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Race equality alliance to launch standards charter

A new charter providing an equality standard for Newham organisations is being drawn up by the newly-relaunched Newham Race Equality Alliance, reports Jean Gray

A person stands holding a microphone at the front f a meeting

A race equality charter aimed at providing an equality standard for local organisations is being drawn up by the newly-relaunched Newham Race Equality Alliance. 

Once the charter is agreed, local businesses will be asked to adopt its measures and sign up. 

Principles underlying the charter were discussed at a workshop organised by the Alliance on 9th February. Among the principles put forward by local people attending the workshop include fairness, inclusivity, openness, accountability, respect and unconscious bias. There was a consensus that once an organisation signs up, adherence to the charter should be audited. Guest speaker Marie Gabriel talked about “structural racism and particularly the issues facing young black men who are four times more likely to be detained in mental hospitals, nine times more likely to be stopped by the police and four times more likely to be excluded from school. 

Ms Gabriel, who is Chair of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said discrimination begins at birth, including neonatal health. “We know that racism is bad for your health,’ she told the audience. ‘But we are a resilient community, strong in unity’ 

Aidan White (pictured above), a member of the Alliance and Newham Voices Editor in Chief, said the Alliance is not run by Newham Council but is grateful for the support that has been given by the Council. “We are an independent community voice that needs to take action to create a truly equal society in Newham,” he said.

The Alliance will meet again on 25th March. For more information email info@rein.uk.com or ring 0207 473 5347.


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