Strategic Race and Equalities Forum

About Strategic Race and Equalities Forum

The Strategic Race and Equalities Forum (previously known as the Strategic Race Forum) meets every three to four months to discuss and make recommendations on key issues relating to race and local Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. Meetings are arranged thematically and have previously included a discussion on community cohesion following the 7/7 attacks, Poverty (based on the Joseph Rowntree 2006 Research) and more recently on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. Minutes of the meetings and recommendations made are forwarded to relevant local public bodies, policy makers and service providers to implement and/or take into consideration.

The Strategic Race and Equalities Forum has been extremely well received by local public bodies and BME communities alike. Analysis of evaluation forms, good turnout at meetings and the Forum Review show an overwhelming support for the opportunity to debate and discuss race issues locally. The meetings have been particularly successful at attracting BME representatives who have not previously attended EREC events and has enabled EREC to enhance its profile and local awareness of race issues.

The Forum is also supported by our key partners. Enfield Council has asked for a report on Forum meetings and recommendations to be a standing item on the agenda of EREC’s quarterly formal meetings with them. These minutes in turn are forwarded to London Borough of Enfield (LBE) Cabinet Meetings.
Martin Garnar, Equalities Policy Officer from the London Borough of Enfield states:

“The Forum provides a valuable mechanism for informed discussion of issues relevant to the ethnic minority community in Enfield, and for public bodies in the borough to hear views and comments that they might otherwise never hear. It is tremendously useful to be able to consult with an enthusiastic and committed Forum, and helps us to meet our statutory requirements under Race Relations legislation”.

Enfield Primary Care Trust, Enfield Police, Enfield and Southgate Colleges have also welcomed the Forum and participated at forum meetings.

Funded previously by the Commission for Racial Equality, the Forum has been running on very limited resources. EREC is currently exploring other avenues of funding to sustain this project.

Forum participation is open to anyone who is a member of EREC and/or agrees with EREC’s mission and aims. Contact EREC on 020 8373 6271 or email info@enfieldrec.org.uk if you would like further information or to attend future meetings.

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