The Home Office has modernised race relations laws to ensure that public bodies promote equality, and has introduced tough new penalties for racially aggravated offences. An increase in the recruitment, retention and promotion of black, minority ethnic staff has also been implemented.
Work on race must continue to maintain momentum in ensuring that recent laws are being used effectively, and that the recruitment initiative continues to improve, helping to increase the number of people who feel that they live in inclusive communities.
Government Offices monitor and implement funding streams aimed at promoting social inclusion and community cohesion, including the ‘Connecting Communities’ programme. We carry out important work monitoring tensions arising in the diverse communities of the region and feed back information to Government. We also lead on promoting inter-faith awareness within the region and on monitoring the integration and inclusion of New Arrivals, asylum seekers and refugees.
