Press Release
Community leaders to steer work on Lord Ouseley's review
Published on: 22/06/2005
Ref: PR4850
BME community leaders and equality experts are helping the council implement the recommendations of Lord Herman Ouseley.
The decision to establish this Strategic Reference Group was one of the first decisions made by Southwark Council's Working Group to implement the recommendations made in Lord Ouseley's report.
Lord Ouseley was commissioned by the council to review its equality and diversity framework, following unsubstantiated allegations that it had discriminated unfairly against BME businesses.
The day after his report was published in March the Council immediately decided that a Member Working Group be set up to drive forward his 35 recommendations.
The recommendations that could be progressed immediately were identified and acted on. It also decided which required more considered preparation, discussion with the community and long-term strategic solutions with the support of the group of community leaders and equality experts.
The Strategic Reference Group meet for the first time tonight to appoint a chairperson and decide how best they can help steer the council’s work.
The Leader of Southwark Council, Cllr Nick Stanton, said: "We have made immediate progress on the recommendations made in Lord Ouseley's report. While he concluded that the council has sound equality and diversity policies he also said that we have to do more to deliver them effectively and build trust in all sections of the community.
“This strategic reference group will help steer the council’s whole response to Lord Ouseley’s review. We have been able to implement some of his recommendations straight away but there are longer-term targets that we need and want to consult the local BME and other communities on.
“The establishment of this group is a very positive move in the right direction. Its involvement will ensure that the council’s decisions have the backing of influencial community leaders so we can respond to the views and concerns of the wider communities in a constructive and positive way and act on them.”
The council's Social Inclusion Unit is leading on implementing the decisions of the group and involving the community.
The Chief Executive is also investigating all outstanding complaints brought to Lord Ouseley, which are expected to be completed by the end of July, the results will be reported back to the working group.
Some of the other main actions taken to date include:
- Agreeing with the Audit Commission that it will carry out an independent audit of the council response to Lord Ouseley’s report.
- Rolling out additional training in the Race Relations Amendment Act for all members and staff. Appointing a new Head of Organisational Development to ensure a corporate approach to equality and diversity training, and establishing a special equalities post to support this programme.
- Developing ways to improving career opportunities and pathways for under-represented groups.
- Working with Southwark Race Equality Council on an action plan for their involvement with the council and community.
- Carrying out an Equalities Impact Assessment of procurement in 2005/6.
- Agreeing with other agencies and the Government Office for London a programme to encourage active citizenship and community engagement.
- Support for small businesses, including an agreement with a voluntary organisation to undertake outreach with black and ethnic minority residents and businesses about the planning function and service.
The council is currently reviewing its Race Equality Scheme which involves wide consultation with all sections of Southwark's community. Lord Ouseley's report will be considered and consulted on alongside this review to ensure that the scheme will involve all of its findings and recommendations.
The next meeting of the working group takes place on Tuesday, 28 June.
Further contact details:
Communications Unit
Southwark Council
Town Hall
Peckham Road
London SE5 8UB
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