Following the brutal killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, USA in May 2020 and subsequent demonstrations exemplified through the Black Lives Matter movement globally, nationally and locally in Stevenage, Stevenage Borough Council pledged to establish an Equalities Commission.

The Equalities Commission is being established as a body that is independently chaired, initially focusing on the disproportionate impact of inequalities on the lives of Black Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals and communities (BAME) in Stevenage.

While there has been much progress on equalities issues in Stevenage over a number of years, there is clear recognition that more can be done. The Equalities Commission will drive forward a number of recommendations in order to create lasting change for communities across the town so that all residents feel included.

The Commission will be undertaking a strategic assessment of the nature, extent, causes and impact of race inequality in Stevenage and will then make recommendations for tackling them. They will also consider wider issues of inclusion for other sections of the community where inequalities are experienced and will maintain an effective dialogue in order to tackle these.

Stevenage Borough Council will be providing support and facilitation to The Commission’s Independent Chair, Errol John, who said: “I’m really honoured to be appointed chair of this commission at this extraordinary time, where Stevenage Borough Council, like many authorities around the country are looking at themselves to become a beacon of good practice. I have lived in Stevenage for many years and contributed to giving a voice to diverse communities in the town. I am looking forward to working collectively with a range of partners and Stevenage residents to fulfil the Commission's objectives.”

The initial membership of the commission will be six representatives from BAME communities, including young people and six representatives from organisations and statutory bodies, there will also be an advisory group of community voices feeding into The Commission.

The Commission will be considering a number of issues including;

1. Education
2. Criminal Justice
3. Health
4. Business and Employment
5. Civic Life and Communities
6. Sport and Culture

It will publish its initial findings in December 2021 and a final report will be produced in July 2022

The application process for membership is currently open and will close on Friday 2 July 2021, for further information on how to become a member or join our Community Voices group please contact.

Contact information: Equalities.Commission@stevenage.gov.uk

Or download an application pack from our Stevenage Equalities Commission page.

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