Trauma informed approaches to workforce race listening sessions

Bakare Barley was commissioned to develop a programme of listening sessions in response to the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. Following an Anti-racism statement and pledge from the CEO, the organisation became committed to the amplification of ethnically diverse voices within the workforce and Bakare Barley designed a series of listening sessions.

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What we did

There was an exploration of what a ‘brave space’ environment consisted of, and the need for a platform for ethnically diverse staff to ensure conversations about racism were led by ethnically diverse staff.

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This approach allowed for discussions about uncomfortable topics, tackled openly with others who share a lived experience of racial discrimination.

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The sessions included explorations of:

• Anti-racist solidarity and the need to educate others of the issues BAME staff and service users faced.

• The impact of BLM and COVID19 on ethnically diverse staff during 2020

• Whether race had been a factor in their experiences at work

• What can be done to better to address racism in recruitment and selection, staff experiences and service user experiences.

• The commitments that leadership should make to improving racial equality.

• Terminology around race

• The development of s staff forum to support staff

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The outcome

A solutions framework was developed and shared with the organisation which covered key pillars for progress including accept, act, challenge, recruit and support, and associated actions.

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The work led to the development of a five year EDI Strategy to outline the organisations approach and actions around challenging inequality and discrimination in the workforce.  

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“It was space to be honest and open without fear of judgment. An opportunity to hear other experiences. Getting to meet other colleagues from BAME groups who I can contact and talk too” (Participant)

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“Open and honest discussions and contributions in a relaxed environment” (Participant)

 

To find out more about how we can support you contact info@bakarebarley.com