Minutes - draft

Please note these minutes are currently draft and are subject to committee approval.

Minutes of the Equal Opportunity & Diversity Board held on 7 July 2005 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, SW1H 0NY.

Present

Members

• Kirsten Hearn (Chair)
• John Roberts (Deputy Chair)
• Cindy Butts
• Peter Herbert
• Aneeta Prem.

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive and Clerk)
• David Riddle (Deputy Chief Executive, and Solicitor to the Authority)
• Annabel Adams (Deputy Treasurer)
• Laurence Gouldbourne (Head of Race and Diversity)
• Doug Lewin (Race and Diversity Unit)
• Hamida Ali (Race and Diversity Unit)
• Julliett Fearon (Race and Diversity Unit)
• Gemma Walters (Planning and Performance)
• Nick Baker (Head of Committee Services)

MPS officers

• Denise Milani (Deputy Director, Diversity Directorate)
• Simon Marshall (Director of Recruitment)

Also present: Jack Gilbert (LGBTAG) Stanley Downey MPS Police Federation), Catherine Russ (London Victim Support London), Katei Kirby ACEA), Elena Noel (Southwark Mediation Centre), Kevin Boweser (MPS), Nathalie Stewart (WREC), Michael Wadham (MPA), Vicky Kielinger (MPS), Susan Paterson (MPS), Makhan Bajwa (Greenwich REC), William Ekinu (Greenwich REC), Wendy Reeves (MPS), Andrew Rickson (MPS), John Azah (Kingston REC), Pamela Braithwaite (MPS), Juliet Farrall, Colin White (MPS) and Cynthia Coleman.

1. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

Apologies for absence were received from Damian Hockney.

A number of apologies from members of the community were also received.

The Chair informed the meeting that due to a number of security incidents earlier that morning there would be limited representation from senior MPS officers. This may result in issues raised at the meeting having to be noted and any responses reported back to the next meeting of the Board.

2. Declarations of interest

(Agenda item 2)

No interests were declared.

3. Minutes (Part 1) – 19 May 2005

(Agenda item 3)

The Committee considered the minutes of the meeting held on 19 May 2005.

John Roberts sought clarification of minute 68 ‘Update-Stonewall Diversity Champions’. Confirmation was given that this was an update item that incorporated a number of issues including the Stonewall Diversity Champions.

It was noted that Rev. Katei Kirby name be removed from those in attendance.

Resolved - That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 May 2005, subject to the minor amendment, be agreed and signed as a correct record.

4. Chair and Members’ update

(Agenda item 4)

Kirsten Hearn and John Roberts reported that they had attended the international LGBT police conference (30 June 2005 & 1 July 2005). Kirsten Hearn also reported that she had attended the Pride event (2 July 2005) at which the MPA and MPS were both represented.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

5. Follow up to previous meeting

(Agenda item 5)

At the previous meeting, a number of issues and or question had remained un-resolved. The Chair indicated that a response to these outstanding questions were required.

In relation to the lack of facility to report hate crime on-line and in particular through the ‘True Vision’ national on-line reporting service, members raised concerns that this facility was still not available. The MPS indicated that a response would be provided to the next meeting of the Race Hate Crime Forum and its Chair, Peter Herbert would feedback a response to the next meeting of the Board.

It was also agreed that, the Race Hate Forum receive further information on the work of the Muslim Contact Unit in special operations and its work across Muslim communities, particularly with women and LGBT. This information should be circulated to members of the Board.

6. Metropolitan Police Service Race Equality Scheme 2005-2008

(Agenda item 6)

The Board received a report that provided an update on the preparation and future development of the MPS Race Equality Scheme (RES) 2005-2008.

This report was considered in conjunction with agenda item 9.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

7. MPA review of the MPS Race Equality Scheme 2005-2008

(Agenda item 7)

This report was considered in conjunction with agenda item 9.

Members received a report that outlined the results of a review of the MPS Race Equality Scheme 2005-2008 undertaken the MPA’s Race and Diversity Unit.

Members were informed that the MPA’s Race and Diversity Unit review of the RES had highlighted its ‘inward looking’ nature with little or no reference to key areas. In addition, the apparent lack of reference or interface with the MPS draft Diversity Strategy, the Morris or Commission for Racial Equality Inquiries was also highlighted. The MPA’s Race and Diversity Unit, in acknowledging that the Scheme was a living document and would undergo changes and improvements, recommended that the Scheme should reflect these issues in order to demonstrate an alternative approach and to drive forward continuous improvement.

Members suggested that an impact assessment of the scheme should be undertaken to ensure that the scheme is being implemented at ground level. The MPS suggested that the move to citizen focus approach to policing and the work of the Diversity Unit would address these issues.

Resolved – That

1. the results of the review of the MPS 2005 – 2008 RES by the Race and Diversity Unit, as a tool for ongoing work on that RES be agreed and the RES be submitted to the full Authority for consideration;
2. the MPS submit a revised RES to the October 2005 EODB with a report that focuses solely on the ‘outward facing’ business of policing as outlined in paragraph 7 of this report; and
3. an update from both the MPS and MPA on progress on their RES be presented to the December 2005 EODB.

8. MPA Race Equality Scheme 2005-2008

(Agenda item 8)

This report was considered in conjunction with agenda item 9.

The Board were presented with the MPA Race Equality Scheme 2005-2008.

Resolved – That

1. members endorse the MPA 2005 – 2008 RES and agree to the submission of that RES for ratification by full Authority; and
2. request a progress report on the MPA RES at the EODB December 2005, including a progress report on key equality impact assessments undertaken.

9. Discussion on the Race Equality Schemes

(Agenda item 9)

It was agreed that for consideration of this item the Authority’s Standing orders be suspended.

The Chair invited members of the Board and the community to comment on race equality and crime and the MPS and MPA equality schemes.

This report was considered in conjunction with agenda items 6-8.

Jack Gilbert (LGBTAG) raised an issue relating to the change in reporting crime and ‘repeat victims’ of hate incidents and crime and that this caused a problem in identifying who is the most vulnerable. He also raised the issue of safer neighbourhoods and diversity and the lack of discussion/consultation with advisory groups and no mention of their issues in the equality scheme.

The Chair requested that the Race Hate Crime Forum take forward the issue of repeat victims and report back to the next meeting of the Board.

John Roberts highlighted the need for the MPS in relation to its scheme to engage with it own associations and other key units, particularly regarding diversity issues.

Katei Kirby, ACEA, raised the issue of inappropriate or sensitive information appearing in the press and the MPA/MPS robustness in responding to this information and supporting the hard to reach communities that it is trying to work with. The policy had to make it clear how both organisations would respond to such information. In supporting the comments made, Cindy Butts confirmed that the Authority and the Commissioner had highlighted this issue at a number of meetings and that the Commissioner was looking at implementing a policy on this matter. She supported this issue being incorporated into the Scheme.

Colin White from the MPS informed the Board that the MPS were planning to develop a single equality scheme that incorporated its race equality scheme and other strands. He confirmed that those concerns raised by the MPA Race and Diversity Unit would be incorporated into the proposed single scheme.

Confirmation was given that discussions with the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) on developing a single equality scheme had taken place and that MPS were currently seeking legal advice on this matter.

A number of written submissions were and presented to the Board: These included:

• How is the MPS consulting with ordinary Londoners. There is a need to work with the wider community including faith leaders and not only ministers known to the MPS?
• Sue Sanders – What are the MPS going to do to ensure that the community across equality strands can play a part in the development of the equality scheme as a living document?

Resolved – That the report be noted.

10. Joint MPA/MPS Equality Statement

(Agenda item 10)

Member considered a report that presented a joint MPA/MPS Equality Statement.

Members of the Board in welcoming the joint statement highlighted the importance that what is on paper is reflected in action. The need for accountability was highlighted as particularly important.

Resolved – That members endorsed the proposed joint MPA/MPS Equality Statement and agree to its submission to the full Authority.

11. Stop and search scrutiny implementation group

(Agenda item 11)

The Board received an oral report on the recent work on the Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel.

It was noted that the Chair of the Panel, Lynne Featherstone having been elected to Parliament, had now stood down from the MPA and the Scrutiny Panel. In doing so she had written to the Chair of the Authority outlining several key issues arising from the Scrutiny. These included the need for an appropriate budget for stop and search to be driven forward; the need for appropriate monitoring of Section 44 and working closely with the community; improvement of ‘encounter’ training of officers; and clear faith monitoring.

The Board requested that their appreciation to Lynne Featherstone be noted.

Members also suggested that when considering the re-structuring of the Authority’s committees and the way in which it works, the work of the Scrutiny Panel should not be lost.

Resolved – That the report be received.

12. London-wide Race Hate Crime Forum

(Agenda item 12)

A report was received that outlined the work and achievements of the London-wide Race Hate Crime Forum (LRHCF) and which asked members to consider options for developing the Forum.

The report sought agreement to future funding of the Forum, recommended reporting periodically to the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board and the full Authority and to widen its current remit in relation to other hate crimes.

In receiving the report the Board requested that their thanks to Bennett Obong and Michael Wadham for their support of the Forum be noted.

Resolved - That

1. members note the achievements of the London-wide Race Hate Crime Forum outlined in its Annual Report 2004/05 as shown at Appendix 1 to the report;
2. the MPA and Government Office for London (GoL) remain the major funders, the London-wide Race Hate Crime Forum (LRHCF) should continue to be a MPA-led multi-agency initiative;
3. the LRHCF report to EODB bi-annually, and annually to full Authority; and
4. the LRHCF be invited to agree to work to a wider remit and consider other hate crimes e.g. homophobic and crime and abuse against disabled people

13. Equal opportunities and diversity management information report

(Agenda item 13)

The Board received a report that presented the equal opportunities and diversity management information and that outlined the main emerging trends.

The report provided members with details on hate-crime; details on police strength; recruitment details; retention and stop and search issues.

Members asked that future reports included: a wider breakdown of figures of LGBT staff, particularly at lower ranks, information on the effects of ASBOs on stop and search; and greater clarity on the disproportionately in homicide rates.

Resolved – That the equal opportunities and diversity management information be noted.

14. 2006/07 budget and equalities guidance

(Agenda item 14)

A report was received that reminded members that the Mayor was due to publish budget guidance shortly and members were give an update on the key issues in relation to the work of the Board. As part of the update, members were also presented with proposed timetable for producing the equalities submission to co-operate with the overall Authority budget submission.

Resolved – That

1. the equalities guidance for 2006/07 issued by the Mayor is noted; and
2. members agree the proposal for drawing up the submission

15. Annual report of the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board

(Agenda item 15)

Members received the Annual Report of the Board for 2004-2005.

Arising from the discussion, members expressed disappointment that the ‘trailer film’ on stop and search was no longer available. A request was made that attempts for this to be reinstated be made.

Resolved – That the Board’s Annual Report be received.

16. Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board work programme

(Agenda item 16)

Members received a proposed work plan for the Board for 2005-2006.

The report also considered the Board’s future scrutiny role; proposed two changes to the MPA corporate equalities objectives 2004-2007.

In considering the two corporate equalities objectives, members agreed that it was unrealistic the MPA would meet the deadline of reaching level 5 of the Equalities Standard. Members agreed that a further report on this matter be submitted to the October meeting of the Board which considered a realistic timescale for achieving this level.

The Board supported the suggestion that the MPA Community Engagement Unit undertake the compliance issue for crime and disorder reduction partnerships.

Members asked that they and the MPS be consulted on which items should be considered for scrutiny at future meetings of the Board, with a report to the next meeting of the Board on a worked up model.

In conclusion, members agreed that the workplan needed to reflect current MPS initiatives and in particular that it ensured that diversity issues reflected the work being undertaken on such initiatives as the Service Review, the Together programme, Citizen Focus and Safer Neighbourhoods.

Resolved – That

1. the key objectives for EODB as outlined in paragraph 8 and Appendix 3 of the report be agreed;
2. the use of ‘mini-commissions’ to assist their scrutiny role as outlined in paragraphs 12 – 14 of the report be agreed and a report be presented to the next meeting of the Board with an identified list of items for scrutiny;
3. the workplan for EODB, which also includes the Morris workplan, outlined in Appendices 1 & 2 to the report be agreed;
4. the MPA Corporate Equality & Diversity objectives for 2004 – 2007 as outlined in paragraphs 17 & 21 be agreed, with a report on a realistic timescale for achieving this level 5 of the Equalities Standard be presented to the October meeting of the Board and the Community Engagement Unit take responsibility for the compliance issue for crime and disorder reduction partnerships;and
5. consider the Operational Command Unit (OCU) as listed in Appendix 5 of the report members with which they would wish to conduct a mini-scrutiny.

The meeting closed at 12.10 p.m.

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