Race Equality Matters conducted research to identify the barriers and solutions to race inequality in the workplace. The research entailed a series of over 70 in-depth interviews that included a wide range of companies, race networks, D&I experts, employees, allies, and a further 150 race-related conversations.

Our feedback shows:

• Ethnically diverse employees typically have little or no voice in an organisation, compared to their colleagues.
• Senior leaders and Board members typically overlook or ignore race as an issue that demands action.

Silent Voices

While race networks function as an essential means for support and wellbeing for ethnically diverse colleagues, they tend to have little power within the wider organisation. Hence, our research indicates that most experts consider networks at present to be limited in their capacity to create change in the workplace.

Safe Space Plus was developed as a direct response to this feedback, as it seeks to provide race networks with a way to drive meaningful action for race equality across a whole organisation.

By giving a voice to individuals that are too often silenced, conversation can be turned into tailored and purposeful action.

Conversation fuels action.

Safe Space Plus facilitates voice and action.

The principle behind Safe Space Plus is to create the environment required for meaningful dialogue to take place between ethnically diverse colleagues and Board/Exco members. Beyond such dialogue, meaningful action is the core purpose of the solution.

For change to happen, it is important to engage with what people are saying regardless of how uncomfortable this may be.

There are many benefits to Safe Space Plus:

• It is good for business as it promotes a happier and more inclusive work culture.
• It demonstrates that your organisation is taking race equality seriously.
• It is a good starting point to begin and build momentum on your organisation’s race equality agenda, becoming a pioneer for others to follow.

By evidencing this commitment, you will attract and retain ethnically diverse talent and will stand out to potential clients with your proactive stance.

Race Equality Matters’ Trailblazer Series has shone a spotlight on organisations that are already leading the way through Safe Space Plus. Will you join them?