Agenda item - Presentation on the Trust for Developing Communities (TDC) Report on BAME experiences during the Covid Emergency

Presentation from TDC and Brighton & Hove CCG on the TDC report on BAME experiences during the Covid emergency (TDC report attached for information)

32.1    This item was presented by Kaye Duerdoth, Director of Equalities, Trust for Developing Communities (TDC);  by Anusree Biswas Sasi, the independent author of the Report; and by Jane Lodge, Associate Director of Public Involvement, Sussex CCGs.

32.2    Kaye Duerdoth told members that TDC interviewed a wide range of people for the report. Most were in the 25-54 age group; there was representation from every Council ward in the city; and the majority of respondents were female. Anusree Biswas Sasi added that there were a number of ethnicities represented; this richness is captured in the report: e.g. by listing the country of origin for people of African descent rather than using the catch-all “Black African”. People from a wide range of ethnicities reported that they felt disproportionately impacted by Covid.

32.3    In response to a question from Cllr Brennan on vaccine misinformation, Jane Lodge told the committee that services are working to counter misinformation, using existing links with well-respected figures in specific communities.

32.4    In response to queries from Cllr McNair about the methodology of the report, Ms Duerdoth told members that the report represents a snapshot in time. Interviewees were not randomly selected: they were people already in contact with support organisations. Whilst the report may have a limited quantitative value, it is a rich source of qualitative data. There are gaps in terms of the ethnicities covered: e.g. in terms of Jewish and of Travelling communities. Ms Lodge added that the report does an important job of capturing community voices.

32.5    Cllr Powell welcomed the report. She also noted that it was important for services to think about how best to reach all Black & Minority ethnic communities.

32.6    The Chair thanked the presenters for their contributions.