The overall aim of 'A Shared Future' (March 2005) was to 'establish over time, a shared society defined by a culture of tolerance...a society where there is equity, respect for diversity and recognition of our interdependence'.
Despite this aspiration, from April to September 2014 a total of 807 racist incidents and 535 racist crimes were reported to the police in Northern Ireland and categorised as having a hate motivation.
The growth of an increasingly multi-cultural society in Northern Ireland necessitates that citizens and communities and organisations are culturally aware and inclusive. Policies and practices across the public sector may impact on race relations here. It is important therefore that Chief Executives are mindful of how the activities of their organisations can contribute, in even a small way, to achieving the benefits of a harmonious society. The Chief Executives' Forum, in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, is pleased to host this breakfast briefing which seeks to bring together experiences of addressing prejudices and improving race relations from a strategy and policy level, an organisational and workforce perspective and to highlight local "on the ground" initiatives to improve relations among a diverse population.
With Census data showing 42% of Birmingham's population is from minority or ethnic backgrounds, Mark Rogers and Raffaela Goodby will discuss how Birmingham City Council deals with cultural diversity at a political/strategic level within the city, as well as how the organisation, as a major employer, deals with addressing prejudices and improving race relations amongst its large and diverse workforce. On a local level Alison Allen (Belfast City Council) will discuss her organisation's responses to promote good race relations while Supt. Paula Hillman will highlight PSNI's role in preventing and responding to cases of racism in Northern Ireland.
Speakers
Mark Rogers began his career as a volunteer in a residential special school in 1983 and in 1985 moved into his first teaching role, having qualified at Leeds to teach pupils with Special Educational Needs. He subsequently worked in special schools in the Midlands and North West, becoming a head teacher in 1994.
In 2001, Mark was seconded to be the Head of Specialist Services in Tameside, working on the authority's first inclusion strategy. Having quickly developed an appetite for local government, Mark was appointed as Assistant Director, Inclusive Communities - Children & Young People, for Stockport Council in 2003 where, in due course, he was given oversight of the council's 'Every Child Matters - Change for Children' transformation programme. He is currently president of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives.
In December 2013 Mark was appointed to the role of Chief Executive and Director of Economy at Birmingham City Council and took up role in March 2014. These combined roles are designed to have maximum impact on the three priorities of prosperity, fairness and democracy.
Raffaela Goodby has worked in public services for 12 years in Human Resources and Organisation Development. She specialises in leading, influencing and implementing strategies that enable colleagues to have a better day at work, be productive and give the best of themselves. Raffaela is a PPMA Board Member, a founding Member of Engage for Success and was voted 'the Guardian Local Government Leader of the Future' in 2013.
Alison Allen has responsibility for driving Belfast City Council's Safer City portfolio as well as responsibility for the work of Policing and Community Safety Partnerships across Belfast. Alison has been leading the work of Belfast City Council on tackling racism within the city.
Supt Paula Hilman is a member of the Senior Command Team in Belfast City Policing District. She has recently been appointed as the PSNI lead for Hate Crime.
Paula has almost 30 years policing experience and has forged many successful partnerships with Criminal Justice Partners. She is keen to identify and develop talent and advocates mentoring and leadership. In her current role Paula is currently working with various groups in the voluntary and community sector to promote a more peaceful safe and confident society, especially among young people across Belfast.
There is no charge for this event. Breakfast will be available at the start of the session.
To reserve a place on this breakfast briefing please click on the 'Register' button above and complete the online booking form.