What makes a good Race Equality Policy?

A Race Equality Policy (REP) should be an institutional statement on what, why, how, and by whom action will be taken in response to the statutory requirements of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 (RRAA). In order to enable the institution to work towards fulfilment of the RRAA General and Specific Duties, effectively, the REP will need to have the following characteristics.

• Formulated and structured according to the advice given in the Commission for Racial Equality (now EHRC) Statutory Code of Practice on the Duty to Promote Race Equality and related Guides, and underpinned by an effective communication and consultation strategy that is inclusive of all staff and student views and contributions, especially those who are likely to be most affected by institutional policies, processes and procedures. This will enable the institution to establish a realistic starting point in promoting race equality according to the requirements of the General Duty.
• Clearly defines institutional commitment through race equality-relevant functions that spell out the responsibilities, accountabilities and liabilities of senior and middle management, all staff, all students and anyone else who interacts with the institution.
• Clearly links to all other institutional values, policies, aims and objectives, processes and procedures.
• Declares what action, how, when and by whom will be taken to encourage the reporting of racial incidents and dealing with them effectively.
• States how staff training and support needs will be established and addressed appropriately and adequately.
• Underpinned by a linked Action Plan that illustrates – through SMART tasks, responsibilities and predetermined targets, outcomes, outputs and/or success indicators – how the REP statement will be turned effectively into meaningful, evidential, monitored, assessed and reviewed action.