AGM March 2010, Black Members Officers report

Elaine Bennett Equalities Officer (BME) AGM Report 2010    

It has been a very busy but productive year with me in the Midlands that has seen me invited to take part in a number of working groups looking at employment and staff issues from an equalities perspective.

I continue to be involved from a Unison perspective Enacting our Vision in the Midlands region

The aim of this strategy is to improve Barnardo's organisational performance, through

Achieving greater racial diversity of both employees and volunteers in all areas and at all levels of the organisation; and,

Doing more to meet the needs of Black and Minority Ethnic children, young people and families.

(By 'Black and Minority Ethnic' we mean minority ethnic groups discriminated against on the basis of colour).

The goals of the strategy

Making a positive difference to the lives of the Black and Minority Ethnic children and young people who use Barnardo's services.

New service developments (growth) will maintain or increase the current proportion of Black and Minority Ethnic children and young people worked with in the regions/nations.

Services that are inclusive and relevant to their local populations and representative of them.

Barnardo's enhances its reputation as a provider of services for Black and Minority Ethnic children, young people, families and communities.

Barnardo's influences positive change for Black and Minority Ethnic children and young people.

Barnardo's staff and volunteer profile reflects that of the local working population at regional, national and UK level.

Marketing and fundraising activities represent the ongoing work within this strategy.

This years Unison Black Workers conference was well represented by Barnardo's Black staff I was able to take with me 3 other delegates

It has been lots of work but an enjoyable year as equalities officer and look forward to serving another year if I am successfully elected.

Elaine Bennett 2010