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Case study
Grimsby Institute CS06
Organisation: Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education Type of FE provider: College Focus on: Equality and Diversity (Race)
Information and Advice Service Tel: 0207 936 5798 Email: advice@lluk.org www.lluk.org
Communities Together for Racial Justice Summary of activity An example of how a college has contributed to the work of a regional forum to explore issues under the Race Equality Duty, including assisting with events and the production of resources for the community.
Background and strategic drive for activity Grimsby Institute’s mission is to be a world-class, customer-focused and dynamic provider of education and skills. Recently, the Institute has had a higher profile in the media for equality and diversity matters and it takes its position as an inclusive organisation very seriously. The North East Lincolnshire area has a very low black and minority ethnic (BME) profile (1.4 per cent of the population in the last census of 2001). In recent years, it has experienced an increase in the numbers of Chinese, Bangladeshi and Indian immigrants, as well as asylum seekers and migrants. In 2006, a report1 found that the region had a high proportion of white British nationals – 97.5 per cent compared to 87 per cent in England as a whole. North East Lincolnshire Sustainability Report, 2006 http://consult.nelincs.gov.uk/portal/localdevelopmentplans/cs/sareport? pointId=1220953280144 1
The Institute has a staff population of almost 1,400, of which five per cent are from an ethnic minority. One example of the Institute’s commitment to community cohesion is its involvement with ‘Communities Together’. This is a forum of public sector bodies and members of minority groups from the North East Lincolnshire area.
Set-up and implementation The forum was set up in 2000 with the following aim: “to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups within the community, both generally and by the advancement of public education in the causes and effects of racial discrimination.”
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Originally the group was known as the ‘Racial Justice Forum’ and operated primarily as a helpline on racial issues. A member of the Institute’s teaching staff who had responsibility for equality and diversity issues was a representative in this group, but in 2004, one of the Institute’s senior managers became involved and a new Chair was appointed. This prompted a change in direction, focus and objectives and the forum members decided to rename the group ‘Communities Together’. The group’s Executive Board meets every three months and this is followed by a forum meeting. There is also a Planning and Coordination Committee which meets regularly to discuss arrangements for the group’s events. Grimsby Institute is heavily involved in the group. For example, the Institute’s Communications Department actively promotes the aims and events of the forum, and it also supports the group by providing resources such as transport to events. The local media publicises the group’s work and Channel Seven (a local TV channel) regularly films the activities organised by the group.
Obstacles faced The forum is not yet fully representative of all the BME communities in the local area. Engaging with all communities has been a challenge: some groups are very supportive of the forum and willing to participate, while others don’t show the same level of interest or commitment. In response to this, the forum has set targets for next year to engage individuals from these communities and increase membership.
Impact and achievements As part of the group’s activities, the Institute coordinated transport for local community members from different faiths and cultures to travel to the Bradford ‘Pillars of Light’ exhibition. This allowed them to explore different aspects of Islamic culture and heritage. A successful street market and performance of dance and music, in conjunction with activities for local youth groups from a variety of cultures, were all part of the celebrations last year and will be repeated in Autumn 2009 (see ‘Next steps’). The Institute is represented on the Executive of ‘Communities Together’ and through this link plays a major part in organising events to promote good race relations in the area. In 2006, ‘Communities Together’ organised a cultural market and summer workshop on Indian dance, African drums, Indian cooking and making a Chinese dragon costume.
More recently, the Institute’s Diversity Coordinator was involved in compiling a diversity booklet for the group, based on the backgrounds of local BME groups.
Links with other equality areas and legal requirements The community focus of the group means its members have a close link with local issues of faith and culture. This gives the Institute and its workforce a better understanding of issues affecting the local area. This will also help provide a sound basis for its work to meet the forthcoming provisions of the Equality Bill. In relation to other matters of equality legislation, the group has aligned its work with the general Duty of the Race Relations Act 1976 (as amended), and over the years has also linked its activities with other equality areas, including religion and belief.
Next steps ‘Communities Together’ is planning a fourth International Day in Autumn 2009, which will feature a street market hosted by a variety of local community groups.
“Strengthening links with community and engagement with minority ethnic communities. Visible commitment to equality and diversity from the Institute.” “Shows commitment to community cohesion and should be commended for thinking proactively about promoting good relations between people from differing groups, considering the below average numbers of BME groups in the region.” The Workforce Race Advisory Group
Provider contact Alex Baghurst – Diversity Development Manager Jayne Bacon – Equality and Diversity Adviser Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education Nuns Corner Grimsby North East Lincolnshire DN34 5BQ Find out more about the work of The Workforce Race Advisory Group: www.lluk.org/3151.htm. RW09/09/200910.026
Contact Lifelong Learning UK 5th Floor St Andrew’s House 18-20 St Andrew Street London EC4A 3AY Ref: E&D/FE/07 2009/06
Information and Advice Service
020 7936 5798 Email: advice@lluk.org
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