Ealing’s Race Equality Commission (REC) and its Citizens’ Tribunal which was set up in 2022 to hold Ealing Council and its partners to account for the work they do to tackle racism in the borough has published its latest report.
The tribunal, which consists of a chair and 10 volunteers, looked at seven areas: education, health, participatory democracy, policing, income and employment, housing and the establishment of a citizens’ tribunal.
In education, the report revealed: “89 schools have an identified member of staff who is the race and diversity lead which has fostered an inclusive school culture. As a result, 41% of schools have developed race equality action plans, and 63% have integrated race equality targets into their development plans, demonstrating proactive steps towards addressing disparities. ”
On health it said: “Develop targeted interventions for communities with higher rates of chronic conditions, focusing on cultural and socioeconomic barriers to healthcare access.”
When it came to participatory democracy, the report said: “The REC identified a need for better representation and trust in Ealing’s governance. Despite some diversity among councillors, there is a disconnect between decision-makers and the communities they serve, with no clear plan to address it.”
In the foreword to the report, Denise Charles, chair of the Citizens’ Tribunal said: “The Citizens’ Tribunal is dedicated to ensuring that the recommendations from the REC report are not only acknowledged but actively implemented across various sectors.”
Ms Charles added: “We are not here for a mere ’tick-box exercise’. Our goal is to create tangible change through genuine community engagement. We are committed to ensuring that the voices of Ealing’s residents are heard; that their concerns are addressed, and that we take action to promote fairness for everyone living in the borough.”
Leader of Ealing Council, Councillor Peter Mason commented: “The report shows Ealing Council and our partners have made progress in reducing racial inequalities across the borough. However, we’re not complacent as there is much more work to do to break down barriers, tackle institution discrimination, structural racism and embed the findings of the report in our work to build a more inclusive and equitable environment for everyone.”
Councillor Polly Knewstub Ealing Council’s cabinet member for healthy equal lives, said: “The tribunals were set up to enable the community to hold the council and its partners to account and this is truly innovative as this model of participation can push racial equality forward.”
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