Black workers' support group

Our aim

The primary aim of the black workers' support group is to promote the recruitment, retention and advancement of black workers within Nottinghamshire County Council.

The group acts as a consultation forum for employment policies and practice, professional development, and a means of personal support to those staff who are more likely to experience discrimination as a result of the colour of their skin.

The term 'black' in this context is used in its political sense to encompass all people who are more likely to experience discrimination due to the colour of their skin. Thus the membership of the CBWSG is comprised of people of:

• African
• Carribean
• Asian
• and mixed race origin

Objectives

The objectives of the CBWSG are to:

• support all black employees on matters relating to employment
• promote the recruitment, retention and advancement of black and other racial minority employees within Nottinghamshire County Council
• challenge racial discrimination within the workplace
• offer advice, guidance and support to black employees with regard to relevant legislation, employment rights, local government policy and procedures
• empower black staff to have a positive impact on their working lives
• advise Nottinghamshire County council on developing good practice in matters relating to the recruitment, retention and advancement of black and other racial minority groups
• act as consulting forum for the review and development of policies.

Background

The Nottinghamshire County Council's Corporate Black Workers' Support Group (CBWSG) was formed in 2007 as a result of a merger between the Social Services Black Workers' Support Group and the Black Workers' Support Group for Culture and Community, Education, Environment and Resources.

The Social Services Black Workers' Support Group was formed in 1980 with a particular emphasis in supporting staff experiencing racial discrimination at work and black staff who were at risk of dismissal through redundancy or disciplinary procedures.

The Culture and Community, Education, Environment and Resources Black Workers' Group was formed in 2001 and had as its emphasis activities to promote the recruitment, retention and advancement of black or other racial minority staff within the County Council.

Benefits of group membership

• The group has a corporate identity and a voice which is heard at strategic level where concerns and issues affecting black staff can be raised.
• Membership offers a unique opportunity to network with other black staff employed in other Departments on issues related to recruitment, retention, professional training and self development.
• Additional support for staff who may be experiencing victimisation or racial discrimination at work.
• The CBWSG arranges a number of professional seminars and training sessions throughout the year aimed at self improvement, empowerment and professional development.
• The CBWSG has developed a resource library of books, cassettes and DVDs of material aimed at both personal and professional development.

Contact us

Sharon Mundle - Chair     Tel: 0115 993 4628    sharon.mundle@nottscc.gov.uk

Ali Lewis - Vice Chair        Tel: 0115 914 1587    ali.lewis@nottscc.gov.uk

Devon Allen - Treasurer    Tel: 0115 854 6185    devon.allen@nottscc.gov.uk

All contacts will be treated in the strictest confidence .

The group meets once a month for three hours. Meetings are currently scheduled for the third Wednesday of each calendar month. The group has a steering committee and political representation at the Corporate Equality Group.

It is your right as a black employee of Nottinghamshire County Council to be able to attend these monthly meetings.