Why is Race Equality Week important?

Race Equality Week is an important time in the calendar, as it is an opportunity to highlight issues of racial inequality that affect those who experience racism all year round. 

Without further awareness and engagement around these issues, action which could reduce and eliminate some these challenges and barriers won’t be taken or accelerated. 

This means individuals, organisations and wider society won’t reap the rewards that inclusivity and diversity bring. As a business leader, if you want a high performing organisation with great retention, great staff engagement and great innovation, you should be prioritising work on racial equality. 

Over the last few years, we have made EDI a key priority at Vita. We have invested significantly in this space, including by growing our EDI team, improving our capacity to support colleagues, and measuring the impact of our work on race equality.

I am determined that we continue with this progress as I know there is more work to do.  With this in mind, Race Equality Week is an important opportunity to refocus on issues of racial inequality and demonstrate allyship for those who experience racism. 

I hope that raising further awareness and improving engagement around these issues, will lead to more individuals, companies and society as a whole taking action which will level the playing field. 

Why is this year’s Race Equality Week theme (#ListenActChange) so important and how can organisations get everyone involved?

Vita Health Group (VHG) recognise that this year’s Race Equality Week theme of #ListenActChange is fundamental to make true progress around race equality. 

VHG acknowledge that it is essential that we listen to individuals with lived experience of racism. For example, we have a Race Equality Network where individuals can seek support, as well as Freedom to Speak Up Guardians who have close links with all our staff networks. We know that just listening is not enough, and that we must take action to make positive change, for example, this is evidenced in our Workforce Race Equality Standard & accompanying action planning.

What are your organisation’s plans for Race Equality Week?

We are planning to promote the ‘5-day challenge’ for this year’s race equality week. Where for five days, we share companywide communications around the 5-day challenges. 

We have reviewed Race Equality Matters 5-day challenge guide for 2023 and will either use this or the new guide which is due to be realised shortly by Race Equality Matters. 

At present, we have only developed our initial ideas around this, but we are hoping to share companywide communications via all staff email and our Yammer staff intranet page. We might also consider producing a short video/video clips with some employees and potentially senior leaders detailing their participation in the week. 

What does your organisation want to achieve as a result of its activity during Race Equality Week and beyond?

VHG are dedicated to ensuring that we are addressing race equality, both regarding our workforce and the communities that we work with. We recognise that we need to up our efforts around addressing racial inequalities, and we have started our journey towards becoming an anti-racist organisation. 

Through actively participating in Race Equality Week, we want to raise further awareness around the importance of having conversations around race equality. We already have several initiatives where we have started these conversations, for example, through the establishment of our Race Equality Network and completion of our NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard report (WRES) & development of our Ethnicity Matters recruitment scheme.

Why is Race Equality Week important?

Race Equality Week gives Sustain an opportunity to share what they’re doing – internally, across their alliance and beyond – to build a sustainable food and farming movement that is committed to racial justice. It creates inspirational conversations, meaningful connections and impactful collaborations that shine a light on what’s being done and how to move forward collectively.

Kath Dalmeny, Chief Executive of Sustain: The alliance for better food and farming

“Sustain’s diversity journey started with talking about a range of concerns, from insulting micro-aggressions through to the shocking macro structural injustice and racism inherent in the food and farming system. We recognise there is a wide range of things we can do as allies, from micro-kindnesses through to championing macro structural reform, whilst also taking practical action at operational, HR, communication, policy and campaign levels. There’s a lot to do, so at Sustain we’re taking the approach of focusing efforts on priority areas where we can start to make tangible improvements that have the potential to add up to bigger change. At the moment, two priority areas are: ‘recruitment for diversity’ and ‘integrating anti-racism into our projects and campaigns’. This means that we are redefining our own work, and also – in our unique structural position as an alliance – looking at how we can work with and support others to get involved and cultivate momentum across the wider movement.”

Sareta Puri, Diversity Outreach Coordinator at Sustain: The alliance for better food and farming

“We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation and Race Equality Week 2023 gives us the opportunity to share what we’re doing and engage with others in our movement – and beyond! – to create real inclusivity. My work focuses on outreach and to be able to do that effectively we need to have made demonstrable progress in race equality as an organisation which this week allows us to highlight.” 

Why is this year’s Race Equality Week theme (#ListenActChange) so important and how can organisations get everyone involved?

It’s been really positive to see the development of anti-racism and diversity strategies, action plans and training programmes in our sector, and many others, in recent years. Tackling racial injustice must not stop just at the point of recognition and good words, it needs to be embedded into the everyday work, culture and priorities of every organisation. It can take time to go on this journey – as a group or as individuals – and the theme #ListenActChange helps to refresh our commitments and support everyone on that journey.  

What are your organisation’s plans for Race Equality Week?

We’ll look at doing a joint “CEOs of big UK third-sector alliances” announcement, re-committing to refresh and step up action on diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.

Share findings of our participation in The RACE Report, and the participation of several of our Sustain alliance members. (about 20 signed up this year)

Social media campaign on our Roots to Work Instagram and LinkedIn plus a blog on our main website.

What does your organisation want to achieve as a result of its activity during Race Equality Week and beyond?

We want to support and use Race Equality Week to:

• Spotlight some of the work Sustain has done towards racial equity
• Use our connections as an alliance (with 108 national organisations as members) to encourage more organisations to #ListenActChange 
• Reach more people from ethnically underrepresented backgrounds and identities who are interested in sustainable food and farming   

Why is Race Equality Week important?

“Race Equality Week in college is important because everyone wants to live in peace. In my opinion humans are humans so we are all the same. The world is better without racism and with kind, helpful people.” (Wiktoria)

“Race Equality Week is important because it stops racism. We should educate people about our culture to live a better life together. It is important that we live together in a peaceful place.” (Asraa)

Why is this year’s Race Equality Week theme (#ListenActChange) so important and how can organisations get everyone involved?

This year’s theme of #ListenActChange is so important as our college is committed to becoming an anti-racist setting. We will be starting with listening to our learners, staff and wider stakeholders who have lived experience and using all we have heard to act and make changes. Action needs to involve all of our staff and learners and our senior leadership team will lead by example. We are planning a range of activities throughout the year with a specific focus during REW. This way we aim to engage everyone in the college. 

What are your organisation’s plans for Race Equality Week?

• Learning about microaggressions and developing confidence in challenging.
• Senior Leadership Team (and other managers) making One Big Promise
• Sharing learners’ and staff lived experience

What does your organisation want to achieve as a result of its activity during Race Equality Week and beyond?

Engaging in Race Equality Week is an essential part of our anti-racist action plan. We hope to use the activities to demonstrate our college’s commitment to race equality and to raise awareness of racism with learners and staff. Our aim is to provide everyone with the confidence to notice and challenge all types of racism and to develop allies who can ensure we are an anti-racist setting.

Why is Race Equality Week important?

The Diocese of Guildford recognises the importance of racial diversity and unity of its clergy, lay ministers, staff and laity. We have set ourselves the goal that our cathedral, churches, schools, Church House and diocesan structures – including their leadership – reflect the racial diversity of their communities. This goal is part of our Racial Diversity strategy and our wider commitment to Growing Diversity. Such diversity can help the Church to continue to flourish as it embraces people of different backgrounds and the talents, skills, ethnicity and culture they bring and reflects the communities it serves. 

We have made good progress in our diversity and anti-racism work, but we still have a long way to go because we recognise that minoritized people continue to face racism in society.  To this end, we are encouraging and inviting clergy, lay ministers, staff, and laity to participate in the 5-day challenge during Race Equality Week to our commitment to sustained restorative change towards racial equality. 

Why is this year’s Race Equality Week theme (#ListenActChange) so important and how can organisations get everyone involved? 

The 2024 theme #ListenActChange calls us to action based on listening to what is being said, so that any changes made are meaningful and sustainable. 

What are your organisation’s plans for Race Equality Week?

At the conclusion of Race Equality Week, there will be a service at Guildford Cathedral celebrating Racial diversity in our diocese.  Throughout the week, we will share resources, videos to stimulate discussion locally, as well as testimonies from minority ethnic/global majority heritage clergy and staff, including allies, to highlight their experiences of race equality in the diocese. 

What does your organisation want to achieve as a result of its activity during Race Equality Week and beyond?

• Increased awareness of unconscious bias and discrimination by church leaders and parishioners.
• To look back and reflect on the overall progress to date.
• To look to the present and what is working, what is not working so well, what we might need to do differently to cement our commitment to racial diversity.
• And to look to the future with renewed hope.  

Why is Race Equality Week important?

Statement from Roma Sharma

Race Equality Week is important because it helps people acknowledge and respect other cultures, it promotes creativity as people learn new skills through interaction with people from different ethnic groups. It also encourages learning and personal growth because interacting with people from diverse backgrounds can expand their knowledge and understanding of various cultures, values, and experiences. Encouraging diversity and promoting an inclusive environment can help reduce discrimination and foster a sense of belonging for all members of society.

Statement from Sarah Draper – Partner – Head of People & Culture

At Rider Levett Bucknall, diversity and inclusion is about making genuine changes to drive improvement. Race Equality Week and this year’s theme #ListenActChange will enable us to focus on listening to our employees to understand how we can make positive differences as a business, for our employees and the communities that we work with.

The leadership at RLB is committed to turning up the dial on our diversity and inclusion initiatives to ensure that our business is fit for the future, establishing both working practices and an employee base reflective of society and its shared values.

Why is this year’s Race Equality Week theme (#ListenActChange) so important and how can organisations get everyone involved? 

The significance of this year’s Race Equality Week theme, #ListenActChange, lies in its emphasis on holistic transformation. “Listen” underscores the need for empathetic understanding, acknowledging diverse experiences. “Act” demands tangible steps and policy changes to rectify disparities. “Change” embodies the cultural shift required for sustained progress. Organisations can encourage inclusivity by establishing forums for open dialogue, conducting educational programmes, and implementing awareness campaigns. Through these initiatives, organisations ensure that every individual actively participates, fostering a culture where diverse perspectives are heard, respected, and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing journey towards racial equality.

What are your organisation’s plans for Race Equality Week?

Rider Levett Bucknall is proactively formulating comprehensive plans for Race Equality Week. Our agenda includes hosting informative workshops led by experts, facilitating open dialogues on racial equality, and engaging in collaborative initiatives. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that encourages employees to actively participate in a range of awareness-building activities. By aligning with the #ListenActChange theme, we seek to amplify our commitment to cultivating a workplace that values diversity and actively addresses racial inequalities, promoting lasting positive change within our organisation and the wider community.

What does your organisation want to achieve as a result of its activity during Race Equality Week and beyond?

Rider Levett Bucknall aspires to achieve lasting impact during Race Equality Week and beyond. We aim to fortify our commitment to inclusivity by fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated and embraced. Our goals extend beyond the week, aiming to instigate a sustained culture of understanding, support, and equity. Through ongoing initiatives, we strive to create pathways for career development, mentorship, and advocacy, ensuring that every member of our organisation, regardless of background, feels heard, valued, and has equal opportunities for growth. This commitment reflects our enduring dedication to achieving meaningful and lasting change in promoting race equality.

Why is Race Equality Week important?

Sophie Penrose, Service Improvement Engineer & Ethnicity Network Lead

As someone who has personally experienced racial inequality and its impacts, I believe that Race Equality Week holds great importance. Race Equality Week plays a vital role in promoting awareness, motivation, and engagement among individuals and organisations to take steps to actively tackle racial equality challenges within the workplace and wider society. It serves as an important reminder that addressing these barriers is a collective responsibility. It’s time to Listen Act and Change.

Catherine Faiers, Chief Operating Officer

Race equality week matters because it provides dedicated time where everyone’s first priority is to listen, act and reflect to agree on where to focus next. We strive to provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels able to reach their full potential and to ensure that no talent goes unnoticed. In a world where time is so precious, we understand the value of dedicating the time and creating an environment where our colleagues can share their experiences, so that we can listen and change together. Our commitment extends well beyond this week; it remains an always on priority for us. We hope the week this year will bring together committed organisations and inspiring individuals to build momentum, learn from one another, and challenge ourselves to do more in dismantling barriers to race equality in the workplace.

Sophie Penrose, Service Improvement Engineer & Ethnicity Network Lead

Here at Auto Trader, we will be sharing the five-day challenge with the whole company and encouraging our colleagues to get involved. Two of our senior leaders will be attending the Lead the Change event on February 8th 2024, and a representative from our Ethnicity Network will be speaking at the Race Equality Week closing event on February 9th 2024.

What does your organisation want to achieve as a result of its activity during Race Equality Week and beyond?

Sophie Penrose, Service Improvement Engineer & Ethnicity Network Lead

Promoting race equality is an ongoing priority for us. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and has equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their race or ethnicity. This involves raising awareness and providing education, implementing inclusive policies and practices, and fostering a supportive environment where individuals from all racial backgrounds can flourish. We hope that the week will continue to inspire our colleagues and leaders to remain committed to #ListenActChange.

Navleen Kalra, director of transformation and inclusion at Network Rail said:

‘Race Equality Week is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the best practice in accelerating race equality across different sectors. At Network Rail, our Race Matters programme continues to work on how we recruit, progress, and retain more black, Asian and minority ethnic employees. I am passionate about transforming our organisation into a more inclusive place for everyone. I want Network Rail to be a place where everyone feels welcomed and can progress a fulfilling career without fear of harassment or unfair treatment. I am delighted that we are taking part in Race Equality Week 2024, and I encourage other organisations to get involved too.’

What are your organisation’s plans for Race Equality Week?

Taylor Wimpey has committed to prioritising and improving ED&I in recent years and, although there is still a lot of work to do within this space, we are constantly challenging and evolving our recruitment strategies and policies as well as ensuring diversity targets are publicised for accountability.

Personally, I am proud to sponsor our Race & Ethnicity Network which provides not only a safe space for all race and ethnicities to connect and live shared experiences but supports the business to ensure that the challenges and barriers related to race inequality are identified and permanent change is made.

Race Equality Week is an important opportunity for the entire business to reflect upon the challenges surrounding race quality, question our current behaviours and create action plans that will result in meaningful change. Taylor Wimpey are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all staff and customers can be their authentic selves.

Taylor Wimpey; this is our house and everyone is welcome.

Statement from Nimesh Shah – Finance Assistant:

Race Equality Week allows organisations to reflect upon the current policies and practises as well as create and pursue new actions in order to continue to tackle race inequality.  I am very proud to have worked for Taylor Wimpey Logistics for 3 years as I feel as an organisation, Taylor Wimpey takes Race Equality very seriously.  During 2022 and 2023 I was given the opportunity to celebrate World Food Day which brought staff of all ethnicities together and, those who were able to, an opportunity to bring in different foods from their culture.  It was absolutely amazing seeing everyone together and included.

Why is this year’s Race Equality Week theme (#ListenActChange) so important and how can organisations get everyone involved?

This year’s theme is important because, in recent years, we have seen more discussions taken place around race equality but these discussions need to be acted upon and create a culture of positive change. #ListenActChange focuses on listening to the needs of our employees and identifying any challenges they encounter, then we can put plans in place to act upon these challenges to make a more inclusive workplace which will ultimately lead to positive change within the organisation. It is everyone’s responsibility to create this change and to educate ourselves, call out microaggressions and be aware of any biases.

What are your organisation’s plans for Race Equality Week?

Taylor Wimpey will follow the 5-day challenge provided by Race Equality Matters. We will use the themes of each day to allow our organisation some time to reflect on their actions and how they can create meaningful change. We have an internal speaker addressing the business to highlight our policies and targets around race within Taylor Wimpey and the progress made, any challenges and how we will use these to continue to tackle racial inequality. We will end the week by having every business unit and all senior leaders making a ‘Big Promise’ with these being monitored through KPI’s to ensure accountability.

What does your organisation want to achieve as a result of its activity during Race Equality Week and beyond?

During Race Equality Week, Taylor Wimpey would like all our employees to reflect upon their actions and make a promise to change at least one behaviour to ensure Taylor Wimpey continues to be an inclusive and diverse workplace. These ‘promises’ will be included as part of the business units KPI’s which will ensure these targets are monitored and built upon year on year. Taylor Wimpey’s Race & Ethnicity Network will also be recruiting for new members of all races and ethnicities so that we continue to be aware of the challenges facing employees beyond Race Equality Week.

Why is Race Equality Week important?

Why is this year’s Race Equality Week theme (#ListenActChange) so important and how can organisations get everyone involved?

This year’s theme of #ListenActChange is important to our organisation as we believe it is important to not only listen to feedback from colleagues but to also ensure that we are acting. We want to ensure that colleagues across the Growth Company are aware of what we can all do, as managers, employees and allies to support the inclusion, progression and retention of employees from diverse ethnic communities.

What are your organisation’s plans for Race Equality Week?

On Tuesday 6th February all colleagues are invited to attend a webinar hosted by our EmbRace EDI Network. During the session we will explore statistics, survey and focus group feedback and the actions we will be taking following this feedback. A guest speaker will also provide a brief look at inclusive recruitment practices to aid hiring managers in building representative teams.

During the week, we will also unveil our updated Racial Equity Framework. This framework has seven principles routed in advancing racial equality. Key actions underpin these principles such as scrutinizing and publishing ethnicity data and a commitment at board level to zero tolerance and much much more. Throughout the week, we will share case studies on our social media channels and throughout our internal communications.

What does your organisation want to achieve as a result of its activity during Race Equality Week and beyond?

During Race Equality Week we want to ensure that we are giving all colleagues the opportunity to discuss the actions that we take to support inclusion and offer feedback that will inform our future actions. This is something we want to take with us beyond the week and continue to embed into our workplace culture so that all colleagues are aware of our commitment and the policies and procedures that we have in place to continue to develop a workplace culture that values diversity and fosters inclusivity.