Voices for equity: Moving from evidence to action

This project will engage with the public, stakeholders, and policymakers to explore what is needed to bring about real and lasting change to address racial inequalities in the UK.

Why this project is important

The extent and patterns of racial inequity have changed considerably in recent decades, yet discrimination and disadvantage continue. While there are different perspectives on the extent of progress, much is known about where inequities are most stubborn and where change must be achieved. However, there is limited information on the perspectives and priorities of ethnic minority Britons and how these differ from their white counterparts, and how to use ethnic minority attitudes research to shape programmes of action that achieve change

What it will involve

The research team aim to use in-depth public research and policy engagement to address the following questions:

• What are the experiences and perspectives of ethnic minorities in the UK as they relate to the systemic and structural factors underlying race inequity? What changes are most wanted?
• How do the views of the wider UK population align with those of ethnic minorities and how can shared perspectives be used effectively in agendas and action for change? How does this differ by location, age, and other factors?
• How can policy action take account of intersectionality and divergence among ethnic minorities?
• How can evidence on inequity and the perspectives of ethnic minorities be used most effectively in bringing about change and in effective messaging?

The research will be completed in four stages:

1. Reviewing evidence and surveying ethnic minority UK adults to identify hopes and expectations for policy change and white British adults to examine perceptions of racial inequalities and support for policy change. Focus groups with ethnic minority participants will further explore the survey findings.
2. Exploring the experiences and perspective of young people from minority and majority backgrounds in schools and of ethnic minority adults aged 18-24  in focus groups.
3. Testing public support for policy changes and perceptions of government progress through surveys and focus groups.
4. Disseminating findings and influencing policy, including through a conference on race equity, present, and future.

How it will make a difference

Outputs will highlight the challenges, opportunities, and benefits to addressing racial inequity and how this can be achieved through specific steps and a programme of action. The research team will engage collaboratively with stakeholders, including race equity advocates in civil society, trade unions, and business representatives.