Clinks Equality Ebulletin ::: Issue 03 ::: 22nd June 2010
TEXT ONLY VERSION
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Clinks TRIF update
A major aim of the TRIF project is to find out from offenders what their experience of accessing resettlement services has been like, but we are also seeking to understand the experience of those who try to provide the services. We are pleased to report that the research team has started to interview service providers.
About 30 providers have been contacted; 17 have shown an interest in being interviewed; four are scheduled; and four have been interviewed. The research assistants, who are service users, have been trained and have been involved in these interviews.
The process of gaining access to prisons and probation areas has been long, but we are making progress. The National Research Committee granted approval for the work in May. The next step was to approach the Directors of Offender Management for their support (which is prior to requesting access from the governors and chiefs of probation in each region.) Currently the project has been approved by two DOMs and we have partial support from another.
So generally, while it’s a long journey we are happy with the progress to date.
Government
In the run-up to the General Election, the Conservatives published ‘A Contract for Equalities’ which, on pages 16-21 in particular, set out their commitments to tackling racial prejudice. This included BME internships, boosting black enterprise, more proportional stop and search and DNA database procedures, promoting integration for non-English speakers, improving schools, and tackling extremism.
YOUR SHOUT: It is, obviously, too early to monitor these pre-election promises, but if you’d like to provide a short commentary and share your views on the potential impact on our sector of the new coalition Government we can include it in the next ebulletin. Email your thoughts (max 200 words) to Joe Gardham
One statement that has come out from the new coalition, and can be found in the Contract for Equalities, is the introduction of compulsory English language tests for migrants applying to come to the United Kingdom to join their partner or marry. From autumn 2010 all non-European Union migrants would have to demonstrate a basic command of English that allowed them to cope with everyday life before they were granted a visa. Read the Press Release at: The Home Office
Meanwhile, Communities Minister Andrew Stunell met with over 60 women from black and minority ethnic backgrounds who last week graduated from the BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) Women Councillor Mentoring Scheme. The scheme gave participants first hand knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of councillors, serving officers and an insight into systems and procedures. The aim was that upon completion, the leadership programme would equip and motivate participants to engage in party politics. Read more at: DCLG
Westminster’s only All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) dedicated to race equality was formally re-established at the groups AGM on 16th June 2010. Attendees to the June AGM included Labour leadership candidate and group chair Diane Abbott MP, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats Simon Hughes MP, and Conservative peer Lord Sheikh. Former ministers David Lammy MP, Meg Hillier MP and Jim Fitzpatrick MP were also among the attendees, as well as new Conservative MPs Gavin Barwell and Richard Fuller. At the meeting, parliamentarians discussed possibilities for the future work of the group. Ideas for areas of focus included right wing extremism, islamophobia, implementation of the Equality Act and social policy issues such as education and social care. Find out more at: Runnymede Trust
YOUR SHOUT: Who are the key people in the new coalition government you think we, in the BAME sector, should be talking to? Which departments are important strategically? And what barriers do you face in engaging with government? Share your thoughts and suggestions with readers by emailing joe.gardham@clinks.org
Islam in the CJS
The prisons inspectorate said that prisons had come a 'considerable distance' in meeting the religious needs of Muslims: but that they were not yet effectively managing a complex and multi-dimensional population. Download the report or see what British Humanist Association, Guardian, and Children & Young People Now think.
Perhaps providing some context is a new book, ‘Muslims in Britain’ that examines the history, social make-up, institutions, and politics of Muslim communities in Britain. Priced at £19.99, and available from: Cambridge University Press
YOUR SHOUT: As an organisation that works with this group, do you agree with the findings of the report? What do you think of the Guardian’s interpretation that the system is forcing Muslim men into extremism? Email your thoughts to Joe Gardham
Research
Pathways to Permanence for Black, Asian and Mixed Ethnicity Children is an interesting research report that examined the care pathways of minority-ethnic children in three authorities in England. It considered possible differences in decision-making and outcomes for them, in comparison with white children, especially in relation to permanence. It raised key questions about how ethnicity and culture were reflected in social work practice, especially with regard to making permanent placements for minority-ethnic children.
Costs, Barriers and Benefits of Involving Volunteers from Under-Represented Groups is a new report that says organisations should improve their monitoring of the numbers of volunteers from under-represented groups such as disabled people, refugees and asylum-seekers, and single parents. It highlighted the benefits of involving these volunteers: although there could be additional costs incurred in involving them, funding bodies should recognize and support the potential extra costs and time.
Immigration & Migration
Lots of information has been published recently around migration, asylum and immigration. Here’s a quick overview:
Not Gone, But Forgotten: The urgent need for a more humane asylum system, is a British Red Cross publication that claims up to 20,000 failed asylum-seekers were living in conditions of destitution, relying on charities for food. It criticized the asylum system as 'shameful' and 'inhumane'.
Wrong Kind of Victim? One year on – An analysis of UK measures to protect trafficked persons reports that the United Kingdom's anti-trafficking measures were 'not fit for purpose' and that the government was breaching its obligations under the European Convention against Trafficking.
University of Manchester have published Understanding Ethnic Differences in Migration of Young Adults Within Britain from a Lifecourse Perspective which examines the complexities of ethnic group migration in Britain, in particular why young adults of some ethnic groups are more mobile than others.
A very interesting report, Crime and Immigration: Evidence from large immigrant waves, examines the relationship between immigration and crime, based on data from two recent waves of immigration. The first wave (in the late 1990s/early 2000s) led to a small rise in property crime, although the second wave (after 2004) did not. There was no observable effect on violent crime for either wave.
Equalities
Kent County Council believes that employing people with different backgrounds and experiences helps provide a better service to the community. The council has thus developed a programme called ‘Aspire’. This is a positive action personal and leadership development programme for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) staff at higher grades. Read the press release, including some of the problems they faced, at: IDeA
The Government Equalities Office have produced a helpful, ‘easy read’ guide to the Equality Act. Download it at: EHRC
Processes of Prejudice: Theory, evidence and intervention is a research report for the Equality and Human Rights commission, that reviews existing knowledge about prejudice: what it was, how it might be measured, and how it might be reduced. Focusing specifically on the equality groups set out in the Equality Act 2006, the report examined perceptions of different groups within society; the psychological bases for prejudice; how prejudice was expressed; and the effects of experience.
Training
'Tackling Racism and Promoting Race Equality' is a free training event [28th June @ Yeovil, 7th July @ Brighton, 13th July @ Huddersfield. It aims to raise awareness of issues of racism and the impact on young people; examine how race equality can be promoted through the curriculum; empower delegates to challenge racism and respond to racist incidents; and equip delegates with knowledge and resources to educate young people against racism. Details at: http://www.theredcard.org/news/news-and-events?news=838
Resources
‘Where Does Racism Come From?’ is a recently published educational guide that answers the question in four stages. The guide explains where the ideas behind racism came from, who came up with them, what they said, and what legacy their ideas have left in the 21st century. The guide is priced at £9.99, but there's 20% off if bought before 30th June at: www.phull-uk.com/purchasing
The Runnymede Trust's financial inclusion team is developing its project on older BAME people. The three-year programme, funded by the Nationwide Foundation, will include ‘deliberative assemblies’, which will enable older people to discuss their experiences in groups. If you are over 50 - or you work with older people - and want to find out more or get involved with the project contact omar@runnymedetrust.org. You can also now follow the Runnymede Trust on Facebook
'Diversity resources for voluntary and community organisations' is a new NCVO guide to help you find the diversity information you need to develop your organisation. Download it here
Get involved
We are keen to promote the work that the voluntary sector does with BME offenders. If your organisation is involved in this work and you would like to promote your services then please email Joe Gardham.
Stay informed
We will continue to update our Race for Justice website at www.raceforjustice.net. The next ebulletin will be out in June.
Additional Information
• This ebulletin is produced through funding from the Department of Communities and Local Government (www.communities.gov.uk).
• It is currently circulated to those that have registered for the Race for Justice campaign.
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