We champion race equality at a grassroots and strategic level
About Us
Race Equality Network (REN) is a registered charity supporting over 60 grassroots Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) groups and organisations working with ethnically diverse communities across Bradford District and Craven.
We are dedicated to championing race equality at both grassroots and strategic levels, ensuring key services like education, employment, health, social care, housing, training, and volunteering are inclusive and accessible to everyone.
What We Do:
- Support for Members: Advice and guidance for VCS groups.
- EDI Training: Expert training on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Collaboration: Co-production and networking opportunities.
- Partnerships: Building strong links with the public sector.
- Advocacy: Promoting equality and inclusion at every level.
At REN, we’re committed to creating an inclusive future where all communities thrive.
Networking
REN regularly organises large events that bring together Bradford's diverse community organisations to share information, explore opportunities, and celebrate collaborative achievements. These events serve as platforms for disseminating vital information, conducting consultations, and fostering community engagement. Notable past events include Women Leading the Way, the Root Out Racism Local Launch, the Working Together Conference, the Change Up Project Conference, funding workshops for Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities, and Celebrating Community Cohesion in West Yorkshire.
Leadership
In 2019, we proudly launched our Leadership Development Programme, designed to empower individuals from diverse ethnicities and backgrounds to become effective community leaders. Partnering with Empowering Minds, REN delivered comprehensive training to women and young people on critical issues such as community cohesion, combating racism, and promoting equality. Since its inception, the programme has grown, and we have hosted a variety of events and webinars aimed at encouraging and celebrating leadership within Black, Asian, and other minoritised communities.
Our Approach
To Collaborate
We strive to work in collaboration and in partnership with our members, partners and stakeholders to ensure that equality, equity, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of service delivery and development.
Our Mission
To Achieve
To build a strong network of organisations and individuals that work together to diversify and strengthen the voluntary and community sector and work towards achieving equitable outcomes for all communities
Our objectives aim to create a society where racial equality is the norm, diversity is celebrated, and communities thrive through mutual respect and cooperation.
Our objectives
Promoting Equality and Inclusion
Develop and implement comprehensive programmes that educate and raise awareness about the importance of racial equality and inclusion within various communities.
Advocate for equitable policies and practices in workplaces, educational institutions, and public services that ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for individuals from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Provide training and resources for organisations and individuals to help recognise and combat systemic racism and discrimination.
Unify Communities
Organise community events and initiatives that bring together people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds to foster understanding and solidarity.
Facilitate dialogue and collaboration among community leaders, local organisations, and residents to address racial issues and work towards common goals.
Support the creation of community networks and partnerships that encourage mutual support, respect, and cooperation among different racial and ethnic groups.
Celebrating Diversity
Host cultural festivals, exhibitions, and workshops that highlight and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of various racial and ethnic communities.
Promote the stories, achievements, and perspectives of individuals from diverse backgrounds through media campaigns, publications, and public presentations.
Encourage educational institutions to incorporate diverse cultural content into their curricula and extracurricular activities, fostering a more inclusive and appreciative environment for all students.
Promoting Good Community Relations
Implement conflict resolution and mediation programmes to address racial tensions and promote peaceful coexistence within communities.
Collaborate with law enforcement and local authorities to build trust and ensure fair and just treatment for all community members.
Conduct research and surveys to monitor community relations and identify areas for improvement, using the findings to inform future initiatives and policy recommendations.
Our Achievements
IMPROVING REACH PROGRAMME
As part of the Improving Reach programme at West Yorkshire level, over 80 organisations across Bradford District were supported via workshops and training sessions on Health in the workplace, Employment Law, Disability Rights, Management Committee training and Quality Assurance processes. This programme also carried out work in supporting migrant communities including planning and facilitating Refugee Week.
WORKING LINKS
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
In 2008 REN pioneered a unique networking opportunity with financial support from West Yorkshire Local Development Agencies, encouraging BAME organisations to come together and establish working partnerships which would strengthen activities and fundraising opportunities. REN advised and provided co-ordination and support with creating these working partnerships.
BCCI COMMUNITY COHESION PROJECT
BCCI Community Cohesion Project – also known as Communities Together saw REN bringing together eight community organisations to deliver activities to promote social cohesion whilst addressing key issues around racism and extremism. 156 activities were delivered through the programme. Partners included Kala Sangam, Milan Centre, Peacemakers International, Thorpe Edge Community Centre, West Bowling Centre, Grange Interlink, Bangladesh Community Association, and Bangladeshi Forum for Community Cohesion.
"CHANGING BRADFORD"
The “Changing Bradford” book and exhibition was a Heritage Lottery Funded project in which REN recruited and trained up a group of young people as oral history interviewers. These young people undertook interviews which contributed to the book and were exhibited at Bradford’s Impressions Gallery. REN advised and provided co-ordination and support with creating these working partnerships.
BASIS
COMMUNITY CASCADE
This West Yorkshire-wide project saw the partnership of sub-regional infrastructure support organisations delivering 4 specialist strands: Environmental, Support with applying for funding, Marketing and Communications, and Community Cohesion. REN led on Cohesion and worked with faith-based networks and BAME organisations to deliver a range of activities to strengthen community cohesion.
YOUNG PEOPLE INTO MANAGEMENT (YPIM PROJECT)
After identifying a gap in the representation of young people on BAME Management Committees, REN undertook a pilot programme (YPIM) recruiting eight young people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. These young people were mentored by four key individuals from the voluntary sector. These included Jenny Pupius, CEO of ABL; John Corbishley CEO of CNet; Surji Cair, Manager of Milan Centre; and Peter Tate from MAPA. Bradford CVS and BYDP provided formal training to the young people. The programme led to NVQ2 qualifications for the participants.
