Institutional racism ‘still present’ in public bodies

A summary of feedback on a Communities and Local Government department consultation on tackling race inequality states: ‘It was felt that institutional racism still existed within the public sector and that organisations should acknowledge this.

‘Public sector organisations needed to discuss with their employees how institutional racism should be tackled and monitored.’

The CLG published a consultation document on its approach to tackling race inequality in February last year, and last week released the findings.

It received 89 written responses from bodies including the Chartered Institute of Housing and the National Housing Federation, and 350 people attended eight regional ‘listening events’ to feed into the discussion.

The exercise informed the government’s tackling race inequality statement, which was published on 14 January.

Respondents felt ethnic minority communities suffer a general disadvantage which has an impact on the potential of individuals. They also said it is important to consider the impact of minority ethnic lifestyles on accommodation needs. 

There was a strong call for public bodies to demonstrate good track records on equality and diversity, which would mean engaging with the minority ethnic voluntary and community sector.

The document concludes: ‘The responses received and the feedback from the listening events showed wide support for a dedicated race strategy.’