TCT Black Lives Matter statement

Race is an issue that, as a world, we cannot afford to ignore. Incidents that have occurred around the world and in this country over the past few weeks, reflect understandings and behaviours that need to be brought out into the open, discussed and challenged. We need to do this honestly and together as we seek the common good and work for justice as a people of hope.

The following statement, written by our BAME colleagues, comes with the endorsement of the whole staff team, myself and the Board of Trustees:

The recent events surrounding the death of George Floyd in the US, the subsequent Black Lives Matters protests around the world and the clear evidence documenting the over-representation of BAME communities in the Covid-19 statistics in England has caused us as TCT to pause and reflect. We want to reaffirm our commitment to challenging racial inequality and discrimination, and restate our value of celebrating the rich diversity reflected through our staff and the communities we work alongside. However, we do not want to be complacent and so we are committing to these actions as a starting point to assess our services -

1. Reviewing particularly with our BAME colleagues our equality policies, procedures and training

2. Recruiting diverse staff, volunteers and trustees and addressing areas where BAME communities are not represented

3. Ensuring that our events, visual images, etc. always reflect the racial diversity of the communities that we serve i.e. speakers always from visibly diverse backgrounds

Finally, we recognise that the onus for tackling injustices rests with all of us - this statement is a starting point to demonstrate that we stand together.

Our work helps to build up people and communities by:

* Encouraging the voice of those affected to be heard

* Empowering individuals and groups to practically make a difference.

• Focusing on people’s skills and talents
• Celebrating what is good.

+ Sarah Shrewsbury

* Issued 16th June 2020 *