| Minority Support Groups - Necessity or Indulgence? |
Dialogue at a Team Meeting:
Manager: "Next item on the agenda, Any other business - Just a reminder that Sangeeta will be attending the Black and Minority Ethnic Staff Support Group meeting on Wednesday 18 February"
Peter: "These groups are just whinge zone areas...I would not mind going to a Women's group, after all, I am in touch with my feminine side."
Others laugh
Jon: "I don't understand the logic of organising support groups, I think we are pandering to these people" We all have issues at work, is there a support group for people who wear glasses or for people who have red hair, they too experience discrimination. What about those who smoke or are overweight - they all need support!"
Manager: The Black and Minority Support Group is an opportunity for Sangeeta to share her concerns and dilemmas with colleagues who would have a better understanding of her experiences. The Chair of this group told me that when stories are shared, particular emotions do not get 'lost in translation'
Julie: "So why cant she do it here? We are her colleagues and we always make sure that she has her day off over Diwali. I love it when she brings those lovely Indian sweets."
Manager: Sangeeta may not be comfortable about talking about her dilemmas. Further she can also provide support to others who want to resolve their uncertainties in a safe environment"
Julie: "Does this mean that she thinks we are racist?"
Manager: "The focus of the group is to share concerns, explore personal and professional development and seek support. I am aware that Sangeeta has brought in different perspectives when her colleagues have highlighted their concerns of racism.
Julie: "I think others in her group may encourage her to look for racism when it isn't even there"
Susan: "Sangeeta is away from her work every second Wednesday of the month, to attend this group, we all have to cover for her whilst she sits with other Black people and moans about us. I would like to attend a group where I can moan about others in my team!"
Some giggle in response
Manager: "I think you all are being very hard on Sangeeta; this is an organisation wide initiative for all staff from a Black and Minority Ethnic background to attend these sessions and to discuss any concerns or issues. Note, it is an opportunity for staff to seek support. Some of the concerns are fed back to the senior management team who will explore ways to effect changes at a policy and behaviour level, to eliminate apparent discrimination and disadvantage. There are now plans in place to set up a Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Support Group and a Staff with Disability Support group." Fundamentally these groups will have scrutiny and consultancy input to improve the Equality and Diversity remit within our organisation"
Mark: "So as white heterosexual able bodies man who is an atheist, I am not able to access any support? I am forever scared that someone at some point will accuse me of being racist, sexist or homophobic. Where is the support for me?"
Manager: "I can imagine your anxiety. Senior Managers do take into consideration that there is a difference between feeling anxious of being misunderstood to actually experiencing discrimination. Some minority groups do at times perceive that the negative treatment they have been exposed to is because of their difference. The emphasis is for all staff to behave in a professional and appropriate manner, in terms of behaviour and language. We also have robust policies and procedures, if you are falsely and wrongly accused of discrimination, the complainant, if necessary can be disciplined. Mark, we can certainly have a one to one meeting to discuss any concerns you have and to explore support that either the management team or the organisation can provide"
Mark: I would like to have this meeting with you as soon as possible, thank you"
Manager: " Any other business?" |
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Minority Support Groups - Organisational Perspective |
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Quotes from Minority Networks:
- The Gender Network will focus on encouraging role models, mentoring and encouraging women to seek promotion by developing necessary skills and expertise.
- Lesbian and Gay Network want to add value to the organisation's policy agenda, particularly in the field of human rights affecting members of the LGBT community.
- Disability Action Group is the first stop for advice on disability issues and dealing with concerns for disabled colleagues, their line managers and colleagues who have questions on the subject. The group provides an environment at work where disabled colleagues can show their full potential and feel safe declaring their disability.
- Ethnic Minority Support Group: Focusing on issues such as equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion, it is involved in issues affecting the organisation's ethnic minority staff.
Overall objectives of support groups:
- Empower staff to challenge discrimination and break down barriers to equality
- To create a safe and confidential environment, to discuss dilemmas and experiences
- Address inequalities and ensure that the organisation are in line with the relevant equality and diversity legislation
Organisational Drivers:
- Recommendations from McPherson Report
- Acknowledge and taking responsibility to eliminate institutional discrimination
- Legislative Requirement
- Local Government Equality Standards
- Mainstreaming Diversity
- Accountability at Strategic Level
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| Interesting Case Law - Teenager with disability wins landmark discrimination case against Royal Bank of Scotland. |
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A DISABLED teenager who took on the Royal Bank of Scotland claiming it failed to cater for his needs. David Allen, 17, who has muscular dystrophy, launched legal action against the bank after they failed to implement wheelchair access at the Church Street branch in Sheffield.
At Sheffield County Court, the judge ruled the bank has breachedthe Disability Discrimination Act. In addition to paying £6,500 in damages, RBS must install a platform lift by the end of September.
The bank claimed that it had complied with the Disability Right's Commissions' Code of Practice and that it had arranged access to three other branches. It also offered Mr Allen the use of telephone or internet banking services.
Mr Allen said: "I'm glad justice has been done. I only wanted them to comply with the law and provide disabled access so I could get into my bank like my friends."
Declan O'Dempsey, a discrimination specialist from barristers firm Cloisters, said: "Businesses are required under the goods and services provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act to make 'reasonable adjustments' to ensure that their customers can use their services."
"These adjustments can include making alterations to buildings. Where companies have already made some changes to their outlets, it has not been clear how much more they have to do.
"Up until now no company has been forced by injunction to make a physical adjustment to ensure that disabled people have equal access to their services. This ruling changes that.
"Bigger companies now know that it is up to them to anticipate the needs of all their customers."
Source: News.scotsman.com |
| Diversity Dilemmas - Is it an arranged marriage |
A manager had written in asking for support. One of her clients, Raj, 35 year Indian man, with mild learning disability is getting married in India. Raj has the capacity to give consent. The manager has concerns, based on the conversations she has had with Raj's parents (who speak limited English) that the bride is not aware of Raj's learning disability. According to the parents, both the bride and her family have agreed to this marriage. Other relatives and friends have provided further background information to both families. Raj is happy about his wedding and the parents are saying the bride will take care of Raj. Raj will continue to live with his family.
The manager is concerned whether the bride is getting married under false pretenses. Does she need to take any further action?
Response:
Many myths exist about who must give permission before someone with a learning disability gets married. According to UK law, some one with a learning disability can get married from the age of 18 (or 16 with parental agreement). The registrar or official who marries them must be satisfied that they both understand what they are doing.
According to the Marriage Act 1949, if someone wanted to stop a marriage, they would need a very good reason and proof of their claim. However if the objection is regarded as frivolous, they could be liable to pay costs and damages.
In this instance, Raj's parents have said that both families are happy with the union, other friends and relatives have provided additional information. It can be presumed that the bride is aware of Raj's disability. Although the manager cannot fathom that a couple can get married under the 'instruction' of parents, there is a trend in India where decisions have known to be made by parents on behalf of their children, arranging a marriage as a good example. In most instances, parents have involved the children in the decision making process.
The manager could have a further discussion with the parents, through an interpreter and with Raj to have a better understanding of the situation. It needs to be taken into consideration that the parents have been open about Raj's wedding plans and do seem to willing to engage in conversations with the manager.
S - Social Worker (qualified in India) |
| Equality and Diversity Events |
Blue Tulip Training is hosting a series of regular lunchtime events for HR Practitioners, Solicitors, Managers, designed to provide an update on knowledge, share good practice and pool experiences.
Bullying and harassment dilemmas, dealing with discrimination complaints and sharing good practice are just a few of the topics on the agenda.
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| About Blue Tulip Training |
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Its diversity focus has developed into four strands:
Training - Equality and Diversity, Managing Diversity, Bullying and Harassment
Consultancy - Research based or specific development focus E.g. Conducting diversity audits
Independent, impartial and independent Investigations into allegations of bullying and harassment
Coaching - For staff from a Black or Minority Ethnic background or for managers who wish to implement diversity, good practice and effective working practice.
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Our sponsors |
Blue Tulip Training is affiliated with Asian Women Enterprise - A networking solution, bringing Asian Women together to share, inspire and motivate
www.asianwomenenterprise.com
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| Sunday 8 February |
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Nirvana Day Buddist
An observance of the death of the Buddha (Mahayana tradition).Buddhists celebrate this by meditating or going to a Buddhist temple or monasteries. |
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Monday 9 February |
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Lantern Festival (Chinese) - According to Chinese tradition, at the beginning of a New Year, when there is a full moon in the sky, thousands of colourful lanterns are hung out for people to appreciate. Held on the 15th day of lunar new year
Tu B'Shevat - The New Year of the Trees (Jewish)
All trees have their anniversaries on this festival for religious accounting purposes. Today this has become a tree planting festival where people plant trees in memory of a loved one or friend.
Random of Kindness Week (through to 14 February)
Established in 1995, the movement inspires people to share kindness with one another (anonymously) as they discover for themselves what power it has to effect positive change.
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Saturday 14 February |
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St Valentine's Day
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Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. There was an Emperor at that time by the name of Claudius II, who decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married. With this thought in mind he outlawed marriage for young men in hopes of building a stronger military base. Supposedly, Valentine decided this decree just wasn't fair and chose to marry young couples secretly. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine's actions he had him put to death.
Another legend has it that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with his jailor's daughter. Before he was put to death he sent the first 'valentine' himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it 'Your Valentine', words still used on cards today.
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| Monday February 23 |
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Maha Shivaratri - Hindu
This Hindu festival is in honour of Lord Shiva and his marriage to Goddess Parvati. The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva, all day fasting and a night-long vigil.
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| Tuesday 24 February |
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Shrove Tuesday - Christian
Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the ritual of shriving that Christians used to undergo in the past. In shriving, a person confesses their sins and receives absolution for them.
Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration as well as penitence, because it is the last day before Lent. Lent is a time of abstinence, of giving things up. So this day is the last chance to indulge and to use up the foods that are not allowed in Lent.
Pancakes are traditionally eaten on this day.
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| Wednesday 25 February |
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Ash Wednesday (Christian)
This is the beginning of the 40 day period of Lent. A time of reflection and repentance, which may include an element of fasting. In Ash Wednesday services churchgoers are marked on the forehead with a cross of ashes as a sign of penitence and mortality.
Tibetan New Year (Losar) - Buddist
Tibetan communities celebrate New Year, known as Losar, on this date. Losar is an occasion to dispel the obstacles and negativities of the old year and is marked with activities that symbolise purification. |
| Other Events |
February 4
Independence Commemoration Day Sri Lanka
February 7 Independence Day Grenada
February 15 National Day Serbia
February16
Independence Day Lithuania
February 17 Independence Day Kosovo
February 18 National Day Gambia
February 22 National Day Saint Lucia
February 23 National Day Brunei Darussalam National Day Guyana February 24 Independence Day Estonia
February 25 National Day Kuwait February 27 Independence Day Dominican Republic |
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