Local Councils Race in Workplace
15th February 2023
As we strive for a more just and equitable society, it’s becoming increasingly clear that we need to take a hard look at the systems and institutions that shape our communities. Local councils in the UK are no exception to this, and it’s critical that we address the ways in which race affects the decisions and actions of these important bodies. That’s where training around race comes in – by equipping local council members with the knowledge and skills to understand and address the impacts of race, we can create more inclusive and responsive local government.
The first reason why training around race is so important for local councils is that it helps to combat unconscious bias. We all carry unconscious biases, whether we realise it or not. These biases can shape our attitudes and behaviours in subtle ways, leading to unintended consequences for those around us. By providing training on race, local councils can help their members to recognise and challenge their biases, ensuring that they are making decisions based on facts and not on preconceived notions.
Another important factor is that it helps to build cultural competence. The UK is an incredibly diverse country, with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. In order to effectively serve these diverse communities, local councils need to be able to understand and respond to their unique needs and concerns. By providing training around race, local councils can help their members to build cultural competence, gaining a deeper understanding of the people they serve and the issues that matter to them.
Perhaps most importantly, this type of training helps to promote equity and inclusion. Local councils have a responsibility to serve all members of their community, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or other demographic factors. However, achieving this goal requires a concerted effort to address the structural and systemic barriers that prevent some groups from fully participating in civic life. By providing training on race, local councils can better understand these barriers and take action to remove them, creating a more inclusive and equitable community for all.
Of course, it’s not enough to simply provide training around race and call it a day. Local councils must also be committed to ongoing efforts to promote equity and inclusion, whether through policy changes, community engagement, or other means. However, training on race is an important first step in this process, providing a foundation of knowledge and awareness that can guide future action.
Such training is a critical component of creating more inclusive and responsive local councils in the UK. By combatting unconscious bias, building cultural competence, and promoting equity and inclusion, training on race can help to ensure that local councils are serving all members of their community to the best of their ability. As we work to create a more just and equitable society, it’s essential that we prioritise this important work.
For a demonstration of our e-learning course focussed on Race in the Workplace, which is now used by numerous local councils throughout the UK, please contact James Sellers at jsellers@marshallacm.co.uk.
