Bradford has long faced challenges with race inequality, but a local initiative is intensifying efforts to tackle systemic racism in the region.
Race Equality Network (REN), a key advocate for racial equality, is working closely with voluntary, community, and public sectors to ensure that inclusion, equity, and diversity are central to service delivery.
REN collaborates with grassroots organizations supporting Global Majority communities, amplifying their voices and working to eliminate racism and inequalities. The organisation contributes to several governance groups, such as the Wellbeing Board and the Systems Equalities Group, to ensure services meet the needs of Bradford’s ethnically diverse population.
In 2020, a review by the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership into the impact of COVID-19 revealed that ethnic minority communities were disproportionately affected. In response, an anti-racism movement, Root Out Racism (ROR), was launched across West Yorkshire in partnership with REN and the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit.
During the Bradford launch in 2021, over 500 local organizations committed to addressing structural and institutional racism.
Now in its second phase, the ROR movement is focused on driving out racism and fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and belonging. Rather than replacing existing legal frameworks, ROR aims to complement and strengthen anti-racist efforts by working with system leaders to prioritize critical areas for improvement.
The Root Out Racism board, which includes equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) leads, reports to the Wellbeing Board, the strategic partnership for Bradford and Craven. Chaired by Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, the board also includes leaders like Iain Macbeath, Strategic Director for Adult Social Care and Health at Bradford Council.
At a recent consultation event, REN called on attendees to support the development of an Anti-Racist Strategy that will guide the 500 pledged organizations in their efforts. The strategy aims to challenge systemic racism, promote best practices, and foster a culture of continuous learning.
By eliminating racial inequality within structures and processes, REN believes the strategy will benefit all communities across the district and add value to organisations within both the public and VCSE sectors.
