WMCA first in the UK to be awarded RACE quality mark

The West Midlands Combined Authority has been named as the first organisation in the UK to qualify to use the RACE (Reporting Action Composition Education) Equality Code quality mark.

The new code has been designed to help organisations take action to improve race equality in the workplace and draws together more than 200 recommendations outlined in reports, charters, and pledges, which aim to tackle diversity and inclusion challenges.

The RACE Equality Code was launched last year in October, as part of Black History Month 2020. Before they are granted use of the mark, organisations must show they meet the standards for each of the RACE principles and develop an action plan to tackle areas of improvement. A RACE action plan will include measures for publicly reporting on progress, improving HR practices, increasing diversity at senior levels and educating staff on race inequality.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “I am delighted that the West Midlands Combined Authority has been awarded this RACE code quality mark. Whilst we’re the first in the country to do so, I hope that other local organisations will follow suit. Tackling inequalities of all kinds is vital if we are going to ensure that our economic recovery from the pandemic benefits all sections of society, whatever their colour, race or background. That’s something that will benefit everyone, from every community.

“The West Midlands Combined Authority is committed to taking action to promote diversity, inclusion and equality across the region, so it is only right that we take steps to raise awareness of and tackle race disparities within our own organisation and across all our activity. Work has already started – and we will continue to deliver on our RACE action plan alongside our wider efforts to help enable greater equality of opportunity for all of our staff and communities.

“This RACE code is just one important part of what we are doing. We are taking action to improve skills and training amongst all communities, so people across the region have greater job and career opportunities. We are improving public transport connectivity across the region, increasing access to job opportunities and bringing investment into long-forgotten communities. And our report into health inequalities across the West Midlands, published last year, is leading to action to tackle some of the health-related causes of economic inequality.”