Croydon Council is looking to become one of the first councils in the country to urge the community to unite and pledge commitments on race and equality in their workplaces.

A survey opens today asking for residents’ opinions on the proposed Croydon Race Matters Pledge and Croydon Equalities Pledge. The pledges are a pioneering series of commitments which aim to make Croydon free from racism as well as a safer, fairer and more inclusive borough for all. The council has worked with community groups, the police, youth groups and schools to develop the pledges and is now asking residents across the borough for their views.

Once finalised the pledges will be open for all residents, businesses, organisations and groups to sign and could include committing to a number of principles such as: implementing fair and impartial recruitment processes, delivering and monitoring equality and diversity training for all staff on topics such as unconscious bias, anti-racism and cultural awareness, reviewing the diversity of your organisation’s workforce, and sharing good equality practice.

Once the survey has been completed and feedback incorporated the hope is to launch the pledges to coincide with Black History Month in October.

“I am very proud that Croydon is one of the first local authorities to develop a pledge specifically on race and I urge everyone to participate in this important survey and perhaps change the way they work in future.

“This will see us continue on the journey towards becoming a borough where all are treated impartially and fairly as well as addressing the racism that can exist in local organisations and communities.”

Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed, cabinet member for communities, safety and business recovery

To take part visit here: https://forms.office.com/r/58jR8JK2fV