality but also by recognising the value and continuing need for BME community specific services.
The V4CE response has been endorsed by both NAVCA and the Black Training & Enterprise Group.
BTEG’s Director Jeremy Crook OBE commented: “While it is generally right to give more power and flexibility to local authorities there is a greater likelihood that the leaders of local government and other key local public bodies will continue to do the minimum or nothing at all when it comes to making sure black and minority ethnic people get a fair deal. This is why we still need a robust national race equality strategy that delivers a framework for local and national action.”
NAVCA chief executive Kevin Curley said: “The role of specialist bodies led by and for the needs of BME communities is crucial in bringing diverse perspectives to policy decisions and also in helping to deliver any resulting programmes of action. As a national organisation working in and with local communities NAVCA recognises and supports the vital contribution made by the BME third sector in tackling race inequalities and pledges to work along the Sector as part of a strategy that at its heart has the goal of fairer outcomes for all."
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For further information please contact Martin Ball, Head of Campaigns at martin@voice4change-england.co.uk or 020-7843 6131.
