BME Communities & Asylum Seekers
Action Group members:
Parvin Damani, Southampton PCT (CHAIR)Clare Marett, GOSE (VICE CHAIR)
Julia Pitt, Housing Corporation
Clare Lavis, MLA South East
Simon De Banya, SEEDA
Tina Molyneux, Equality & Human Rights Commission
John Johnson, Southern Gypsy & Traveller Network
Judith Corcho, SEMEDA
Ila Mazumdar, Sompriti
Gulzar Sharif, West Itchen Community Trust
Tunde Bright Davies, PRENO
Pam McHale, SEEDA chaired the group up until December 2005
Anne Morrison, SE Public Health Group was Vice-Chair until March 2007
Mission Statement
To enhance / maximise the life chances of socially excluded people from BME communities by promoting equitable access.
Objectives
To maximise opportunities available for otherwise socially excluded BME communities, including Asylum Seekers and Travellers, by enhancing access to:
- Generic Public Sector Services
- Support for the development and growth of BME businesses and services
- Positions of influence and leadership
About
Between 2004 - 2008 the group:
- Produced a Statement of Commitment to Race and its accompanying glossary, which has been endorsed by SIPSE members and was launched in September 2005.
- Held two "Tackling the Barriers to Success and Achievement" events, which identified changes necessary in organisations if barriers to success and achievement faced by BME staff are to be removed.
- Gathered data on BME communities (including information on training and support for BME leadership), Asylum Seekers and Travellers.
- Carried out a monitoring exercise of 'The South East Commitment: Advancing Race Equality in the South East' to identify how it has shaped SIPSE member organisations work and influenced any changes in practice.
- Responded to key policy documents.
- Produced a regional Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) template and guidance to help organisations carry out a robust Equality Impact Assessment. Download a copy here .
Racial Equality statement
"The South East Commitment: Advancing Racial Equality in the South East" is the first step by the SIPSE towards promoting the shared principles and specific race equality and diversity actions being taken by its members in the South East. Click here to view the statement.