Gloucestershire County Council rejects the notion that it is institutionally racist, with civic leaders reaffirming their commitment to fostering an environment of equality and respect for all.
Concerns about potential racism within the council were brought to the forefront during the full council meeting last week, following a public question raised by Bren McInerney on July 16.
McInerney asked whether Gloucestershire County Council believes it is institutionally racist and what evidence or measures exist to support that stance.
In response, Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Lisa Spivey firmly stated that the council does not consider itself institutionally racist. She referenced a 2024 independent review that identified historical institutional racism within the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service but concluded that the service is no longer institutionally racist. This conclusion was supported by improved recruitment outcomes, enhanced training programs, and positive feedback from ethnic minority colleagues.
Building on that, Councillor Spivey emphasized that the council actively prioritizes fairness and equity, both as an employer and in service delivery. Current initiatives include ongoing staff training, positive action targeting underrepresented groups, rigorous equality impact assessments, and the support of employee networks such as the Race Equality Network. An Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Board, composed of directors and network representatives, oversees these efforts.
McInerney highlighted that many of these actions appear focused internally. He queried how the council ensures that minority communities feel respected and heard in their interactions with council services.
Councillor Spivey acknowledged the validity of these concerns and expressed her commitment to furthering this engagement. She pledged to collaborate with officers to explore feedback methods, including surveys and community dialogue, to ensure staff and residents alike feel safe and supported in raising issues.
She concluded, “It is an unfortunate reality that racism persists in 2025, a situation that simply should not occur. We must treat everyone with equality and respect, and that is a cause I will always champion.”