The First Minister of Wales has called for “immediate action” following the publication of a Covid-19 report which examined the entrenched inequalities that black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people continue to face.
Mark Drakeford had established a BAME Covid-19 Advisory Group under Judge Ray Singh, with its two sub groups chaired by Professor Keshav Singhal and Professor Emmanuel Ogbonna.
Professor Singhal’s group studied the immediate risk to BAME health and social care workers during the pandemic and Professor Ogbonna examined the socio-economic factors which contributed to the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on ethnic minorities. It has subsequent report highlighted the entrenched inequalities experienced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people which COVID-19 has highlighted in the most tragic and worrying of ways.
Published on Thursday 24th September, the report makes more than 30 recommendations and urges the Welsh Government to review existing BAME people's health and social care in partnership with BAME groups, organisations and patients to reduce future health risks.
First Minister, Mark Drakeford said, “Now is a time for action, and this government is committed to creating a lasting legacy for Wales, where there is fair treatment and advancement for all.
“Organisational, societal and structural changes are needed. I urge all leaders in Wales, at all levels to pledge to positive and constructive action to drive racism and race inequality out of our country. We have to look carefully and honestly at the structures and systems in society, and consider where and how to bring about changes that benefit everyone in it and which will address inequalities of outcome and experience.”
They are currently rolling out the Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Strategy for Public Appointments strategy to improve representation of BAME and disabled people in public appointments - currently recruiting Senior Independent Panel Members to oversee recruitment, and developing leadership and training programme for BAME and disabled people.
According to Mr Drakeford work to develop a race quality action was already under way and would be completed before the end of this Senedd term. A Welsh workforce risk assessment tool, using the most recent research, evidence and data to identify known risk factors for Covid-19, has been rolled out across health and social care settings, with other versions also available. The tool identifies an individual's risk of harm from a coronavirus infection and suggests what that person and their line manager can to do mitigate the risk.
A BAME advice helpline has been funded, initially as a six-month pilot project, while a diversity and inclusion strategy to improve representation of BAME and disabled people in public appointments has been set up. Welsh Government has funded a BAME Advice helpline, initially as a 6-month pilot project, delivered by EYST in partnership with other organisations.
