BTEG
Black training & enterprise group
Black People Urged to Join Their Local Strategic Partnership
Since 2001 Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) have enabled local communities to influence key public services such as education, health, and housing. According to the Black Training and Enterprise Group black and minority ethnic (BME) groups are being left out of this process.
- BTEG research shows that less than half of LSPs in England have BME groups on their boards.
- Without BME involvement it is almost certain that current regeneration programmes and public services will continue to fail many BME communities.
To encourage greater participation of BME communities, BTEG has published 'Getting Involved in Local Strategic Partnerships: A Guide for Black and Minority Ethnic Groups in England'.
The publication is a must-read for BME groups as it explains what LSPs do and encourages local organisations to make their voices heard. It is written in clear and jargon-free language, with a glossary at the end, and useful website addresses for more information. This practical guide is free and can be downloaded at www.bteg.co.uk/downloads/LSP.pdf.
Jeremy Crook OBE, BTEG Director says:
LSPs spend millions of pounds in the 88 most deprived areas of the country where 70% of black communities live. It is unacceptable that so few LSPs have black people on their boards. This has to change and we believe this guide will encourage more local people to get involved.
LSPs are now playing a central role in developing Local Area Agreements with government, these set out the priorities and targets for improving outcomes in local areas. BTEG strongly believe that these agreements must be race equality impact assessed before they are approved by the government offices for the regions.
End.
CONTACT:
Francis Wilson
Communications Officer – Centre for Educational Success
Tel: 020 7520 2458
Email: francis@bteg.co.uk
Fax: 020 7837 0269
date added - 24 January 2007