Anti-racist Wales Action Plan – our shared responsibility
On 7th June, Welsh Government launched its Anti-racist Wales Action Plan – a historic and highly ambitious plan and vision for Wales. In this blog we consider the challenge and practice we can build on.
Tai Pawb was pleased to support the development of Anti-racist Wales Action Plan, helping both Welsh Government and our members consider the opportunities it offers. The plan is challenging – and rightly so.
The Welsh public and social sector – housing included – prides itself on being values-based but to date, the plan highlights, these values have not been translated into long term, sustainable and tangible change which could be seen on a Wales-wide scale. This has certainly been the message from hundreds of Black, Asian and ethnic minority people who co-created the plan.
The challenge
From a housing perspective, we know bluntly that we need to be better at this; to work harder and differently, if we are to turn those values into actions with real impact. This will require a concerted commitment and effort, coupled with investment of time and resource. As a sector, we want to look at this plan in 10 years’ time and be proud of what we have achieved. And there is a lot to focus on:
- The housing sector across Wales is not ethnically diverse, with boards and teams still not reflective of the communities we serve
- We have some way to go on having fully inclusive and anti-racist cultures
- Ethnic minority tenants still experience overcrowding and poorer housing conditions – figures show that little has changed since we made a commitment to tackle this in the ‘BME Housing Action Plan’ in 2002, despite some good practice in this area
- Ethnic minority communities are still at much higher risk of homelessness with sanctuary seekers facing particular disadvantage
In the past year or so we have seen some positive changes and Anti-racist Wales Plan gives us the opportunity and impetus to strengthen our resolve and commitment – so that our words translate into actions and sustainable change; change that is supported and championed by leaders in every organisation. This must be felt and experienced by our ethnic minority colleagues, tenants and communities in every corner of Wales.
What we can build on
There are positive signs of progress from policy and practice initiatives and we need to share, replicate and build on some of this great work:
- The Regulatory Framework now has specific requirements on anti-racism and EDI.
- CHC’s Code of Governance EDI principles have been strengthened with the organisation itself developing a strong Race Equality Plan .
- Taff, CCHA, Cadwyn, Linc and Hafod have collaborated to develop and fund the Pathway to Board Academy, an ambitious programme which has great potential to grow Wales wide with sector support.
- Get into Housing – another initiative led by a partnership of our members (Cadwyn,Hafod, United Welsh, Linc Cymru, Wales & West and Taff Housing) offers young ethnic minority people an opportunity to explore a career in housing.
- Our own Deeds not Words challenge aims to inspire and help deliver change across more than 30 member organisations, supported by the fantastic Deeds not Words Panel.
- There are many more examples of what our members are doing. If your organisation is looking for ideas, have a peek at action plans and updates from Deeds not Words members.
Tai Pawb is committed to building a better and more inclusive Wales. So let’s keep the momentum gained in the past two years and do everything we can to help build an Anti-racist Wales together.
Does your organisation need help? Check out:
- Sign-up to Deeds not Words pledge
- Deeds not Words resources and other Tai Pawb resources on race issues
- Deeds not Words support
- Anti-racism and unconscious bias training
- Other training and development opportunities
Get involved
If you work in housing, are from a racially minoritised background and would like to contribute to influencing change: