Interculturalism – lessons from the field
After 60 years of community relations policies— from assimilation, to multiculturalism, to community cohesion, to a new, Big Society approach— this Interculturalism report asks are we anywhere nearer to solving the problems of integration? And while we're at it: what actually are the problems associated with integration? Based on recent research into the frontline activities the report includes consideration of how integration can be promoted in an age of austerity and the skills community groups need for this.
Secularism, racism and the politics of belonging
‘Secularism, Racism and the Politics of Belonging' is a collection of papers that were presented at conferences in 2010 and 2011 co-organised by the Runnymede Trust and the Centre for Research on Migration, Refugees and Belonging at the University of East London. The contributors address issues of migration, racism and religion.
The need for leadership to redress inequalities
In her report, ‘Close to Parity: challenging the voluntary sector to smash the glass ceiling’, Rowena Lewis sets out to demonstrate how well the voluntary sector is doing on women’s representation in the voluntary sector, to inspire debate and to celebrate the rich diversity of women leaders that drive the sector. She explains that the harsh reality is that voluntary sector women are simply not making it into leadership in the numbers we would expect.
EHRC publishes strategic plan
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published its strategic plan for the next three years. Its three strategic priorities will be: To promote fairness and equality of opportunity in Britain’s future economy; to promote fair access to public services, and autonomy and dignity in service delivery; and to promote dignity and respect, and safeguard people’s safety.
Voice of the Northern Youth project
This report and video presents the Voice of the North Project which brings together key partners working for and with young people in the North of England. The majority of the young people are from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds from a range of the North’s most deprived areas.
One North West, the regional BME network, is calling on policy makers and commentators to listen to and value the voices of young people.
Read the report and more about the project:
More on the report on: Voluntary Sector North west News
For more information: Email: derin.adefajo@t3sc.org
Hidden Value: Demonstrating the extraordinary impact of women's voluntary and community organisations
Conducted over a two year period, ‘Hidden Value…’ highlights the far reaching benefits of the services provided by women’s organisations and the significant savings they create for the state, local economies and communities.
The report found that for every pound invested into their services, women’s organisations can generate, over five years, between £5 and £11 worth of social value to women, their children, and the state.
Calling the findings a 'wake-up call', the report recommends to government and to commissioners that they develop a better understanding of the incredible value of such specialist services and of investing in them appropriately.
Women and cuts toolkit
This is a toolkit for trade unions, voluntary organisations, community groups and others who want to assess the human rights and equality impact of the spending cuts on women in their communities. Although the toolkit focuses on women and the cuts, much of the information it contains can be used to look at the impact of the cuts on other groups.
Hidden Voices
Ethnic minority women’s organisations have a vital role to play in efforts to build a just society in the UK; they act as advocates for marginalised communities, and ensure policy-makers have access to their views – and thus can improve the quality and effectiveness of services. This briefing explores how BME women’s groups could work with decision makers to tackle poverty.
Social enterprise and women
Social enterprise is increasingly promoted by government and local authorities as a means of generating income and providing employment, particularly for women, in areas where there are few jobs. However, while social enterprise can have a role to play in helping women in disadvantaged neighbourhoods into work – and so out of poverty – it cannot be assumed to be the best or only option.Conducted by Oxfam, this research looks at whether social enterprise can be an effective route out of poverty for women, and offers the following conclusions and recommendations. Findings are based on both desk research and direct study in the St Peter’s neighbourhood in Tameside, Greater Manchester.
Migrants on work-related benefits study
On 20 January 2012, the BBC reported on the story that work related benefits were claimed by 371,000 migrants last year. The research was carried out by Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the UK Border Agency and HM Revenue and Customs. The story stated that the ‘vast majority of (the claims) were legitimate’, a sample of 9,000 claimants of certain nationalities suggested 2% were illegally claiming benefits.
We couldn’t help asking the question, ‘why was the research was reported in the way it was?’
