Equalities
Introduction | News |Funding | Events |Training | Consultations | Equalities Communities| Black Minority Ethnic (BME) | Gypsy & Traveller| Disabled People|Faith| Lesbian, Gay & Bi-Sexual (LGB)| Hate Crime | Human Rights| Resources| Information| Bristol Equalities Network| Meetings|Legal Updates|EHRC| News Archive |Consultation Archive |
Introduction
Voscur is committed to encouraging and promoting good Equalities practice, and supporting Equalities communities in Bristol.
You will find on our Equalities web page useful good practice documents and information to help you in your work, such as the Bristol Equalities Toolkit that we have re-developed in partnership with Bristol City Council’s Regeneration Department; and a selection of our Equalities training documents.
We will also display relevant information such as the Hate Crime Strategy Action Plan which we have developed working with Safer Bristol Partnership and member organisations from Bristol’s VCSE; reports from the Bristol Equalities Network which we facilitate through our work with the Equalities Action Group and Bristol Equalities partners; and other useful documents to inform your work.
Throughout the year you will find information on our web pages about Black History Month, (LGBT) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History month, International Women’s Day, Refugee Week and other events.
“No-one else is doing anything like it”
Several years ago, Voscur activists organised two conferences in inner city Bristol. One of the outcomes of these conferences was specifically funded Equalities and Information work in Voscur, supported by the Big Lottery’s Community Fund. But what do we mean when we talk about Equalities work? ‘Equalities work’ is often invisible and goes unrecognised. Voscur commissioned an evaluation of its Equalities work. To read the report click here Evaluation of Voscur's Equalities and Neighbourhoods Work 2007 (121kb pdf).
If you would like us to include any other Equalities information then please contact us at the office on (0117) 909 9949 or email: emma@voscur.org
News
BNP: COMMISSION TAKE ACTION OVER POTENTIAL BREACH OF RACE DISCRIMINATION LAW
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has written to the British National Party over possible breaches of anti-discrimination law. The Commission has demanded that the party address potential breaches related to its constitution and membership criteria, employment practices and provision of services to the public and constituents.
The letter, sent to the party chairman Nick Griffin, outlines the Commission's concerns about the BNP's compliance with the Race Relations Act. The letter asks the BNP to provide written undertakings by 20 July that it will make the changes required by the Commission. Failure to do so may result in the Commission issuing an application for a legal injunction against the BNP.
The Commission has a statutory duty, under the Equality Act 2006, to enforce the provisions of the Act and to work towards the elimination of unlawful discrimination. This duty includes preventing discrimination by political parties.
The Commission has required the BNP to provide a written undertaking that it will not discriminate contrary to the Race Relations Act in its employment and recruitment policies, procedures and practices.
The Commission is also concerned that the BNP's elected representatives may not intend to offer or provide services on an equal basis to all their constituents and members of the public irrespective of race or colour. The Commission thinks that this contravenes the Race Relations Act and the Local Authority Model Code of Conduct and that the BNP may have acted illegally and may act illegally in the future.
The Commission's letter asks the BNP to provide a written undertaking that its elected representatives or those working for them will not discriminate on grounds of race or colour in the provision of services to members of the public or constituents.
For more information contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission Media Office on 02031170255, out of hours 07767272818.
For a full copy of the letter, please click here.
Women belong in the House.... and the Council Chamber too
Operation Black Vote and the Government Equalities Office are running a Black Asian Minority Ethnic Women Councillor Shadowing SchemeThe representation of Black and other minority ethnic (BAME) women at every level of governance from the Houses of Parliament to local government is woefully low. Of the 646 MPs in Westminster, two are BAME women and out of 20,000 Councillors, 149 are BME women, representing less than 1% of Councillors nationally. Operation Black Vote in partnership with the Government Equalities Office is launching the country’s first national BAME Women Councillor Shadowing Scheme. The aim of the project is to address the national deficit of Black and minority ethnic women councillors, and to ensure that BAME communities engage with the council in all areas and at all levels of local governance. To read more please click here.
Diversity, Equalities and Cohesion Equalities Workbook Published
Local Government improvement agency, IDeA, has published a new Equalities Councillor Workbook with background information, guidance and exercises on equalities issues. Although the workbook is aimed at Councillors, its content is still relevant for anyone wishing to get up to speed with equalities legislation and good practice. To view the work please click here.
For Archive News please click here.
Funding
FIT4FUNDING WEBSITE
The fit4funding website provides 'Help & Advice' for community groups and voluntary organisations who are seeking funding.
Events
MONDAY 06 JULY 2009
EFFECTIVE USE OF EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENTS AND THE ROLE OF THE VCS
This full day event will take place at Belvedere Trading Estate in Taunton. The aims of this event are to increase understanding of Equality Impact Assessments (EqIA), to examine the role of External Stakeholders in EqIA's, to improve equality outcomes through engagement with EqIA's and to increase the use of EqIA's by the third sector.
Places at this event are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. For further information and / or to book please contact: Jack.Horwood@equalitysouthwest.org.uk or telephone 01823 250 816 by Friday 26 June 2009.
TUESDAY 07 JULY 2009
ASIAN ARTS CONFERENCE (11.00am - 4.00pm)
Does your job involve programming, education, marketing or producing? Do you promote culturally diverse arts in the South West? Are you a venue, festival or arts officer? If so this conference is for you! With a panel discussion exploring contemporary South Asian Arts, their development in the UK and programming opportunities for the South West.
Tickets £25 (including a light lunch). For more information please visit the Asian Arts Website.
FRIDAY 10 JULY 2009
PATH WORKSHADOWING TEACHING EXPERIENCE CONFERENCE (9.00am - 4.30pm)
To be held at the University of the West of England (UWE) Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Frenchay.
This prestigious event which focuses on the underrepresentation of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME)people in the teaching professions marks the successful completion of participants in a Teaching Shadowing Project organised by the Positve Action Training Hub (PATH).
Speakers include:
* Kwame Kwei Armah
* Professer David Johnson (University of Oxford)
* Conference Chair, Sherrie Eugene
* Hadassah Radway (BME Achievement Adviser / Head of EMAT)
To book or for more information please contact: Dr Marie- Annick Gournet on 0117 328 2398 or email: marie-annick.gournet@uwe.ac.uk
15 - 21 NOVEMBER 2009
ENGLAND TO HAVE FIRST-EVER 'INTER FAITH WEEK'
'Inter Faith Week' will run from 15 to 21 November 2009 with a launch the preceding week.
The Week is being facilitated by the Inter Faith Network for the UK and Communities and Local Government but will be community-led, with local people and groups of different backgrounds holding their own events and to highlight work going on to promote understanding between people of different faiths and beliefs. Its aims are:
- To strengthen good inter faith relations at all levels
- To increase awareness of the different and distinct faith communities in the UK, in particular celebrating and building on the contribution which their members make to their neighbourhoods and to wider society
- To increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious belief
A football match involving people from different faiths is just one of the activities that could take place in England's first-ever 'Inter Faith Week', Communities and Local Government Secretary Hazel Blears announced. For more information please click here.
Training
If you have any relevant training to add to this section please contact emma@voscur.org.
Consultations
CONSULTATION ON THE EU ARTICLE 13 EQUAL TREATMENT DIRECTIVE
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is inviting interested parties to feed in to their response to the Government's Consultation. The directive covers goods and services in the four remaining grounds not already covered by EU law - these are age, sexual orientation, religion or belief and disability. More information on the directive can be found on the EHRC website. The Government's consultation on the directive runs until the 28 July 2009, all interested parties are encouraged to respond to the consultation.
There are a number of other ways to feed your views in or ask questions to EHRC about the consultation:
The EHRC are holding two drop in sessions in their London office, these are:
- Tuesday 23 June 9.00 am-12noon
- Monday 6 July 12noon- 4.00pm
Please e-mail EUDirective@equalityhumanrights.com to book a slot.
For any queries or to discuss any aspect of the consultation please contact -
- by email at EUDirective@equalityhumanrights.co.uk
- by phone, to Naureen Khan on 020 3117 0321
NEW HATE CRIME STRATEGY 2009 -2014 OUT FOR CONSULTATION
Please click here to view the Strategy and to give your views.
End Date: 24 July 2009
Equalities Communities
There are seven strands, or groups, often referred to as Equalities Communities, these are: black and minority ethnic communities (race); women (gender), lesbians, gay men, bisexual people (sexual orientation); transgender people (gender identity); young people and older people (age); people with disabilities (disability) and faith groups (religion and belief). They are recognised in this way because it is often their identity and shared experience of discrimination that they have in common.
For further information about the Equalities Communities, please click here Who are the Equalities Communities? (November 08) .
Black Minority Ethnic (BME)
Migrant Mythbuster Produced by South West TUC
A myth buster on migrants (covering both migrant workers and asylum seekers and refugees) has been produced by the South West TUC. It is the TUC's belief that at this current time of rising unemployment migrant workers are likely to become increasingly vulnerable to hostility and discrimination stirred up by myths propagated by some sections of the media and certain political groups. To view the mythbuster please click here. Hardcopies can be order by contacting: southwest@tuc.org.uk
What is Racism and Institutional Racism? (November 2008)
Translation of Publications
This guidance document forms part of the Government's response to the Commission on Integration and Cohesion's final report, 'Our Shared Future'. It sets out the steps local authorities can take when they are considering translation of their publications into languages other than English. Click here to download the guidance Guidance for Local Authorities on Translation of Publications (Department for Communities and Local Government, December 2007) (861 KB)
The Meningitis Trust
The Meningitis Trust has Peer Educators in Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) Communities across the UK. For further information click on the following link The Meningitis Trust , contact Alison Osborne on 01453 769 037 or email: alisono@meningitis-trust.org
Gypsy & Traveller
Background Information
Voscur has produced an information sheet about this group, please click here to view.
'Gypsies and Travellers: simple solutions for living together' Report Released
A recent report from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) entitled 'Gypsies and Travellers: simple solutions for living together' is available by clicking on the following link: EHRC Report
University of Bristol's Report on Gypsies and Travellers (18th March 2009)
Bristol City Council's Gypsies and Travellers mythbusting booklet.
Disabled People
A Career with No Limits
The Chartered institutue of Housing (CIH) is running a unique traineeship scheme in partnership with several progressive housing associations, who want to increase the numbers of disabled people in the Housing Sector.
CIH is fully committed to promoting disability equality and the Positive Action for Disability Programme is offering the right candidates the chance to undertake a two-year housing training placement. The package includes payment of a training salary and academic course fees, and significant personal support - including access to a mentoring scheme.
Successful candidates are likely to have:
- An interest in housing and communities
- An interest in people's living conditions
- Strong communication, negotiation and organisational skills
- Flexibility and adaptability to a variety of different situations
- Ability to work on your own initiative and under pressure
- A desire to take on responsibility
- An interest in developing new skills.
For more information or an informal chat then please contact: Graham Findlay telephone: 07508 042 112 or email: graham.findlay@cih.org
Social Model of Disability (November 2008)
Tax Relief for Disability Discrimination Act Access Requirements
Service providers who make adjustments to their premises or services to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act may qualify for tax relief for these costs. For example, the costs associated with producing large print documents, training staff on disability issues, or installing lifts or wheelchair-accessible toilets.
Full details of tax relief are on the website:http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/specialist/disability-act-guidance.htm
If you would like more information on disability issues, please visit the Directgov Website: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/index.htm
Faith
Muslim Women Advisors
The National Muslim Women's Advisory Group (NMWAG) was set up by the government to give Muslim women a voice and help the government understand what needs to be done to support them. It began meeting in November 2007 and is part of the Preventing Violent Extremism - Winning hearts and minds Action Plan. www.communities.gov.uk
Bristol City Council's Muslims in Bristol and Britain Booklet: FAQ'a, Myths and Facts
Religious Events through the year
Faith Groups Information (Voscur 2006)
Lesbian,Gay & Bi-Sexual
Ouburst - The LGB Newsletter
Please click here to view the Spring Edition.
Under One Sky - Research into Sexuality, Culture and Faith
The Bristol Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Forum are being funded by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to manage this research. They would really like to hear from you if you are:
- Asian, South East Asian, African, African Caribbean or of another Minority Ethnic Heritage and
- Attracted to people of the same sex or are in a same sex relationship. (You may also identify yourself as lesbian/gay/bisexual or 'on the down-low'.)
The Forum need people who live or work in Bristol, including people of faith, to contribute to this important study by:
- Completing a questionnaire and
- participating in a focus group or
- attending a one-to-one interview
Information will be confidential and anonymous. A contribution of £20 will be made for your time in a focus group or at an interview.
For more information please visit the Bristol LGB Forum website by clicking here. Or contact edson@bristol-lgb-forum.org.uk or leiza@bristol-lgb-forum.org.uk.
Mythbusting Booklets Launched
Bristol City Council has commissioned a number of booklets as a part of its ongoing commitment to mythbusting. The latest one of these; the Lesbian Gay and Bisexual mythbusting booklet was launched last week at the Council House. This valuable resource will be useful for those of us wishing to challenge prejudice and discrimination. To download the mythbusting booklets please click here.
Freedom Youth
Freedom Youth has produced a power point presentation with the views and opinions of young people on homophobia. To view this slide show please click here.
Bristol Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Forum
In Spring 2008, the Bristol Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Forum was awarded a grant by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to research the needs of LGB people from Black Minority Ethnic and Faith communities in Bristol. For further information click here 'Under One Sky' pdf (36KB)
Hate Crime
What is a Hate Crime?
Hate crime is an offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by the offender's hatred of people because of their race, religion, disability or sexual orientation.
You are a victim of Hate Crime is you have been bullied, harassed or attacked because of:
- Your Race
- Your Faith
- Your Ethnicity
- Your Disability
- Your Sexuality
Examples of Hate Crime
- A white person is victimised for having a black partner.
- A peson leaving a gay venue is verbally abused by passers- by.
- A disabled man's house is constantly being vandalised with graffiti, and sometimes rubbish is put through his letterbox.
- A person with learning difficulties is frequently abused by a neighbour, who also plays loud music and refuses to turn it down.
- Mr X gets constant racial abuse when walking down his street so he tends to drive a lot. A brick was thrown through his windscreen and now Mr X and his family are too scared to leave the house.
Safer Bristol's Hate Crime Leaflet - with information on how to report hate crime.
Hate Crime Definitions and Examples (November 2008)
Human Rights
A Guide to the Human Rights Act (third edition) (Department for Constitutional Affairs) (PDF)-NEW!
Human Rights - a tool for change (Economic and Social Research Council 2007)
Resources
To view a full list of the resources available from the Equalities webpage please click here.
New On Website!
Equalities News Issue 12 - June 2009
EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENTS (EqIAS)
This learning resource has been developed by practitioners from across the sector. It offers clear guidance on conducting equality impact assessments (EqIAs). The material was developed following an 18-month EqIA mentoring programme that involved 15 local authorities. The material is interspersed with practical advice and tips from both mentor and mentee councils. An insight into the delivery of the mentoring programme is also included, with case studies.
Information
Calendars
Equalities Calender - Useful Commemorative Dates (Voscur, November 2008)
Religious Events through the year
Bristol Equalities Network
For all information on the Equalities Network, please see our 'Equalities Network' page
Meetings
Community Cohesion Meeting Notes
Community Cohesion Event in Coventry 2007
Legal Updates
Publication: ‘EU Gender Equality Law’
‘EU Gender Equality Law’, by Susanne Burri and Sacha Prechal, was published by the European Commission in 2008 and provides a general overview of gender equality law at the EU level.
The publication includes a brief description of the historical development of EU gender equality law, followed by an overview of the relevant EC Treaty Articles and legislation. This legislation covers equal pay and equal treatment for men and women in employment, statutory social security, occupational social security schemes, self-employment and access to and the supply of goods and services. To view the publication please click here.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ON DIRECT DISCRIMINATION AND HARASMENT
On 02 April 2009, the Minister for Women and Equality announced that the Government will be extending the prohibition against associative and perceptive direct discrimination and harassment to other strands and areas where this does not currently apply.
The Equality Bill will therefore prohibit direct discrimination and harassment based on association and perception in respect of race, sex, gender reassignment, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief and age and in relation to both employment and areas beyond this, such as goods, facilities and services.
To read the Ministerial statement please click here.
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT BACKS NEW ANTI-DISCRIMINATION DIRECTIVE
On 2 April 2009, the European Parliament voted in favour of a new directive to prevent discrimination in the provision of goods and services.
Members of the European Parliament adopted a consultation report by Kathalijne Buitenweg (Greens/EFA, NL) by 360 votes in favour and 227 against. To read the Report please click here.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES LAW FOR VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS UPDATES
Mandatory Retirement Age
The European Court of Justice has refered case back to the high court to decide whether mandatory retirement satisfies a legitimate social or economic policy aim. Please click here to read more.
Sexual Orientation Appeal Case
The Court of Appeal have overturned an employment appeal tribunal decision, and state that homophobic 'banter' against a man known to be heterosexual IS harassment on grounds of sexual orientation.
Please click here to read more.
Religious Discrimination
A Religious discrimination case has been heard against a community organisation, with decision that a person can be discriminated against on the basis of another person's religion.
Please click here to read more.
Disability Discrimination
A Disability discrimination case has been heard against a law firm, with European Court of Justice decision that a person can be discriminated against on the basis of association with a disabled person.
Please click here to read more.
The Equalities & Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
To see how Voscur has been working with the EHRC to deliver projects and training please visit the ECHR Project Page on the Voscur Website by clicking here.
Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Human Rights Inquiry
On Monday 22 June the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) launched the most comprehensive research to date into the first ten years of the Human Rights Act. The Human Rights Inquiry found that an overwhelming majority of British people support legislation protecting human rights and where a human rights approach is incorporated into public services both users and providers benefit.
For more information please visit the Commission website.
Equality and Human Rights Commission - Equality Bill Update
The Equality Bill has now been published and contains a raft of measures designed to tackle inequality and help Britain become a fairer society by simplifying legislation, improving public services and extending protection to a wide range of groups facing discrimination.
Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said that the Equality Bill will "remove the roadblocks to finding the talent to drive our economic recovery".
Full details on the bill, including an outline briefing on the Commission's response, visit Equalities and Human Rights Commission's website.
Latest Briefing
For more views on the Equality Bill see the BBC website and OpportunityNow. To read about impacts this might have for employers, see this article on HRmagazine.co.uk
THE EQUALITIES AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION PUBLISH REPORTS
Three-Year Equality Scheme
The Commission have published their three-year Equality Scheme. In developing the three-year scheme they have built on the work of last year's one-year scheme and have been equally ambitious in what we are setting out to achieve. The Commission have worked in close partnership with Commission colleagues and those that are affected by, or interested in, what they do. This has ensured a scheme which places equality right at the core of the organisation. You can find more information and download a copy of the scheme on The EHRC website.
Working Better
This report proposes fundamental changes in parental leave to give mothers and fathers greater support in bringing up their children. The report proposes a three-step, carefully-costed plan that will increase the take up of those who are currently missing out on the present provision- namely fathers and lower income parents. Further information on this report can be found on the EHRC Website.
Muslim Women Power List
The Commission also recently released the 'Muslim Women Power List', celebrating the important contribution of Muslim women to British society. The inaugural Muslim Women Power List 2009 is a celebration of the 100,000 Muslim women currently working in Britain. It pays tribute to those who are on the way to - or have already reached - the top of their chosen field, be that business, civil service, arts, media or the public sector. Further information on this report can be found on the EHRC Website.
