‘Until it becomes a priority for everyone, it will not change’

Set up under mayor Marvin Rees’ leadership, Bristol’s Commission on Race Equality (CORE) tackles race and ethnicity discrimination and disadvantage across the city.

The vision is to work towards a place where equality of opportunity is a reality for black and minority ethnic (BME) people, where injustice and inequality are rejected, and everyone is valued and able to fulfill their hopes and aspirations, regardless of background.

A new series will highlight the work of the commission through interviews with each of the 15 commissioners who volunteer their time to fight for race equality and focus on bridging current disparities in key areas, including: leadership and representation, education, criminal justice system, health and wellbeing, homes and communities and employment and economic inclusion

“Bristol is unique and the answer to its problems is unique,” says Desmond Brown, chair of CORE.

He admits the last year in the role has been a learning curve as the commission worked to set out key priorities and areas to focus on.

Speaking about why he decided to get involved, Desmond says: “The Justice for Judah campaign ignited me. I used to shout at the TV about things, but that was it.

“That inspired me that we can do things to make a difference – anyone can. I waited until I was 47 to do something, but I had always known that I had to contribute something against the injustices I see around me and that I have experienced.”

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Read more: Judah Adunbi: the long battle for justice

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Desmond is the founder and director of Growing Futures, a project based on Marshfield Road in Fishponds that encourages learning through hands-on activities, and has worked and lived in Bristol since 2012. His passion lies in addressing existing inequalities in education and the criminal justice system.

Desmond also spearheaded the Bristol4Grenfell campaign group and organised a silent march through the city in 2018

“The statistics around this are something I have known for years,” continues Desmond. “Since Macpherson, we have had ten more reports all saying the same thing.”

He says that society as a whole – and Bristol in particular – has never really dealt with the traumas of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which has had a knock-on effect through the generations.

“We have an opportunity and it takes courage,” notes Desmond, warning that BME people are fed up of waiting for justice.

In the wake of a Bristol Post report detailing a culture of institutional racism within Bristol City Council, CORE has issued a joint statement addressing the matter and outlining action that is being taken. This is included in full below.

Desmond says institutional racismm is an issue across the city, and one of the biggest challenges is in ensuring people are believed.

“Our first concern is for those suffering, and that they are believed,” he says.

“We have been living this and doing this. We have got to ask the wider community to step up, because we are going to have to deal with things that are uncomfortable.

“There are people from all backgrounds and institutions that understands bits of this and want to do something about it, but a lot of these institutions are like old tankers and they cannot turn on a sixpence.

“We discuss how we can make things better and look at issues through a different lens, a lens that’s from the community and that’s important.”

He admits it is difficult as volunteers to do what could easily be a full-time role.

“We are working with structures not individual cases,” says Desmond.

“At the moment, we are trying to find safe spaces so people can truly come forward.”

He urges everyone – of all races, ethnicity and backgrounds – to step up and work for equality and inclusion, adding that Brexit has brought some of the issues and divisions to the fore.

“Until it becomes a priority for everyone, it will not change,” concludes Desmond.

CORE has issued a statement in response to allegations of institutional racism within Bristol City Council

Addressing alleged institutional racism and discriminatory practices within Bristol City Council, CORE has issued the following statement:

“We want to provide an update on CORE’s activities and assure the affected staff, and wider communities, that we take these allegations very seriously and will be working to ensure all council staff involved have access to support.

“As an independent commission, one of our objectives is to work with organisations, institutions and businesses to ensure good equality and diversity practice with regards to race is deeply embedded in every aspect of their operations – leading ultimately to workforces that reflect and represent communities in Bristol.

“An important part of our remit is to challenge and hold to account those institutions, organisations and businesses who maintain or fail to remove barriers that prevent or limit equality and racial diversity in the workforce.

“In 2017 the council issued a statement in relation to the tragic and avoidable death of Bijan Ebrahimi it read; ‘We accept all of the findings of the Safer Bristol-commissioned independent review, including ‘evidence of both discriminatory behaviour and institutional racism on the part of Bristol City Council’’.

“We were disappointed to learn that fifteen months following this statement, institutional racism was again cited as the reason behind the recent staff allegations.

“Over the past few weeks we have held meetings with Bristol City Council’s head of paid services, Mike Jackson, as well as Mark Williams, the council’s HR lead.

“The commission has insisted that these allegations be properly and fully investigated, which includes taking action to ensure that staff are supported, that their concerns are heard at the highest levels, and taking appropriate action with any individuals found to be acting in a racist or discriminatory manner.

“Bristol City Council has accepted that it has a duty and responsibility to work diligently and expediently to identify and eradicate all forms of discriminatory practice, at every level in the organisation.

“Following allegations in the press, CORE is also scheduling a series of meetings to hear the concerns of BAME staff at Bristol City Council directly as this will inform CORE’s ongoing work with the council’s leadership and management.

“Apart from asking for our help, the council has already taken steps to address some of the issues by launching the new equality and inclusion strategy, initiating a staff survey and developing a senior post (head of equalities & inclusion) to drive through change.

“We acknowledge that this is an historical cultural problem within the council over many years which has not been fully addressed by previous administrations.

“We would also like to state that Bristol City Council is by no means the only organisation or institution in the city where there is an unacceptable level of BAME representation at all levels within their workforce.

“It is our intention to hold to account and work with those organisations and institutions citywide to change the organisational culture that leads to BAME workers having negative employment experiences which includes over disciplined, victimisation and bullying.

“If we are to truly be an equal and diverse city, organisations/institutions need to be purposeful in their actions, investment and commitment to eradicate racism, so that we as a city can truly reach or potential.”

Mike Jackson, executive director of resources and head of paid service at Bristol City Council, also issued a statement, saying:

“We’ve openly acknowledged that we need to make more progress on equality and inclusion and are pleased that CORE have acknowledged some of the significant steps we have already taken.

“These include introducing a new equalities and inclusion policy and strategy, supporting our staff-led groups that represent BAME, LGBT+, disabled and young employees and the imminent appointment of a dedicated Head of Equality and Inclusion to support our improvement journey.

“We have invited both CORE and SARI to discuss how they can work with us to review and help strengthen our approach further, and this conversation is ongoing.

“There is more to do and this is an issue which has real commitment from the council’s political and officer leadership. It’s also important to recognise that a great many of our colleagues absolutely do the right thing and are committed to equality and inclusion.

“For them, the recent coverage of racism has been troubling and difficult to reconcile with their own experience. Together we are facing up to the issue, acknowledging that there is more change required and taking real action to make ours an organisation which everybody is proud to work for and where any unacceptable behaviour is recognised, challenged and stopped.”

Read more: Breakfast with Bristol24/7: Desmond Brown