Bracknell Forest Council becomes the latest employer in the South East to sign UNISON’s Anti Racism Charter.
UNISON’s anti-racism charter is a grassroots initiative that was developed by our own Black members, and asks employers to commit to a series of measures that will actively challenge and eradicate racism in the workplace.
Organisations signing up to the charter agree to commit to taking anti-racism seriously in all processes, policies and procedures. Provisions include setting up a regularly reviewed strategy to improve racial equality, diversity and inclusion, so that the organisation reflects the communities it serves; providing unconscious bias and anti-racism training for all staff members, and ensuring that recruitment processes identify and address race disparities in equality of opportunity.
The charter was signed by Chief Executive Susan Halliwell, and Council Leader Mary Templeton also attended the event on behalf of the council. The Charter was signed at an event at the council headquarters on 23 June.
Beth Bickerstaffe, UNISON South East Head of Equalities said:
“UNISON look forward to working in partnership with Bracknell Forest to make a practical difference for staff, and supporting the council in their journey to becoming an anti-racist employer.”
Susan Halliwell, Bracknell Forest Chief Executive said:
“This is a significant milestone in the council’s journey towards creating a more inclusive, equitable, and just workplace. This event was not just about signing a document; it’s about showing a commitment to stand against racism and to promote a culture of respect, dignity, and unity.”
The local UNISON branch have been working with the employer for some time ahead of the signing event, and will continue to work in partnership as the employer embeds this work into the culture of the employer. The branch’s Black members group will be integral to this work over the next year and beyond.
Branch Secretary, Angie Rolfe said:
“The event today is the start of a process. Bracknell Forest has embarked on a journey to being an anti-racist employer. We look forward to working together with them to embed a positive, inclusive culture across the council.”
Learn more about the anti-racism charter
To build on the legacy of 2023’s Year of the Black Worker, we’re supporting branches to encourage employers to sign UNISON’s anti-racism charter, a pledge from public service employers to build actively anti-racist organisations.