Talking about race at the ONS

Please note: This article was written in February 2020 before social distancing measures were in place.

Staff networks have great potential to shape the culture and behaviours of its organisation. So when I was invited to take part in the launch of the new B.ME network at Office for National Statistics, I jumped at the opportunity to support.

I was joined by other influential speakers from public service:

• Chandru Dissanayeke, Director, Building Safety Reform, in the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government

• Karen Campbell-White, Deputy Director Office for National Statistics, and

• Tola Munro, former President of the National Black Police Association.

Over 50 people attended either in the room, or via Skype, and it received really positive feedback. I look forward to witnessing the journey of the network and its members.

For race and ethnicity data within the UK, read the ONS Ethnicity Page. Analyses include ethnic identities among the non-UK born population in England and Wales, labour market participation, trends in general health and unpaid care by ethnic group, and inter-ethnic relationships.