Separate Silos Race and the reform agenda

Article

The first in a series of papers looking at the issue of race and governance, focussing here on how Whitehall is carrying on two sets of policy reform.

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

  1. Towards universal opportunity for young people

    Outlining a vision for young people which could increase social mobility while also reducing inequality and disadvantage, so that every young person has the opportunity to build a decent life.

  2. One year in: the government is making decent down payments for the years ahead

    It’s fair to say it hasn’t been a straightforward first year for the government. 

  3. Britons back local leaders with fiscal firepower

    “Death and taxes,” they say, are life’s only certainties. But there’s a third - wherever taxes are controlled, power lies.