Shearon Williams. Race, Equality and Diversity Officer.
There are still key reasons why race equality should remain on the public stage. Years on from the McPherson report and riots in Bradford, etc, we still need to monitor and promote race equality.
In promoting race equality to students through schools we can raise awareness of the diverse cultures that now make up British Society and develop our young people as good global citizens.
Race equality is an important priority for education. It enhances local democracy and accountability to involve ethnic minorities in the local democratic process. It ensures that local Government is delivering a fair service to all local residents, and raises Customer Satisfaction.
Through wide Consultation and participation with and from ethnic minority communities, the Local Authorities can, deliver culturally appropriate services, which will help to nurture a multicultural anti racist curriculum. This will ensure that we value and respect the achievements of all people from diverse cultures, and it will assist in preparing young people to be active citizens in a multi faith world.
Additionally this important agenda will ensure we have a workforce which reflects the differences of its customers which in turn will help to shape a responsive and tailored service We appreciate that talents reside in people of all ethnic minority backgrounds and a diverse workforce can harness this. This will help the local authorities to become an employer of choice and enhance partnership working.
Discrimination costs money and undermines staff morale, productions and reputation. A local authority will need to have strong community connections, and fair and transparent policies to meet the needs of a 21st Century Britain. | 
Shearon Williams
Race, Equality and Diversity Officer
Education Partnerships & School Development
Children, Young People and Families Directorate |