Agenda item - Anti-Racism Progress Update

Report of the Executive Director Housing Neighbourhoods & Communities (Copy Attached).

RESOLVED: That the committee noted the report.

24.1 The Chair invited the Head of Communities and Equality to introduce the report.

24.2 The Head of Communities and Equality introduced the report starting on page 45 of the Agenda.

24.3 Stephanie Prior was informed that:

·       The Head of Communities and Equality would find out more data from HR about the recruitment of BAME candidates to senior positions.

·       Financially supporting local BAME businesses hasn’t been touched on as part of the anti-racism strategy, however the procurement process now includes details of how they adhere to the anti-racist strategy, and the Council have committed to providing training for BAME owned businesses.

·       The Council met with the anti-racism community advisory board and have taken on board a lot of points raised to include in the world reimagined project.

24.4 The Chair added that as Chair of the Procurement Advisory Board he agreed that more should be a more proactive process to encourage BAME groups to apply for tenders.

24.5 Councillor Childs was informed that:

·       The Head of Communities and Equality to confirm with Economic Development colleagues what options are available to financially support BAME businesses in the city and send a response to all committee members.

·       Recruiting more BAME staff in school workforces is included in the anti-racist strategy.

24.6 Joanna Martindale was informed that the Head of Communities and Equality would email all committee members as soon as more information regarding the new Chair of the Community Advisory Group was available.

24.7 Councillor Powell thanked the Communities and Equalities team and Stephanie Prior for their hard work.

RESOLVED: That the committee noted the report.

The Head of Communities and Equality to:

·       Find out more data from HR about the recruitment of BAME candidates to senior positions.

·       Confirm with Economic Development colleagues what options are available to financially support BAME businesses in the city and then send a response to all committee members.

·       Email all committee members as soon as more information regarding the new Chair of the Community Advisory Group was available.