In this blog, Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE – our Associate Director – shares his thoughts on Race Equality Week.
Before we dive in, let’s address an important point about language. Terms like “Black, Asian, and minority ethnic” (BAME), “people of colour,” or “Global Majority” are often used to describe diverse racial and ethnic identities. However, these terms don’t resonate with everyone. Language evolves, and self-determination—the right for individuals and communities to define themselves—is critical. While this blog uses terms like BAME and Global Majority in some contexts, it’s important to centre people’s preferences and experiences when we speak about equity and inclusion. After all, language isn’t just about words—it’s about respect, understanding, and empowerment.
Every Action Counts: Turning Words Into Impact
Race Equality Week isn’t just a date on the calendar, it’s a movement. It’s an opportunity for all of us, whether individuals, organisations, or leaders, to reflect, act, and challenge the systemic inequalities that persist in our society.
This year’s theme, #EveryActionCounts, asks us to focus not on rhetoric but on real, meaningful change.
But there’s a tension here, isn’t there?
How do we ensure that our actions are truly inclusive?
How do we avoid language or approaches that inadvertently turn away the very people we aim to support?
We can tackle these challenges by grounding our communication in values, facts, and solutions that resonate across audiences.
In the UK’s social care context, where inequalities disproportionately impact people from racialised communities, these questions, and the actions they inspire, are urgent.
Why Language Matters in Race Equality Week
Language has power. It shapes perceptions, conveys respect (or the lack of it), and influences whose voices are heard. For some, terms like “people of colour” feel uplifting , connecting them to global movements for equity and justice.
Others feel more comfortable with “Black, Asian, and minority ethnic” because it reflects a UK-specific context. And increasingly, “Global Majority” is gaining traction as a term that reframes the narrative, celebrating the fact that people radicalised as minorities in the West actually form the majority worldwide.
Here’s what we know about language: language must be tied to shared values, like fairness, dignity, and community. When we communicate about race and equity, we must focus not just on naming problems but on offering solutions that bring people together. For example:
- Instead of framing inequalities as inevitable, frame them as solvable challenges that require collective action.
- Highlight the role of systems and structures, not individual blame, in creating inequities.
- Use inclusive language that invites everyone into the conversation, while respecting the self-determination of individuals and communities.
Making Every Action Count in Social Care
In social care, language is only one piece of the puzzle.
Real change comes from actions that reflect the voices and experiences of those who draw on care and support. This is where Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) and its Making it Real framework provide a roadmap. By grounding our actions in “I” Statements and “We” Statements, we can ensure that care is truly co-produced and centred on equity.
“I” Statements: Personal Accountability
“I” Statements reflect what individuals want and need from social care. During Race Equality Week, they help us stay rooted in the lived experiences of those we aim to support. For example:
- “I am listened to and respected, no matter my background or identity.”
Respect isn’t just a courtesy, it’s a right. This statement reminds us that equity begins with recognising each person’s humanity. - “I feel confident to speak up about inequalities without fear of repercussions.”
Fear silences. Empowering individuals to raise concerns about discrimination or inequities is essential for creating an inclusive system. - “I can see people like me in leadership roles, which makes me feel valued and represented.” Representation matters. Leadership that reflects the diversity of our society sends a powerful message: everyone belongs.
“We” Statements: Collective Responsibility
“We” Statements outline what organisations must do to support equity. These commitments ensure that actions are systemic and sustainable. For example:
- “We actively work to understand and dismantle barriers faced by people from Global Majority communities in drawing on care and support.” Organisations must examine their policies, processes, and biases to ensure they’re inclusive and equitable.
- “We create safe spaces for staff and people who draw on care to share their experiences and take action without fear.” Cultures of safety and openness are foundational to challenging and changing systemic inequities.
- “We listen to and act on feedback from people of all backgrounds, ensuring our services meet diverse needs.” Listening without action is performative. Real change requires a commitment to act on what we hear.
From Performative to Sustainable Action
Here’s a reality check: Performative actions, like posting a supportive tweet during Race Equality Week but failing to address racial disparities in the workplace, erode trust. They may look good in the moment, but they don’t create meaningful change.
Sustainable action, by contrast, is rooted in systems and long-term strategies. For social care, this means embedding equity into everything we do, from how we recruit and train workforce to how we design and deliver services. It also means creating environments where everyone, whether they are workforce , carers, or people drawing on care and support support, feels uplifted to act without fear.
Leadership as Amplifiers of Change
Leaders play a critical role in making every action count. They set the tone, amplify marginalised voices, and ensure that commitments are followed by actions. Leadership is about being bold enough to challenge the status quo and vulnerable enough to admit when we’ve fallen short. For example:
- Leaders must actively call out systemic barriers, whether it’s disparities in direct payments or the lack of representation in decision-making roles.
- They must create safe spaces, where staff and service users feel confident to speak up and know their voices will lead to tangible changes.
- They must ensure that actions are measurable and transparent, so progress can be tracked and celebrated.
A Call to Action: Every Piece Matters
Imagine race equality as a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece represents an action, big or small, that contributes to the bigger picture of equity. If even one piece is missing, the picture remains incomplete. Race Equality Week reminds us that every action counts. Whether it’s the language we use, the policies we advocate for, or the culture we create, each step brings us closer to a fairer, more inclusive society.
For people who draw on care and support , this might look like:
- “I feel supported to live the life I want.”
For organisations and leaders, it’s about committing to systemic change:
- “We work together to ensure that everyone feels included and valued.”
Together, these actions can transform social care into a system where everyone, regardless of their background, is treated with dignity and respect. Let’s make every action count, not just for Race Equality Week but for the future of social care.
