Minimum standards for racial equality

You are:

»
Equality »
Race equality toolkit

Minimum standards for racial equality

PCS is committed to ensuring that all of our members receive fair and equitable treatment in the workplace irrespective of:

Race
Colour
Ethnic background or
Nationality

PCS is committed to equality of treatment. In pursuance of this objective and as part of the union's response to the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report, the 'Minimum standards for racial equality' has evolved from an original piece of work carried out by the former Commission for Racial Equality.

How to use the minimum standards

The minimum standards can be seen as a checklist which summarises the range of action involved in considering, planning and implementing a racial equality programme.

Given the range of organisations with which PCS negotiates these minimum standards are not meant to and cannot be prescriptive.

In the same way that they have been adapted from the original document we would urge negotiators to work, in partnership, with employers to develop standards that meet the needs of the particular organisation in question.

The basic principle is that no members of PCS should have to work in a workplace where minimum standards on racial equality do not apply.

What to do next

If you don’t already have one, secure a partnership agreement with your official side to develop and implement strategies for race equality in the workplace.

Use the minimum standards for racial equality as a starting point for your discussions with the official side. This will enable you to clearly establish what precise issues need to be addressed.

Use the milestones for racial equality as a step-by-step approach for gathering information, setting tough but achievable targets and measuring progress.