Anti-racism statement

It is not enough to simply avoid racism; we must be actively anti-racist. This means identifying and dismantling barriers to equality, challenging injustice wherever we see it, and embedding anti-racist practices into our structures, systems, and culture.

Racism can take many forms – from conscious, intentional acts to unconscious bias and systemic discrimination. Without understanding these root causes, we cannot dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality.

Our principles

• Action, not words: Becoming an anti-racist organisation means making real changes in our workplaces and communities.
• Utilising our influence: We will use our position, influence and partnerships to drive forward our ambition in making Reading an anti-racist place to live and work.
• Transparency and accountability: We will publish progress and invite feedback to ensure lasting change.

Our commitments

1. Speak out and act together
   • Zero tolerance for racism across the organisation and in our partnerships.
   • Provide support to victims of racism and take a lead in inclusive community conversations, wherever we are present, to build understanding and unity.
   • Challenge racist behaviour and address microaggressions and subtle bias.
     
2. Change systems and structures
   • Review policies, procedures, and services to ensure they are inclusive and anti-racist.
   • Tackle institutional and structural racism, ensuring leaders exhibit moral leadership.
   • Put in place measures to eliminate gaps in outcomes between racial and ethnic groups.
     
3. Listen, learn and educate
   • Promote racial literacy by supporting community workshops, public campaigns, and allyship initiatives that build shared understanding of privilege and inequality
   • Champion inclusive leadership in the community by working with local organisations, schools, and partners to embed collective responsibility for equality across all our areas of influence.
     
4. Celebrate and amplify voices
   • Actively promote and celebrate the history and achievements of Black, Asian, and other minority communities.
   • Foster meaningful relationships across communities to ensure everyone is seen, heard, and valued.