Race Equality Week is an annual UK-wide movement that runs between 7th – 13th February 2022
What is Race Equality Week?
Race Equality Week unites thousands of organisations and individuals to address the barriers to race equality in the workplace.
The events of 2020, including the Black Lives Matter movement and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on ethnic minority communities, has heightened public consciousness of race inequality.
The week-long event was created by the not-for-profit organisation, Race Equality Matters. The organisation was formed in response to the Black Lives Matter Movement to turn declarations of commitment and support from organisations and individuals into meaningful change in racial equality both in the workforce & in society.
This year’s theme is #ActionNotJustWords and emphasises the need to drive meaningful action that makes an impact.
How are iTEC & VTCT supporting Race Equality?
The tragic events of 2020 became a time for long-awaited introspection from every facet of society, from individuals to public, private and third sector institutions. A time to enact real sustainable and evidenced change.
In response to this, we have committed to taking the steps towards an inclusive, diverse and equitable organisation by creating an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group.
The Group celebrates the diverse spectrum of voices across the charitable organisation, including members of staff from all levels, including our Chief Executive Alan Woods, and the organisation’s trustees, including our Chair Jenny Sworder. Independently chaired by Professor Geoff Thompson MBE, DL, FRSA, the Group aims to make actionable progress for the betterment of racial equality and other protected characteristics both in its action as an employer and in qualification provision and assessment to learners worldwide..
Recognising the need for accountability, the Advisory Group have implemented an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) road map– to track our journey from an “emerging “ to becoming “established” and to finally strive to become a “leading” advocate in EDI matters throughout the Awarding and Assessment profession.
How can you get involved with Race Equality Week right now?
There are a variety of ways to get involved individually with Race Equality Week. Some suggestions you might consider are:
- Taking part in public events organised by Race Equality
- Signing up to The Big Promise and committing to specific race equality actions
- Using the Race Equality Virtual Badge on your social media icons
- Reclaiming your name and mispronunciations by creating your own #MyNameIs phonetic spelling badge
We understand that there is still a long way to go to create a truly diverse, inclusive society; there is also much more we need to do as an organisation. However, we are passionate about taking the steps to advance race equality and equity and creating an environment that champions and celebrates diverse voices in the workplace and beyond.
We welcome you to follow our journey towards Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity. Click here to view our road map.
Click here to visit the Race Equality Matters website and other resources you can use to get involved.
