Local community groups and employers in Basingstoke recently met to discuss the Race At Work Charter and the progress being made.

The BAME Reference Group, formed by Maria Miller MP in December 2020, is where local employers and cultural groups discuss equality in the workplace and community. The reference group was set up following the publication of the inquiry into the lived experiences of the BAME community in Basingstoke.

Representatives from Basingstoke-based businesses Fujitsu, Sovereign Housing, Vivid Homes as well as Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke Council and the Police were among the many attendees to the latest Reference Group meeting.

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Maria Miller MP said: “Local businesses and employers continue to make positive steps in ensuring that there is equality in the workplace. It was good to hear the presentations from the many attendees and learn about the Primary Years Cultural Awareness Pre-Production project being put together by Sovereign and Vivid Housing Associations along with Clarion Housing and Basingstoke Council."

The purpose of the group is to monitor progress in the key areas highlighted in the Inquiry. The group will monitor the implementation of strategies and progress made by organisations.

More information can be found at bitc.org.uk/race/.