Response to the report of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities   

27 April 2021

BABCP is committed to taking a stance against racism and pursuing anti-racist practice. We stand with our membership and our communities to say that we are aware that work to address all forms of institutional racism is necessary and ongoing.

The recent report of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities (CRED) released by the UK Government has caused us to take some time to reflect before we respond to the report’s findings. We consulted with our Equality & Culture Special Interest Group, who felt the gravity of the report.

Where suggestions that structural and systemic racism does not exist, we acknowledge the deep sadness, the disappointment, and the serious implications of this statement for our membership, and people that we work with in our local communities.

It is important to consider the numerous events over the last 18 months which include the disproportionate COVID-related deaths of Black and Asian people, including those of NHS frontline staff. There are already decades of existing credible research that demonstrates the existence and impact of systemic racism. 

BABCP understands that Black people are four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act and disproportionality represented in Secondary Care. There have been numerous reforms including Seni’s Law and the Mental Health Act Review highlighting the impact of institutional racism. 

Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities are more likely to live in poverty, whilst Black women are five times more likely to die during pregnancy and after childbirth than any other ethnicity in the UK. Key reports such as the Macpherson Report and Lammy Review are integral to understanding the implications of Institutional racism.

BABCP continues to take an anti-racist stance; through tools such as the BAME Service User Positive Practice Guide 2019 which is an explicit anti-racist resource that can be used by services and individuals. We have a range of resources and a current Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plan. Our additional resources includes the IAPT Webinar on COVID-19 and BAME mental health.

It is of note that in addition to some national opposition to the CRED report, on a more global scale the United Nations have also documented their concerns.

BABCP will continue to support our members and their clients/communities that they serve in implementing and promoting anti-racist practice.