Via the Welsh Government’s Equality and Prosperity Division
We have been asked by the Leader of the House, Julie James AM, to review the structure and role of the Wales Race Forum, which she chairs. In order to do so, it will be helpful to consider the wider context around future support for and engagement with the BAME sector in Wales.
Accordingly, we are writing to stakeholders in Wales with an interest in these issues, initially to seek your thoughts on two key questions:
1) What mechanisms should WG put in place to engage effectively with BAME communities in Wales on issues that affect them?
2) Where and how should the WG prioritise future funding under the existing Equality and Inclusion Programme or any successor programme, to have the greatest impact on reducing racial inequality in Wales?
To add a little background, EYST currently deliver the All Wales BAME Engagement Programme under our Equality & Inclusion Programme 2017-20. Progress reports are shared with Welsh Government on a regular basis. The evidence within these reports provides essential information regarding Welsh Government policy making. Interim findings from this Programme have highlighted a number of priority areas, including:
- Racism & Islamophobia
- Socio Economic Issues & Employment
- Education & Schools
- Representation
The current Equality & Inclusion funding programme will end in March 2020, and we expect to be going out to consultation on future arrangements early in 2019. We know that a wide range of BAME organisations are delivering a plethora of services across Wales. We also recognise that Welsh Government funding represents only a small part of the overall resources being accessed by the sector.
We would welcome your thoughts in relation to the above questions by 14th December if possible. Please let us know if you would like to respond but will have difficulty in doing so by that date for any reason.
In addition, if you would like to meet with Welsh Government officials to discuss these issues, please contact Bal Gill at Bailjit.Gill@gov.wales 0300 062 8223 to arrange a meeting.
Please send feedback to EqualityBranch@gov.wales or Bal Gill.
