| ASIANS
ON FAST-TRACK IN POLICE SERVICE |
With
all the recent criticism of the Police Service, you'd be forgiven
for thinking that nobody would want to be a Police Officer these days,
but that is far from the reality. In the Metropolitan Service, thousands
applied during their last campaign & it has frozen new recruitment
until it can deal with all existing applications. The one exception
is in ethnic minority recruitment.
read more |
| |
| RELIGIOUS
FREEDOM IS A CORE BRITISH BELIEF |
The
Government's duty to all its citizens is to give them the freedom
to practise their own faith, said Home Office Minister Fiona Mactaggart
today. Speaking at an Eid celebration in London, Ms Mactaggart said
that it is neither the Government's role, nor intention to dictate
to British people how and when they should express their religious
affiliation.
read more |
| |
| PRISON
SERVICE GUILTY OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION |
Publishing
the findings of its investigation, the CRE announced that it had found
HM Prison Service guilty of racial discrimination. The report details
the evidence leading to the finding of unlawful racial discrimination,
and catalogues 14 areas of failure uncovered by the investigation.
read more |
| |
| MAYOR'S
RECEPTION FOR ETHNIC MINORITY COUNCILLORS |
The
Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone hosted a reception at City Hall for
London's Black and Minority Ethnic Councillors on December 15th 2003.
The event follows the recent publication of 'Ethnic groups in London',
the Mayor's report that highlights the changes in London's population
and its increasingly diverse mix.
read more |
| |
| MUSLIM
YOUTH HELPLINE WINS GOOD CITIZENSHIP AWARD |
The
Muslim Youth Helpline, based in Wembley, were honoured with a Philip
Lawrence award for outstanding achievement in good citizenship on
Tuesday 9 December 2003. The awards ceremony took place ain the presence
of the Mayor of Brent, Councillor Peter Lemmon, Rt. Hon Paul Boateng,
MP for Brent South and the Duchess of Kent.
read more |
| |
| CRACKING
CRIME TOGETHER |
The
second annual Cracking Crime conference marked the official launch
of the project. Organised by the London BME Cracking Crime Partnership
Board, 250 representatives from organisations working within community
safety fields and statutory agencies attended. Cracking
Crime ll is unique in providing a London wide platform for local community
groups.
read more |
| |
| ASIANS
BOOST LONDON'S ECONOMY |
London's
economic success depends on its diverse ethnic mix. A report published
by the Mayor of London highlights the changes in London's population
and its increasingly diverse ethnic mix. It presents information from
the 2001 Census and shows the
increasingly important role that London's diverse communities will
have on the life of the capital, as providers of public services and
as entrepreneurs.
read more |
| |
| REUBEN
SINGH PUTS HIS FAITH IN TIMEBANK INITIATIVE |
TimeBank,
the national volunteering charity together with The Prince's Trust
launched the first of a series of interfaith meals to raise awareness
of its 'respect' initiative. Entrepreneur Reuben Singh, held the inaugural
dinner in Manchester.
read more |
| |
| CRACKDOWN
ON TIME SHARE OPERATORS & HOLIDAY CLUBS |
A
new report published by Citizens Advice today calls on the government
to crack down on rogue traders in the holiday club and timeshare market
who find ways round the law to fleece unwary holiday makers. Paradise
Lost, based on evidence from over 150 Citizens Advice Bureaux shows
that the Timeshare Act 1992 is failing to prevent consumers from being
ripped off by holiday clubs or timeshare resale scams.
read more |
| |
| ASIAN
MAN WINS 'NATIONAL WARDEN OF THE YEAR' AWARD |
Bashir
Ahmed, Manager of Walsall Neighbourhood Wardens, was presented with
the National Manager of the Year award by Yvette Cooper MP, Parliamentary
Under-Secretary of State for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister,
on 14th November 2003. The awards recognise the 'outstanding work
by Neighbourhood Wardens in enhancing the lives of local communities'.
read more |
| |
| SANJEEV
BHASKAR AWARDED HONORARY DOCTORATE |
Comedian
Sanjeev Bhaskar, star of The Kumars at Number 42 and Goodness Gracious
Me, returned to the University of Hertfordshire to accept a second
degree. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Business School
in recognition of his outstanding contribution to entertainment.
read more |
| |
| YOUNG
ASIAN GIRL WINS CAB AWARD |
Working
to get people their rights has won a volunteer from Redbridge CAB
a top national award. Kiranjit Kaur Sidhu, has won the Young Volunteer
of the Year Award from Citizens Advice. The award was presented by
the Princess Royal, Citizen Advice patron, in front of 12,000 delegates
from Citizens Advice in England and Wales at its annual conference
in York.
read more |
| |
| MAYOR
INVITES ASIAN LONDONERS TO A DEBATE, 29 NOV
|
The
Mayor's London Conference is an opportunity for Black and Asian Londoners
to put their views to the Mayor and take part in informed discussion
and debate about important issues affecting ethnic minorities in the
capital with key policymakers, including politicians, public sector
managers and trades unions. Last year's conference attracted over
1,600 Londoners.
read more |
| |
| BIG
SHAKEOUT IN INDIAN OUTSOURCING MARKET PREDICTED |
Newcomers
to the Indian outsourcing market are utilising aggressive strategies,
such as significantly discounting services, to grab a piece of the
$400 million market. However, a new report by market analyst Datamonitor,
says this is resulting in shrinking margins and questions as to who
will survive the shakeout.
read more |
| |
| SOUTH
YORKSHIRE FIRE SERVICE WIN DIVERSITY AWARDS |
The
9th British Diversity Awards, saw South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue
Services (SYF&RS) win three awards: as Diversity Champion in the
Public Service, Maria Tonks (its diversity manager) was Manager of
the Year and finally the ultimate accolade as Diversity Practitioner
of the Year.
read more |
| |
| DIVERSITY
IN TOWNS & CITIES IS CRUCIAL |
The
first national 'Respect' conference, organised by Mayor Ken Livingstone
at City Hall, brought together public authorities from across the
UK to share best practice about celebrating diversity, and combating
racism. One aim will be to work alongside community organisations,
trade unions and the private and voluntary sectors.
read more |
| |
| NOMINATE
A GEM FOR THE ASIAN JEWEL AWARDS 2004 |
Today
sees the beginning of a nationwide search for the high achievers of
the British Asian community, as Lloyds TSB and the Institute of Asian
Professionals announce the launch of the Asian Jewel Awards 2004.
The Awards recognise achievement by Asian people across the UK and
will culminate in three awards ceremonies. The Awards are looking
for inspirational examples of Asian excellence.
read
more |
| |
| NEW
FORUM TO STRENGTHEN ETHNIC VOICE IN THE NHS |
The
NHS Confederation and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) are to launch
a new national forum to drive the development of black and minority
ethnic (BME) leadership and to provide a stronger voice for BME leaders
and managers in the NHS. 7.9% of the UK's population are black or
from an ethnic minority, and 8.4% of the NHS's 1.3m staff. However,
only 1% of chief executive posts are held by BME staff.
read more |
| |
| HEWITT
ANNOUNCES NEW EQUALITY COMMISSION |
A
new Equality Commission to fight discrimination and challenge inequality
wherever it occurs was announced today by Patricia Hewitt and Lord
Falconer. Under the plans, the work of existing equality commissions
(CRE, EOC & DRC) will come together to give greater support and
more joined-up advice to individuals, businesses & communities
to crackdown on discrimination.
read more |
| |
| CRE
TO INVESTIGATE THE POLICE SERVICE |
The
CRE today announced its intention to launch in investigation into
racism in the police service. Speaking at the Metropolitan Black Police
Association's AGM, CRE Chair Trevor Phillips said: "Yesterday
I went to see the Home Secretary and told him that, as I am empowered
to do under the Race Relations Act of 1976, I intend to instigate
a formal investigation into the police service across England and
Wales."
read more |
| |
| POLICE
FORCE PULLED DOWN BY OFFICERS |
Five
suspended police officers have resigned after a BBC1 documentary 'The
Secret Policeman' exposed racism in the ranks. PC Rob Pulling, one
of eight officers featured in documentary, who was seen wearing a
home-made white Ku Klux Klan hood and threatening to harass an Asian
recruit, resigned from North Wales Police yesterday.
read more |
| |
| CARLTON'S
MULTICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2003 |
Among
the winners of this year's Carlton Multicultural Achievement Awards
were Asian re-mix genius Rishi Rich and BBC Radio 4 presenter Zubeida
Malik. The Awards give recognition and respect to the talented and
inspirational young people, aged between 16 and 35, who are shaping
modern Britain - the role models of the future.
read more |
| |
| SO
YOU THINK YOU'RE MULTICULTURAL? |
A
new report 'So You Think You're Multicultural?' provides a unique
picture of attitudes to, and experiences of, multiculturalism across
Britain. It draws on three pieces of research commissioned by VSO,
which reveals that the majority of the UK public are not connecting
with other cultures and they don't see that this is a problem.
read more |
| |
| BRITISH
ASIAN GIRL WINS BEACON FELLOWSHIP |
Born
to Britsh-Pakistani parents, 15-year-old Londoner Sarah Francis has
been nominated for the 'Young Philanthropist' of the year award and
a Beacon Fellowship for raising over £12,000 for Afghan Refugees.
Lord Amir Bhatia has also been nominated in the 'Leadership' category
for his role in countering social deprivation and exclusion in the
UK.
read more |
| |
| NAZIA
HASSAN FOUNDATION HONOURS ASIANS |
Muniza
and Basir Hassan and Zoheb Hassan, the parents and brother of singing
sensation the late Nazia Hassan, officially launched a foundation
in memory of the singer who was the pioneer of Pop and Disco music
on the Indian sub-continent. Nazia Hassan is
best remembered for her hit song 'Aap Jaise Koi'.
read more |
| |
| 'ENOUGH
IS ENOUGH' SAY THE NATION'S ETHNIC POLICE |
|
Despite
several attempts by the National Black Police Association to put
forward resolutions in order to put to an end the fiasco surrounding
operation 'Helios' (an investigation into Superintendent Ali Dizaei),
the discussions collapsed today. The
NBPA are bitterly disappointed that the Metropolitan Police Service
has failed to learn any lessons.
read more
|
| |
| LABOUR
PARTY GUILTY OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION |
The
Labour Party has been found guilty of racial discrimination and victimisation
against a former Birmingham City Councillor, the CRE announced today.
Raghib Ahsan, a Pakistani Muslim, was Councillor for the Sparkhill
ward of Birmingham during the 1990s. The Employment Tribunal in Birmingham
has ruled that the Labour Party discriminated against him between
1997 and 2000.
read more |
| |
| MAYOR
TO SUPPORT ETHNIC MINORITY COUNCILLORS |
Mayor
Ken Livingstone is to work in partnership with the National Association
of Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority Councillors (NABAEMC) to improve
ethnic minority representation across London Boroughs. The aim is
to raise awareness of the importance of race equality developments
in service planning and delivery in the capital and encourage ethnic
minority councillors to share best practice.
read more |
| |
| REDHOTCURRY.COM
SHORTLISTED FOR BIMA AWARDS 2003 |
Redhotcurry.com
has been shortlisted in the 'Arts & Culture' category for the
BIMA (British Interactive Marketing Association) Awards 2003. The
annual BIMA Awards received a record number of entries this year and
after a full month of judging the Association has just announced the
shortlist.
read more |
| |
| BEST
100 DIVERSITY PRACTITIONERS IDENTIFIED |
AnSer
House of Marlow UK, a leading authority on HR diversity practice,
has launched the UK's 100 BEST DIVERSITY PRACTITIONERS league table.
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service leads the way, with only
ONE commercial organisation (BT plc) in the top 10. Currently
based on entry and success in the annual BRITISH DIVERSITY AWARDS,
the new list is designed to emphasise the importance of effective
diversity management.
read more |
| |
| MAJOR
NEW SCHEME TO HELP ETHNIC MINORITIES INTO LAW |
Law
firms are being asked to support the Law Society's Diversity Access
Scheme aimed at benefiting students currently deterred from qualifying
as a solicitor. The initiative will provide work placements for undergraduates,
mentoring for legal practice course students and scholarships to pay
the fees of people taking legal qualification courses.
read more |
| |
| ICAN
FOUNDATION LAUNCHES ITS OWN 'FAME ACADEMY' |
Last
night, Deborah and Bertie Headley's dream become a reality with the
launch of the Ican Foundation. Recent Fame Academy stars Paris, Audley
and Barry were on hand to offer their support to the new charity.
The launch was attended by a host of industry figures who joined the
stars to celebrate The Ican Foundation's vision.
read more |
| |
| "UNIVERSITY
CHALLENGE" IN INDIA PROVES A WINNER! |
An
Indian version of the BBC TV quiz University Challenge which launched
on August 7th 2003 has proved a major winner with its online promotion
receiving over 2 million responses. University
Challenge India will run on BBC World for twenty-eight weeks from
7 August, during which time a new series of the UK version of the
show - presented as usual by Jeremy Paxman - will be broadcast in
the UK on BBC2.
read more |
| |
| OPERATION
HINDU VOTE |
Huddled
together in a cold hall in Harrow, several hundred Hindus were last
night celebrating the launch of 'Operation Hindu Vote'. The initiative
is designed to unify and strengthen the political lobbying power of
this hitherto passive religious group.
read more |
| |
| ASIAN
YOUTH CONFERENCE DEBATES MONEY, DRUGS & SEX! |
Money,
drugs & sex were the three topics hotly debated at the second
Asian Youth Conference, organised by Asian Voice newspaper, that took
place on Saturday 20th September 2003 at the House of Commons. More
than a hundred representatives from Asian youth groups, business and
the community gathered to debate issues like the funding of higher
education, drugs in the Asian community and the issue of Asian female
role models.
read more |
| |
| FOOTBALL
FOR ALL? |
|
The
Football Association is supporting the 'Connecting Communities'
conference to be held at Arsenal's Highbury Stadium on October 28th.
It will focus on how black and ethnic minorities can break through
football's glass ceiling.
read more
|
| |
| "LIFE'S
A PITCH!", IPA TELLS ASIAN STUDENTS |
Ethnic
minorities in the UK are under-represented in the advertising industry
states a new IPA report. With only 4% of the industry workforce from
ethnic minority backgrounds - and of those more than two thirds are
in IT and Finance - the online report contains new research into issues
of representation and perceived barriers to entry, as well as providing
employment guidelines.
read more |
| |
| BRITISH
AD AGENCIES WAKE UP TO ETHNIC MINORITIES |
The
Institute of Practitioners (IPA) has today launched an online guide
to ethnic diversity in the UK. Its new report highlights the shortcomings
of the British Advertising industry in which ethnic minorities make
up only 4% of the workforce.
read more |
| |
| TUC
LAUNCHES ANTI-RACISM STRATEGY |
The
Northern arm of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) today published a
new guide that will equip trade unionists and local communities with
information and advice on how to challenge racism in the workplace
and within broader society. Launched to coincide with a TUC anti-racism
training day on 20 September 2003, the toolkit tackles some of the
myths that exist about immigration and asylum seekers.
read more |
| |
| POLITICIANS
TO ADDRESS 'ABSOLUTELY EQUAL' QUESTION |
|
Five
leading equality organisations are to host 'Absolutely Equal' at
this year's Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative party conferences.
Supported by Barclays, the events are a collaboration between the
CRE, the Disability Rights Commission, the Equal Opportunities Commission,
Equal Rights on Age and Stonewall.
read more
|
| |
| REDHOTCURRY.COM
SHORTLISTED FOR AOP AWARDS 2003 |
Redhotcurry.com
has been shortlisted for the AOP (Association of Online Publishers)
Awards 2003. Considered by many as the "Oscars" of digital
publishing, other shortlisted nominees in the same category include
the BBC and FT, Thisismoney.co.uk and Emap sites Aloud.com & FHM.com.
read more |
| |
| BOLLYWOOD
GOSSIP MAG 'CINEBLITZ' IS RELAUNCHED |
India's leading Bollywood celebrity gossip magazine 'Cineblitz', owned
by Indian brewing tycoon Vijay Mallya, was relaunched at a star-studded
event on Tuesday 9th September. Stars of the silver screen from both
the world's largest film industry, Bollywood and the Brit-Asian scene
in the UK flocked to the venue to celebrate its comeback.
read more |
| |
| UK
ASIAN RUGBY INITIATIVE: NEXT STOP INDIA! |
Four
members of the pioneering Bradford-based South Asian Bulls rugby team
are off to India on 21st September to participate in the All-India
Games rugby union event. Selectors there will have an eye on choosing
the team to represent India in the All-Asia Games to be held in Hong
Kong in November 2004. The South Asia Bulls, a unique rugby league
squad comprising players from the different South Asian communities
across the UK, was the brainchild of former England rugby league international
Ikram Butt.
read more |
| |
| PAKISTAN
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT FUND-RAISER |
Friday
5th September saw over 600 of the leading lights of the Pakistani
communities in the North West of England attend a high-profile cultural
dinner at Manchester's New Century Hall to raise funds for the Pakistan
Human Development Fund. The fund aims to improve education, healthcare,
income generation and resource mobilization in Pakistan.
read more |
| |
| LONDONERS
URGED TO ADOPT ASIAN RECYCLING ATTITUDES |
The
Greater London Authority has launched 'Recycle for London', a new
initiative to encourage Londoner's to take action and start recycling
everything they possibly can. The London Recycling Fund, set up by
the Mayor, the Asso |