About NWREN - Race Equality or More?

 

 

North Wales Race Equality Network, (NWREN) is now in its 10th year, and is exploring the possibility of amending its constitution, from that of a single equality focus, to a multi strand regional organisation. NWREN will seek to draw together a network of local, regional and national organisations who work across the field of equalities.

By bringing together people from across the equality strands, advice sector to work together, we increase our understanding of the whole range of equality issues, and develop new ways of maximising opportunities

Together NGOs can work towards a unified mission that challenges the prejudices that fuel hate crime; end discrimination - based on age, disability, gender and gender identity, race, religionor belief, sexual orientation, or any combination thereof.

With this in mind NWREN secured a small amount of funding from EHRC to carry out a series of consultations with equality organisations from statutory and voluntary sectors and across the equality strands. The outcomes from this consultation are appended below 

It is not too late to influence this process – If you would like to comment on this proposal please contact us on 01492 622233 or by email at info@nwren.org

Summation of pertinent issues from the three consultations

No attempt has been made to portray these issues in any positive or negative light. If you feel that any significant issues have been ignored we would appreciate you getting back to us.

• The third sector constitutes a repository of special skills and expertise not available anywhere else. This tacit knowledge is a resource that the statutory sector, private sector and the communities of North Wales can ill afford to lose.  However the opportunities for single strand funding appear to be declining.  Without opening themselves to multi-strand business many third sector organisations may inadvertently jeopardise their viability.

• There is an appreciation that single equalities schemes, based on the single equalities model defined in the 2010 Equalities Act, would more effectively tackle instances of multiple discrimination and better address society’s understanding of the multiple identities that any one individual may inhabit

• There is potential to increase opportunities for cross-strand partnership working between third sector equalities organisations, and to truly address the needs of the individuals, particularly those who currently fall through the gaps of service provision.

• There were concerns that looking at equalities using a single equalities view point may prevent the individual requirements of each strand being addressed. Any change should not inadvertently lead to a hierarchy of equalities, and changes should ensure an equal voice for each strand.

• The establishment of a critical mass of equalities organisations in North Wales may offer opportunities for under-represented groups to have a stronger voice in the political process

• It is important to ensure that third-sector organisations representing the interests of individual equalities strands do not lose expert knowledge on their strand. The wide-ranging networks that enable them to reach grass-roots and ‘hard-to-reach’ individuals and communities need to be maintained.

• “A number of minorities can become a mini majority which can be a bully”.  The balance and equity of any working partnership(s) is critical to effective collaborative working and its long term stability and sustainability.

• NWREN has a pan North Wales remit.  It is a recognisable brand with a valuable history.  Its established networks and credibility in the equality market is a strong foundation for development and evolution. 

• If voluntary sector organisations, and the marginalised individuals they represent, were to form any kind of pan North Wales equality partnership, the independence, ownership and trust in the partnership are critical to any success. A wide ranging ownership of the process is essential.

• The challenge of embracing all the equality strands is an enormous organisational task.  It will require commitment, consensus and business credibility.  This has obvious implications in terms of the need for increased capacity and long term sustainability.

• Lessons should be learnt from organisations who have already addressed the issues and parameters of enveloping all the equality strands and sections into one.

• NWREN’s constitution already embraces the principles underpinning human rights and change towards multi-strand working could be achieved incrementally.

• A central location where it is possible to create solidarity and a mutual understanding and to become advocates for each other without losing sight of specific expertise.

• If the structure of the organisation is not in tune with its core purposes, and the environment in which it is based, then it is unlikely to survive. Newer, complex, adaptive, organisational structures need to be considered

• Flexibility and adaptability are critical in considering the design of any new organisation.

• The provision of a multi-purpose building with shared space to serve communities and communities of interest along with NGO’s to work together in partnership. The centre should also offer a safe and secure central location with advice, guidance and signposting provision for service users and would be an important asset for the equalities agenda in North Wales.