Race Equality Project Framework for developing an Impact Assessment Steering Group

The Project DfES funded project working towards full implementation of the Race Relations Amendment Act in Further Education Colleges in England.

Legislative Requirements General Duty Eliminate unlawful racial discrimination Promote equality of opportunity Promote good relations between persons of different racial groups

Specific Duties RACE EQUALITY POLICY PUBLISHING MONITORING IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Further Requirements Mainstreaming ‘The aim of the general duty is to make race equality central to the way public authorities carry out their functions. Promoting race equality should be a central part of all policy development, service delivery and employment practice.’ (Statutory Code of Practice on the Duty to Promote Race Equality, CRE)

Consultation The recommendation is that institutions… ‘set up a committee or working group, chaired by a senior manager. The group or committee should be responsible for coordinating work on race equality.’ ( Framework for a Race Equality Policy for Further Education Colleges, joint CRE, LSC, AoC guidance)

Composition of Group Following the guidelines the group should be chaired by an appropriate senior manager and include: Staff from different departments Staff representing different grades, levels and types of positions Students, including overseas students Union representatives Other groups such as networks or associations of staff and students from ethnic minorities

IMPACT ASSESSMENT STEERING GROUP Board/Corporation Principal Senior Management Team Equality and Diversity Committee I.A.S.G. (RRAA) I.A.S.G. (DDA)

BENEFITS OF STEERING GROUP The model allows for all the legislative requirements to be fulfilled whilst at the same time enabling the institution to be responsive to the needs of all stakeholders. Key features include: Race equality to become central to the work of the institution as there is a direct line of reporting to the board. Consultation or collaborative working to become embedded. Impact assessment to be ongoing rather than a system of crisis management. A smaller group can be more dynamic and responsive. Implementing the model will enable the college to meet the targets set by REES.

Recommendations The college to establish an Impact Assessment Steering Group to work towards implementation of the Race Relations Amendment Act. The first meeting to take the form of a workshop to establish the ethos of the college and develop a framework and timetable for assessing policies and functions. The group to have monthly meetings for the first six months to drive forward implementation. Appropriate level of facility time for staff actively involved.

Input from the college Endorsement for the recommendations. Ongoing commitment to positively promote good race relations.