To receive an update on work to tackle racism and inequalities in Haringey.
Minutes:
The Chair introduced the item and explained that work to tackle racism and inequalities in Haringey had been a key focus for the Health and Wellbeing Board over the last year; she handed over to Geoffrey Ocen, Bridge Renewal Trust Chief Executive, to provide an update on the institutional and collective response.
Geoffrey Ocen, Bridge Renewal Trust, explained that he would provide a brief update as a full update was due to be presented at the next joint meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board and Community Safety Partnership. It was noted that one year had passed since this work had commenced, following the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on certain ethnic minority communities and the murder of George Floyd. It was stated that this was a good point to pause and reflect on the achievements so far and noted that Voluntary and Community Sector groups would be meeting soon to reflect.
It was explained that the Health and Wellbeing Board had adopted a nine point action plan for tackling racial injustice that had been agreed with communities and stakeholders and that this had resulted in wider work on various policies and institutional practices.
In relation to data, it was reported that partners were reviewing the categories that they used for ethnicity and nationality which was informed by the approach of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and led by the Council’s Policy Team.
It was noted that digital inclusion was also an important element of the action plan. It was explained that there was a pilot project with Public Voice and the NHS to increase access to digital resources. This project aimed to provide computers for children with wider, wrap-around services also available for families. It was reported that around 30 laptops had been distributed to children with acute issues and that homework participation and engagement had increased from 13% to 97%.
In relation to community safety, social justice, and policing, it was noted that one issue identified had been the disproportionate admission of young, Black men into acute mental health inpatient support by police. Work was underway to investigate whether this could be addressed or improved through the inclusion of mental health professionals working alongside police.
In relation to workforce development, the Director of Adults and Health explained that partners were trying to make links and to jointly progress the themes identified. It was noted that there was now a better understanding of the data and operation of different organisations and that, in particular, it was aimed to widen the use of annual surveys and progression and talent management.
The Whittington Trust Chief Executive added that good practice had been shared in relation to recruitment, mentoring, and how to resolve complaints. She considered that the work underway in Haringey in relation to workforce was positive and that serious culture change was underway; she hoped to provide significant progress updates at future meetings.
Cllr Lucia Das Neves commented that the increase in homework participation from 13% to 97% was extraordinary. She stated that this had been a small cohort but that it could be beneficial to validate this research and share the results with other boroughs. Geoffrey Ocen, Bridge Renewal Trust, explained that this project had been set up as a small pilot and that, following evaluation, the aim was to scale up the project to maximise the benefits.
The Chair thanked Geoffrey Ocen for the work undertaken so far and for providing regular updates on progress. She added that it was essential to work collaboratively across all partners and to embed good practices, particularly with the single North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the plan to introduce Integrated Care Systems.
RESOLVED
To note the update.