Race on the Agenda - Event

Shaping the future: Race and racism in 21^st century Britain, 22 February 2012, 4.00 – 7.00pm, the Osmani Centre

Is there an elephant in the room? If we live in a post-racial society, why do certain ethnic groups continue to experience disadvantage?

This seminar, planned to follow the retrial into the murder of Stephen Lawrence, will debate these questions and seek to identify solutions to inequalities faced by (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) BAME children, young people and their families in Tower Hamlets.

We have seen massive changes in the law and there is no doubt that progress has been made in addressing racism in our country. Greater proportions of BAME young people are going on to higher education, for example. However, these increased qualification levels are not translating into labour market and wealth outcomes with disproportionate numbers of BAME young people being unemployed and underemployed. Nearly one in two young black people are unemployed, compared to one in eight of young people in general. We are not making the most of British talent.

Who will attend and what will happen?

The seminar will start with a range of experts presenting their views on what needs to be done to progress race equality in key areas relevant to BAME young people and employment. The Chair will then facilitate a solutions-focused discussion with panellists and participants, including representatives of the BAME voluntary, community and statutory sectors with roles and responsibilities relating to children, young people and their families.

This seminar will be chaired by Shaynul Khan, Assistant Director of the East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre, Chair of Tower Hamlets CVS, and Founder and Secretary of the Osmani Trust. Confirmed speakers and panellists include: Elizabeth Henry, Chief Executive, Race on the Agenda; Jane Milligan, Borough Director, NHS East London & the City; Phillip Kissi, External Relations Manager, Job Centre Plus; and Deputy Young Mayor Tasmina Khanum.

The webpage about this seminar, which is available here, will be updated as new speakers and panelists are confirmed.

How to book a place?

To book a place see the booking information at the very bottom of the page here.

It is part of a series of seminars being delivered to follow the verdict from the retrial into the murder of Stephen Lawrence. You can find out more about the seminar series here.

Timetable of all LBTH consultations

http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgsl/851-900/867_consultation.aspx

Mainstream Grants Commissioning 2012/15 - Timeline

Activity and Date

Formal consultation meetings - June 2011
Draft service specifications available - June 2011
Application process opens - 9 January 2012
Workshop for potential applicants - 9 to 27 January 2012
Deadline for submission for applications - Friday 17 February 2012 (6 weeks)
Applications assessed - 20 feb to 16 March (4 weeks)
Commissioning report completed - w/c 2 April 2012
Third Sector Grants Programme Board meeting - w/c 23 April 2012
Applicants notified - 27 April 2012
Service Agreements and delivery negotiations - up to end of June 2012
Services delivery commences - 1 July 2012

Tower Hamlets Mainstream Grants (MSG) Update

The CVS has been informed by the Council’s Third Sector Team that they are working towards publishing the application form and guidance for the Mainstream Grants Scheme (MSG) by early January 2012. However, depending on the outcome of the Council’s internal decision making process, they may be able to launch the programme earlier.

The CVS has expressed the voluntary and community sector’s concern over the delay and we have been assured that ample time will be given for organisations to submit applications after the Christmas and New Year holidays. We will continue to ensure that the interests of voluntary and community groups are taken into account during the application and decision making processes.

Khadiru Mahdi, Chief Executive, THCVS