Decision details

RESOLVED:

1.  That the commitment to deliver Southwark Stands Together as a long term programme of positive action, education and initiatives to tackle racism, injustice and inequality be incorporated into the refreshed Council Plan be agreed; with priority measures and milestones developed and embedded into the council’s performance management framework.

2.  That a new commitment to work to ensure the top of the council’s workforce is representative of the ethnic diversity of the local working age population by 2030 be agreed; and that work be undertaken, in consultation with staff, unions and the local community, to put in place the actions to achieve this ambition as well as short and long term success measures.

3.  That it be agreed that the following principles should be incorporated into the council’s values that inform all the work we do across the council, with their final wording to be set out in the refreshed Council Plan; that we will:

a.  Always work to make Southwark more equal and just

b.  Stand against all forms of discrimination and racism.

4.  That the five Southwark Stands Together Pledges that the council is asking businesses, organisations, groups and residents to sign up to be reaffirmed and it be agreed to publicise and communicate these further using a cross sector approach.

5.  That it be noted that future stages of engagement will involve connecting better, building relationships and working collaboratively and inclusively with residents, businesses and the wider community across the borough.

6.  That it be noted that the resourcing implications from the programme will be assessed and continuously reviewed through the council’s policy and resources strategy process.

7.  That it be noted that an annual report on programme progress will be presented to cabinet in July 2021.