Agenda item

The Partnership received a presentation for noting on Hackney Council’s programme to improve outcomes for young black men and which set out some of the lessons that had been learnt. The programme was set up in response to the riots in 2011 and in recognition of some of the systemic barriers and inequality faced by young black men.  The presentation was given by Sonia Khan, Head of Policy and Partnerships  for London Borough of Hackney.  Ms Khan agreed to share the full 62 page plan with the Community Safety Partnership. (Action: Sonia Khan).

The following was noted in response to the discussion of the presentation:

a.    The Partnership enquired whether there were any graduate schemes running in Hackney and how successful young black men where in applying to those. In response, the partnership was advised that there was not a single successful candidate to the LGA’s national graduate scheme last year that was a young black man. Hackney were part of the national scheme but discussions were taking place about setting up local solutions to overcome this.

b.    In response to a question around involvement with the voluntary sector, the Partnership was advised that the voluntary sector was crucial in terms of reaching out to the community. Hackney CBS, a voluntary sector umbrella organisation, were an equal partner in the scheme. The programme also engaged heavily with parent groups. Officers emphasised the need for more resources to engage further with the voluntary sector.

c.    The Partnership questioned what work had been done around overcoming the stigma attached to mental health and CAMHS services. In response, Ms Khan advised that the programme had not been able to solve this problem as yet, but that work had been undertaken to work through the barriers and issues in this area and identify how to build trust in these institutions. Officers emphasised the need to build confidence that people would be treated equally and fairly but that it was also about streamlining the process to ensure quick access to provision.

d.    In response to  a query around quick wins, the partnership was advised that there had been a number of initial successes. These included all 12 schools identifying actions and resources that they could undertake locally. As well as the development of a different model of employment services in conjunction with CBS, which had 60% success rate and was being looked at by the DWP.

e.    The partnership commented that this work had unearthed a depth of talent in relation to potential graduate recruitment and that ways of harnessing this within the wider public sector were required. In particular, organisations like the Metropolitan Police had difficulties in recruiting young black men for leadership roles. Ms Khan advised that discussions were taking place locally to try and assist the unsuccessful shortlisted candidates to the graduate role. It was suggested to the partnership that the learning was there and there was an opportunity for other organisations to use this and drive it forward.

f.     In response to a question around how colleagues in Hackney developed a safe space to discuss race, Ms Khan advised that the Deputy Mayor, who was widely respected  as a former teacher, was made a champion on race and was able to successfully push this agenda. A racial identity session was held for all partners around some of the theoretical background to belonging to a racial minority and tackling issues such as inter-generational trauma. 

The Chair thanked Ms Khan for her presentation and suggested that the Partnership would see what could be done around this issue. The Chair advised that officers would keep in touch with colleagues in Hackney.