BVSC State of the Sector Insight Report 2023
The ‘2023 State of the Sector Insight Report #3 VCFSE Sector Mini Race Impact Summit’ highlights race inequality within Birmingham’s Voluntary Community Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector.
The report was published by BVSC Research following the first BVSC and BRIG VCFSE Mini Race Impact Summit which took place on 5 December 2022. Over 50 people heard how the VCFSE sector needs radical and long-term change to tackle race inequality.
Presentations at the event were given by BVSC, BRIG, Shelter UK, RSM and NCVO on race equality in Birmingham City and the VCFSE sector, becoming an Anti-Racist VCFSE organisation and the RACE Equality Code.
Attendees discussed actions that could be taken to address race inequality.
The report summarises the key findings, actions and next steps. Key takeaways included:
Leadership and the workplace – Recruitment and retention of staff from diverse backgrounds is problematic. Whilst this is compounded by current issues generally, using specialist recruitment firms can be expensive and it can be difficult to allocate targeted resources to this. Career progression for those from ethnic minority backgrounds can be challenging, though upward mobility within the sector generally is also a concern. Getting senior management buy-in is slow. Mentoring schemes, more diverse recruitment panels and senior management role models can help.
The role of volunteering in the city – Low levels of satisfaction amongst volunteers from ethnic minority backgrounds needs to be addressed. The Vision for Volunteering needs proactive communication to both those from ethnic minority backgrounds and the organisations that engage these communities. Pathways from volunteering to work, including through mentoring, should be developed.
Data – The right ethnicity data needs to be collected in the right way. Further, more detailed accurate data is required and can be a useful tool in tackling race inequality. However, data alone doesn’t tell the story of the human experience and can exclude and mask diversity. Data used where individuals do not self-define their identity and/or which does not consider multiple identities and intersectionality, can lead to issues. For example, a lack of understanding between race, ethnicity and culture, and impacts not being effectively considered. Data sharing is needed.
Policy and Strategy – Putting effective policy and strategy in place, including signing up to the RACE Equality Code can help VCFSE organisations to tackle race equality. Race Equality should not be considered in isolation but instead be linked with other issues, strategies, partnerships and Boards across the City. Smaller organisations require support. Networking and sharing of best practice on an ongoing basis is required.
Insight Report Cover
The full report is available here:
www.bvsc.org/2023-state-of-the-sector-insight-report-3-vcfse-sector-mini-race-impact-summit
The report has been used to develop the VCFSE Position Paper and Race Equality Delivery Plan.
Further information, including presentations from the VCFSE MRIS event and copies of the draft Position Paper and Delivery Plan, is available here: www.bvsc.org/vcfse-mris
Further Information:
Insight Report: www.bvsc.org/2023-state-of-the-sector-insight-report-3-vcfse-sector-mini-race-impact-summit
Contact: Sophie Wilson, Director of Research, BVSC sophiew@bvsc.org
VCFSE MRIS: www.bvsc.org/vcfse-mris
Contact: Elizabeth Goodchild, Strategic Partnership Manager, BVSC elizabethg@bvsc.org