9 September 2024
Southwark Council racially discriminated against Black employees

To the Leadership and Authorities of Southwark Council, Local Government Representatives, Lord Mayor and the Wider Public,

We, the undersigned, are BAME staff and allies working in local authorities across the United Kingdom, and we are writing this open letter in response to the recent tribunal findings concerning Wendy Andrew and Kevin Baptiste at Southwark Council. The tribunal's conclusions that both individuals were subject to systemic racism and victimisation have been deeply disturbing to all of us who strive for equality, fairness, and justice in local government and the communities we serve.

As employees or former employees of local authorities, we are committed to public service and to creating environments that are safe, inclusive, and free from discrimination for all. The tribunal’s findings highlight that this commitment has not been upheld in Southwark Council, where it was revealed that BAME staff were subjected to ongoing racial harassment, institutional racism, and victimisation. This not only undermines trust in the integrity of public service but also places a shadow over the efforts of countless dedicated employees who strive to build more inclusive workplaces.

We are clear: there must be accountability. Those responsible for perpetuating such behaviour, whether through direct acts of racism or enabling a culture of victimisation and silence, must be held to account.

We, therefore, make the following demands:

The findings of the tribunal reflect an unacceptable reality in the public sector, and if Southwark Council is truly committed to its role in serving one of the most diverse boroughs in the UK, it must act decisively. The time for empty statements and performative allyship has long passed. Now is the time for action.

We stand in solidarity with Wendy Andrew, Kevin Baptiste, and all BAME staff members who have been subjected to racism in the workplace. We will not be silent in the face of injustice, and we call on Southwark Council to lead by example in addressing these deep-rooted issues within its own organisation.

Our voices will not be ignored. We demand change, and we demand it now.

doughtystreet.co.uk/news/southwark-council-raciall...

Signed:

BAME Staff and Allies Working in Local Authorities Across the UK

• [Insert names/positions/affiliated councils here]

24
signatures
18 verified
  1. Maureen Anderson, London
  2. Sharmain lawrence, Self employed, Yorkshire
  3. Mrs Joseph, Teacher, London local authority, London
  4. Ray, Social worker
  5. Tavia, , Gloucestershire
  6. Louise Nevers, Freelance Anti-racism consultant, KSM Minds, Bristol
  7. Blessing Ohiemi, Social worker, LBE, Ealing
  8. Calum Gallacher, Social worker, Randstad, Glasgow
  9. Natalie Armstrong, Social worker, Argyll & Bute
  10. paula curran, social worker, Gmmh, manchester
  11. Emma Corbett-Lapuz, Social worker, London
  12. Elena Nicolaou, Safeguarding Children Workforce Development Lead, London Borough of Newham, London
  13. Peter Chitsenga, Social Worker, Leicestershire, Leicester
  14. Abigail Stepne Clarke-Beukes, Social worker, Oxfordshire County Council, Carterton
  15. S.B., Unison Comrade, Local Authority, London
  16. vanessa aggrey, psychotherapist, self employed, london
  17. Joanne Meredith-White, Retired, Former Southwark Employee, London
  18. Stella W, Social worker, Children Services, London
Create an open letter
and sign it together