Agenda item

Councillor Jasmine Ali opened the discussion by referencing the work being undertaken by Southwark Stands Together (Member / officer working group) chaired by Councillor Johnson Situ. It was explained that the Black Lives Matters (BLM) issues are being examined in order to formulate recommendations.

Summary of issues / discussion raised:

·  Young people referred to a meeting held on 17 June and were keen to hear what  actions were progressed and the latest position of those actions

·  Issue of training in respect of racism and black history needed to be looked at in more detail with training providers. This was an issue highlighted by a number of young people on 17 June

·  Responding to the needs of young people (culturally and practically in terms of understanding the basic wellbeing from food to hair care), was echoed by the young people present. This may involve plans/actions when talking to foster carers and social workers in advance of a placement

·  Frustration by young people at their perceived ‘lack of progress’ since 17 June. It was explained that the process will involve engagements and work is being undertaken ‘behind the scenes’ to deal with the issues raised through continued discussions

·  Different communication channels to inform training, development and policies

·  A young person was able to speak of their experiences as a young black carer and the feeling that black parents were more likely to be blamed for neglect

·  Emphasis on the need to address issues using these experiences and the importance of a loving family for children

·  Ensure statements and intentions are meaningful and that organisations were not jumping on the ‘band wagon’ or churning out statements with no clear plan of action. Important to monitor and ensure objectives achieved in a considered manner

·  A workshop to take place early August and come with proposals/ideas and to feed into work of Southwark Stands Together member/officer working group

·  The designated nurse for children in care acknowledged the learning that needs to take place and the need to continue to listen and ask questions. Learning will be taken back to her work area from these discussions

·  Issue of help to get into employment and jobs (also discussion under the virtual head teacher’s annual report) to be further discussed at a workshop to be set up

·  Positive black history in education, including the Windrush; not always victims and negative. Also something to be addressed in the home setting (and for young people to not just find out through social media and other external sources).

Councillor Jasmine Ali concluded discussions by reminding the committee of the planned workshop in August to discuss all these issues and bring a number of recommendations together.

RESOLVED:

That a workshop to take place early August and to come with proposals/ideas and to feed into work of Southwark Stands Together member/officer working group.