Separate Silos Race and the reform agenda
Article
This paper shows that the government's flagship public service reform agenda, and policy making on race equality, have operated in separate silos. In relations to race, policy makes are still focussing on process, not outcomes, and are constrained by a paucity of data in key areas like health and housing.
If public services are to meet the needs of all citizens, equality must now be central to each policy-maker's agenda.
The innovative new legal requirement on Departments to produce Race Equality Schemes must be used to identify and deliver outcomes, not be marginalised as a tick-box charter.
The potential impact of all new policies on equality and on community relations must be assessed and actual impact monitored to ensure that they deliver tangible gains and avoid unintended consequences.
Related items

Taxing choices: Taking the public’s temperature ahead of the budget
The stakes for a government are rarely higher than at a budget. Every chancellor has dealt with this differently. Ken Clarke would draft his budget speech with cigars and whisky, Gordon Brown pored over every word in what officials called…
Great expectations: Rejuvenating the national debate in Scotland
Fresh IPPR Scotland polling shows that politicians must raise their game if next year’s election is a to be serious debate about the challenges facing Scotland and potential solutions.
Unfinished business: Redressing inequality in British policy and Black lives
As conversations about race and equality continue to evolve, Black History Month remains a powerful invitation to pause, reflect, and recommit to progress.