GREC's Annual Report by R Foster

grec

Annual Report 2009-2010 Summary Edition

Registered Scottish Charity: SC 001823

Chair’s Report - Dr Philip K Muinde DL OBE Highlights of GREC’s Strategic Activities GREC Services As you will no doubt have gleaned from the reports herein a great deal has been done, often quietly, in providing a wide range of services which have made a real difference to the lives of individuals and communities in our region. This work would not have been possible but for the hard work and commitment of GREC’s Director, staff and volunteers, as well as GREC members, some of whom have given their precious time in order to assist GREC in a variety of ways. And so, on behalf of GREC’s Executive Committee I would like to thank these colleagues for their respective contributions to the high quality of service which GREC has provided during the year. Partnerships: Strategic Partners As I said in my last year’s report, it is a real tribute to the depth of our strategic partners’ commitment to GREC’s vision for equality that GREC has been able to continue to provide the quality and breadth of service to individuals and communities in our region during the year. I would therefore like to thank Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Moray Council, Grampian Police, and NHS Grampian for the support they have given to GREC during a year in which they have had to cope with increasing pressures on their budgets. I would also like to acknowledge, with thanks, the support GREC has received from the Scottish Government (for progressing community planning partnerships in our area through SAREC), as well as from the EHRC (for funding GREC’s casework service). SAREC Since our last AGM we have had an official launch of SAREC in November 2009 at the Scottish Parliament. The launch, which was well-attended, was hosted by Lewis Macdonald MSP, GREC’s close friend and its first CEO. After some supportive and encouraging opening remarks, Mr Macdonald introduced our guest of honour, Alex Neil MSP, the Minister for Communities, who not only welcomed the formation of SAREC, but also officially announced that SAREC would now become a strategic partner of the Scottish Government.

Governance: I would like to pay special tribute to the Executive Committee for the clear and excellent leadership they have provided GREC during the year. As I reported last year, the Committee has, for some time now, been working on the restructuring and re-branding of the organisation with a view to enabling us to work in greater partnership with other national organisations, and to play a greater role as agents of change on equality issues in Scotland and beyond. To this end I can confirm that the process to see GREC become a company limited by guarantee, which was begun last year, is progressing well and should soon be completed. I also trust that members would welcome the Committee’s proposal for the said re-branding of GREC as “Grampian Regional Equality Council”, subject to OSCR approval. Other Issues: Scottish Census Since my last report, and following representations to Lewis Macdonald MSP and Jim Mather MSP, Minister with responsibility for the 2011 Census, the Scottish Parliament finally agreed earlier this year to give Africans parity with their Asian counterparts by including a new non colour-coded “African” category for use in the 2011 Census. Although this fell short of what we had proposed and hoped for (ie. a clear write-in section under the African heading for inserting country of origin), it is hard-won and welcome progress. I would therefore like to thank GREC’s Committee, staff, members, strategic partners, and friends, for their encouragement and support during the ups and downs of this tragic saga. However, it is important to remember that the battle is far from over. There is a lot of work yet to be done on public awareness and education, as well as in educating government officials and representatives, if colour codings are to give way to a clear, consistent, ethnicity based census framework in this country. To this end, we must not rest until our government and all those who support, or benefit from, the racialisation of others, realise that this is neither the way to treat fellow human beings, nor the way to combat racism in the 21st century. The Future: As the impact of the financial crisis continues to be felt across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the days ahead, and with it increasing public debate and even anxiety over immigration; discrimination and persistent inequality; Xenophobia and the rise of the far right; the threat of terrorism and Islamophobia, organisations like GREC will have to remain informed, involved and committed to working with others to educate the public, dispel myths, and challenge discrimination in all of its many forms in order to ensure that our communities remain safe and cohesive.

Treasurer’s Report - Alan Grant It gives me pleasure to present the Annual Report and Accounts for GREC for 2009/10. We live in interesting times, and they are clearly going to get even more interesting from a financial standpoint as the promised programme of reduction in public expenditure begins to bite. For the moment, however, the picture remains one of relative stability. The Statement of Financial Activity for the year 2009/10 does reveal a deficit overall of £9,855. The deficit itself is not a cause for concern as our balances are healthy and well able to sustain it. But the drop in turnover and the increased reliance on Restricted Funds should be noted. In March we closed The Quiet Cup - a step we took with reluctance, but the cost was unsustainable. We have also negotiated with staff reductions in hours and as a result have realised a Budget for 2010/11 which is realistic and in balance. It is important that we express at this stage our respect and gratitude to the staff for their understanding and continuing commitment as we have had to achieve these reductions. The support of our Core Funders in particular is crucial to the survival and effectiveness of GREC. Earned income and restricted funds are important, but in order to run a sustainable service we need to be sure of a core income stream, and be able to concentrate staff and other

resources on the charitable activities of the organisation. So, in these uncertain times, GREC is happy to pay tribute to Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils, along with Grampian Police, who continue to provide our core funding, and we remain grateful to them for their continued support. We recognise the challenges they face and we are pleased that their continued support demonstrates the value which GREC’s work has for them. In summary, despite budget reductions we have been able to sustain our service. We maintain, despite the deficit incurred over the year, a healthy balance, and we are therefore confident that the organisation is in good heart financially as it faces what can only be uncertain times ahead. Finally, as always, I wish to express my gratitude to all of the staff at GREC for their help over the last year. But a particularly large volume of thanks is due to Jackie Walker for her untiring diligence and commitment well beyond the call of duty. It has made my task so much easier.

Our Mission Statement GREC is working with others to ensure that everyone is valued for who they are and is able to contribute with encouragement and without fear of discrimination or unfair treatment.

Our Objectives GREC’s objectives, as laid down in its Constitution are: • • • 03

To work towards the elimination of racial discrimination To promote equality of opportunity for all To promote good relations, between persons of diff erent racial groups

Director’s Report - Jeannie Felsinger A great man, Martin Luther King, once said “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are we doing for others?” It’s a question that occupies us at GREC. Are we providing a useful and satisfactory service that benefits the area? Are we helping to meet needs and identify issues that still need to be addressed? It is my view that we are and that as King recognised, there is no greater imperative than to be of beneficial service to others. • A successful blood donation drive targeting ethnic minority donors was held in March 2010. 73 units of blood were collected with 38 of those coming from first time donors • In November 2009 an Ethnic Minority Forum (EMF) Criminal Justice Seminar was organised with partner agencies for those unfamiliar with Scotland’s criminal justice system. Presentations were given by the police, the procurator fiscal service, the court service and court witness service, the social work service, victim support, the prison service and SACRO, greatly increasing knowledge and understanding of our legal system not just for those present at the Seminar but also for their family, friends and contacts • In October 2009, despite losing Equalities and Human Rights Commission funding for our Casework Service, GREC’s rapid response to this decision, coupled with an internal re-organisation, ensured Casework’s continuation, albeit with reduced hours. In line with legislative changes introduced by the new Offences (Aggravation by Prejudice) (Scotland) Act 2009, statistical monitoring and recording systems were expanded to include all forms of prejudice incidents and appropriate responses are initiated for addressing these. Fuller details can be found in the Casework and Counselling Service reports below • The development of NESEN, the North East Scotland Equalities Network, has brought together a diverse range of equality orientated groups to co-operatively work together. Nearly 50 organisations are currently involved in NESEN – with a commitment to equality of opportunity for all With the forecasted public sector financial recession now blowing in like a north wind, increased partnership working, improved value for money, and a greater focus on what is essential and what produces beneficial results will be more than usually vital. At GREC, early warning of this changing climate led to the closure of our Quiet Cup Café in March 2010. The Cafe, located in the Aberdeen City Central Library, was a small social enterprise that helped provide employment training and social integration for predominantly minority ethnic people. Four loyal part-time supervisors: Kevin Guyan, Mei Huang, Alessandra Rosi and Halina Lipska-Skowron, who had themselves helped so many people to move on and gain employment, were made redundant. I am very happy to report that three of them are once more working while Mei has given birth to a baby boy. The next few years require perseverance, joint working and “diligence, the mother of good fortune” (Don Quixote): characteristics built into GREC’s DNA. Whether on a micro or macro level – by providing a counselling service to an individual damaged by discrimination, or assessing equality issues on a community planning committee – making a cost effective positive difference that benefits others will continue to be the order of our day. 04

Senior Race Equality Officer - Sarah Campbell My second year at GREC proved to be as busy and challenging, yet rewarding, as my first, starting with the development of a new project and ending with the closure of another. Similarly to last year the successes I enjoyed were only made possible by the support and teamwork woven into the fabric of GREC. NHS Grampian Following the success of the public consultation and involvement events in Peterhead and Aberdeen in September and October 2008, GREC was commissioned to repeat the process for the second consecutive year. Therefore, seeking the views of members of the migrant community, focus groups were held in the Hotspot in Peterhead and the Carmelite Hotel in Aberdeen. Three focus groups were held in each locality. Some key outcomes from the six events combined are: • • •

116 people participated – 78 in Peterhead, 38 in Aberdeen – a substantial increase from 2008 Overall satisfaction levels with healthcare services increased in 2009, however there are still areas where more work is required More work is required to further expand telephone interpreting and translation services

Employability Project GREC was successful in winning funding for an employability project under the ‘Employment & Training’ arm of the Fairer Scotland Fund. As Project Manager I set to work recruiting a Project Co-ordinator and began to build a new project aimed at supporting migrants to learn English to help them get a job and to support other migrants to further develop their English in order to sector migrate to their preferred employment choice eg. from the care sector to retail. Further details can be found in the separate Employability Project report. The Quiet Cup Café The Quiet Cup Café continued to take up a significant amount of my time due to the substantial demands involved in running a café, for example staffing, volunteers, development, stock taking, orders and purchasing, environmental health inspection, procurement process, and staff training. GREC was unable to escape the impact of the financial climate (locally and nationally), being forced to review services and projects. Therefore, on 20th March 2010 The Quiet Cup Café closed its doors for the last time.

Aberdeenshire Multi Equalities Scheme GREC was commissioned to conduct research work on the above between May and November 2009. I co-ordinated, with the support of two volunteers, 14 focus groups held in various locations across Aberdeenshire to support the Council in the development of their Multi Equalities Scheme. The results of the focus groups were combined with a questionnaire disseminated by Aberdeenshire Council staff to inform their policies and procedures when drafting their new Scheme. The results showed similarities between focus groups and the questionnaires, for example: • The majority of older respondents were generally happy with such things as refuse collection, recycling and local amenities • Young people (15-18) in most areas studied felt there was not enough support in schools regarding career choices – noting university is often the only option given • Three carer’s groups were asked for their views (from north, south and far north west Aberdeenshire) and they universally noted there were not enough respite services • Lack of accessible transport was another universal concern across all fourteen focus groups Holocaust Memorial Day 2010’s theme was Legacy of Hope. We held a week-long programme of events: a poetry display in the Memorial Hall of Aberdeen Art Gallery; the Belmont Cinema showing “The Reader” on 4th February; a programme of music, poetry, storytelling and artwork on 27th January. The event was attended by school pupils, members of the public, and members of local and voluntary organisations. Committee Work • Aberdeenshire Childcare Partnership • In-Migration Working Group • NHS Spiritual Care Committee • NHS Spiritual Care Committee sub-group working on new spiritual care policy for NHS Grampian • Aberdeen City Council Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership Goals and Objectives 2009 - 10 • Continue to foster greater partnership working with agency partners in equality matters • Report is testimony to fact these goals have been demonstrated during the year, particularly with additional funding from NHS Grampian and work with ACC on HMD • Concerted effort to maintain TQCC as a self-sustaining social enterprise, current economic climate dictated the decision-making re TQCC’s life, and unfortunately it had to close • Continue to manage and develop GREC projects Goals & Objectives 2010 - 11 • Complete and update volunteer handbook • Continue to foster greater partnership working with agency partners in equality matters • Continue Committee involvement and develop role within various committees • Develop training social enterprise arm and look at development of a business plan 06

Richard Foster - Design Manager Work of GREC Graphics 2009 - 10 GREC Graphics exists to promote GREC, Charities, Voluntary organisations and Private businesses & individuals throughout the Northeast of Scotland and beyond. We offer a competitive, original design & print service that benefits our clients by providing them with professionally designed branding and promotional materials including print & web design. We listen to our clients, working closely with them to meet their design requirements - big or small, we can accommodate almost any design or print request.

Working in Partnership As well as working with external clients GREC Graphics works closely with all departments of GREC and our Community Planning Partners, which can involve designing Booklets for the NHS (also in various translated language versions), designing and printing a Poster campaign for Aberdeen City Council or Pop-up Banners for Grampian Police for example.

Tel: 01224 576796

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A competitive, original design & print service...â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Graphic Design 07

On top of this we work closely with many local charities, voluntary companies and private organisations such as: DNV, RASANE and Peterhead and Buchan Tourism Initiative. Other clients this year have included: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Aberdeen and District Beekeepers’ Association Aberdeen Racist Incident Partnership (ARIP) ACVO ADEN Country Park End2endfootball.com Friends of Forgue Kirk Grampian Police NESEN Peterhead Projects SAREC (Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils) Scotland Social Care Professionals The Ethnic Minority Forum

‘I work with various organisations - Peterhead Projects, Peterhead and Buchan Tourism Initiative, Book of Deer Project and I have my own printing and graphic design requirements. Richard at GREC Graphics services all our printing needs in an extremely pleasant and eﬃcient manner. He has also had excellent ideas for our various graphic design requirements.’ Derek Jennings. Web: www.grecgraphics.com

Training and Techniques In October 2009 Richard attended the ‘Business on Board’ Seminar hosted by SCVO & ACVO. During February & March 2010 he attended free Business Workshops such as Marketing hosted by Business Gateway in Aberdeen. Richard is always studying new design techniques and ways to advance the services GREC Graphics can offer, he has looked at providing more environmentally friendly promotional items this year such as: Pop-up Banners made from recycled bamboo.

Social Enterprise In December 2009 Richard registered as a member of the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition (SSEC) and the Aberdeen Social Enterprise Network (ASEN). He has attended meetings and events such as the S2S Social Enterprise Fair held in Edinburgh which offered the biggest trading platform for Social Enterprises in Scotland. It had a diverse mix of Social Enterprises, private sector and voluntary sector organisations with over 700 attendees. GREC Graphics had a stand that was very well received and many new contacts were made.

Media Mention Station House Media Unit (SHMU fm) & VSA regularly give GREC and particularly GREC Graphics ‘a big mention’ - thanks to The VSA Show: ‘So why don’t you?’ hosted by Rod McDermid and Mike Melvin.

Volunteer Designers GREC Graphics sadly had to say farewell to talented Graphic Designer Lorena from Mexico. She worked on many GREC Graphics projects during her time with us including the Homecoming Booklet hi-lighting the racial diversity throughout Scotland. In March 2010 two new assistants enrolled with GREC Graphics: Amber and Ralph.They are a great help with the day-to-day workload - working on various design projects under Richard’s supervision. (A special thanks to Ralph for all his work on this Report). When designing corporate identities (Logos, etc) Richard likes to offer the client 3 draft versions to choose from – it has been interesting this year to be able to supply 1 Logo from each Designer to various business start-ups or companies looking to re-brand themselves and see the diverse range of designs that can be achieved from the same brief.

The Future GREC Graphics is progressing very well and looks like it may become an Independent Trading Arm of GREC in 2011. If the diverse range of projects and variety of clientele continues to grow as it has done in the last five years then the future of professional graphic design within the Charity & Voluntary sector looks very promising. Private clients are also on the increase and we encourage any privately run business or individual looking for anything from: a Logo, Flyer, van or shop Sign, Website to a Pop-up environmentally friendly Banner to give us a call on: 01224 576796. After all GREC Graphics is: GOOD DESIGN – DOING GOOD™

GREC Casework - Ron Falconer During another busy year in addition to attending to generic race and religious discrimination referrals, cases of note included: A referral where East European Migrant couple were both dismissed from their place of employment when it was discovered that the woman was pregnant. Whereas she was protected by maternity related legislation, her husband’s case was less clear. The Equality and Human Rights Commission accepted this referral to pursue the issue of ‘associative discrimination’ as at the time of dismissal that was not applicable to Sex Discrimination. This anomaly has been addressed with the introduction of the Equality Act 2010. The outcome of the case is still pending. The issue of excessive hours has featured before, however one referral related to the exploitation of East European Migrant Workers who were required to work such excessive hours that 4 women collapsed with exhaustion, with one being taken to hospital by ambulance. This referral was accepted and investigated by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority with whom GREC has a close and beneficial working relationship. Representation given at an employment hearing where a woman was wrongly accused of being absent from her place of work. GREC’s intervention prevented the situation escalating to disciplinary proceedings. Assistance provided to 3 African males unfairly dismissed and discriminated against at their place of work. This referral was accepted by the Ethnic Minority Law Centre who have recently set up offices in Aberdeen. Providing support and assistance via a multi-agency case conference to young women referred to GREC who had refused to become involved in forced and arranged marriages. Information received and passed to appropriate agencies regarding a report of people trafficking.

Counselling Service - Molinda Thomson Non-English Speaking Clients We received 3 referrals from GPs for 2 Polish clients and 1 Russian client who needed counselling with an interpreter present at the session. One of our volunteer counsellors, Anne Smith, was willing to try working in this way and 3 excellent volunteer interpreters: Isabella Goliebiowska, Marcelina Fedczyszyn and Malcolm Davidson were recommended by GREC’s Interpreting & Translation Co-ordinator. This arrangement worked well on various levels: the clients progressed and felt that the counselling had improved their mental health and wellbeing; the counsellor felt that she had developed her skills; the interpeters added to their skills by learning about counselling, and the Counselling Service expanded what it could offer - providing a service to people who would otherwise most likely be excluded due to the financial cost. As a result of these experiences, Anne has offered to conduct a workshop, which will have input from the interpreters, to increase the knowledge of the other volunteer counsellors. 10

Prejudice Incidents Monitoring & Reporting - Mike Martin

Introduction The Macpherson Report into the Stephen Lawrence case contains 70 key recommendations for society to show â&#x20AC;&#x153;zero toleranceâ&#x20AC;? for racism which includes the recording of racist incidents. The objective of recording is to develop an understanding of the patterns and trends of incidents so that resources can be most efficiently targeted. As of the beginning of 2009 this requirement has been extended to incidents motivated not only by racism but also by prejudice on the grounds of a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status or religion or belief. Achieved During the Year Since February 2009 GREC has been recording, monitoring and reporting incidents motivated by all categories of prejudice. Whilst the bulk of reported incidents continue to be racist, just over 8% of incidents involve another type of prejudice. These incidents were recorded on Racist and Prejudice Incident Monitoring Forms which were then forwarded to GREC for transcription onto the Hate Incidents database via the Scottish Hate Incidents Monitoring program (ScotHIMP). In relation to incidents which were either motivated by racism or racially aggravated, a total of 712 incidents were reported to GREC from agencies which represents a 1.1% increase on the previous year as reflected in the chart below. Authority Area Comparisons for Grampian for (financial) years 2003 - 2009 (race only):

Analysis of Reported Racist Incidents GREC produced a total of 15 analytical reports and attended 12 meetings of various Grampian prejudice incidents and community safety partnerships as follows: • • • • • • • •

3 reports for Aberdeen City Racist Incidents Partnership (RIP) 1 report for Aberdeen City RIP where the locus is a dwelling 1 report for Aberdeen City In Migration (Housing) Sub Group 2 reports for Aberdeenshire Multi Service Group 2 reports for the Buchan Area Committee 1 report for Moray Social Inclusion Implementation Group 1 report for the Grampian Joint Racist Incidents Partnerships 4 reports for the Grampian Police Lay Advisors Group

The ScotHIMP program GREC are now using a new version of the ScotHIMP program which includes additional fields and reporting functions which more completely reflect the data captured on the Prejudice Incident Reporting form. The program continues to be used at Central Scotland REC as part of the RAHMAS (Racist Attacks and Harassment Multi-Agency Strategy) project. Goals & Objectives 2010-2011 The objectives for 2010 - 2011 are to: • • • • •

Expand the scope of the reporting modules of the ScotHIMP programme Continue to support the version of the ScotHIMP program installed at Central Scotland REC Continue to encourage the reporting of racist and other types of prejudice incidents Seek further efficiency improvements in the area of data transcription

The Quiet Cup Café

Sarah Campbell

TQCC had another tentative year with a degree of success and a degree of uncertainty due to the ongoing staffing issues and the increase in stock costs. Since interviews in November 2008 for the post of Supervisor it remained difficult to find committed permanent staff and as of the 15th June 2009 TQCC staffing reached another critical phase when one Supervisor resigned from their post in order to focus on their University Summer School Placement. Previous volunteers became temporary replacements, which is another example of the social return and benefit of the café.

Volunteers

The pool of volunteers for the café reached an all time low. A number of our longer term volunteers who had each been with the café over 18 months left. Due to the transient nature of the role, volunteers come and go on a weekly basis. TQCC re-registered with Aberdeen University, Aberdeen College and RGU in the hope that it would increase our volunteer pool. Our close links with the Volunteer Centre ensured our need is promoted to potential volunteers. TQCC had 2 volunteers working on various paperwork based tasks, one volunteer who came to GREC through REACH (volunteer recruitment) and who has written ‘local’ policies specifically for the café. Another Volunteer who has completed voluntary work for ELREC is at Aberdeen University. He has completed an inventory of TQCC ‘assets’ from crockery and cutlery to electrical items. 2. Staff / Supervisor Training All Supervisors received the minimum training requirement for serving food with REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Training. All Supervisory staff and I completed and passed Emergency First Aid Training run by St. Andrew’s Ambulance Association on 11th March 2009. 3. Policy Development Written policies for café procedures were put into place such as: • • • • •

Health and Safety Manual Handling First Aid Employing and Working with Young People Stock Control and Handling

There is a wealth of food hygiene and food preparation legislation that all food establishments are required to adhere to, therefore a considerable amount of hours were spent ensuring these were implemented and ‘additional’ policies and procedures were in place enhancing the correct practices already in place.

4. Students We were successful in being offered 2 potential Project Management teams to complete a placement at GREC, or more specifically TQCC. Therefore together with GREC’s Vice Chair I conducted a comprehensive selection and interview process on 23/06/09. We were impressed with the ‘Anointed Group’ who are 4 men from Nigeria with a range of project management experiences. They were also offered another placement opportunity in the business sector but fortunately chose to work with us. From the outset the group were aware that their main task will be to develop a business plan for The Quiet Cup Café. The group got underway immediately and seemed keen to take on the challenge. Unfortunately the finished product at the end of the placement session was not appropriate to fulfill the requirements. On reflection it became a learning curve for the future consideration of placement students. 5. Draft Plan for Future Sustainability A comprehensive 12 page document was submitted to the Executive Committee in December 2009 to discuss the future sustainability of the Quiet Cup Café. The document examined maintaining the ‘status quo’ and the potential opportunities for developing further a self-sustaining Social Enterprise. In the current financial climate the conclusion stated that TQCC would have to increase prices to the customer by 70% in order for the books to balance and to build the foundations of a sustainable social enterprise. The Executive Committee discussed the options of TQCC at length with the ultimate conclusion that the café should close at the end of the financial year (see below). 6. Closure On 20th March 2010 The Quiet Cup Café ceased trading from within Aberdeen City Library’s media section and following a week-long sale of stock and equipment the keys were handed back for the fi nal time on Saturday 26th March 2010. Throughout it’s tenure the café’s volunteers and supervisors came from a range of national and cultural backgrounds; Philippines, Nigeria, Thailand, Poland, China, Hong Kong, Russia, Italy, Lithuania, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Ivory Coast, Malaysia, India, Japan along with Scottish and British Born Chinese and Filipino volunteers. In 2008 we opened up the doors to a wider volunteer audience and Scottish, English and Irish people volunteered at TQCC. As a non-profit making enterprise the purpose of TQCC was to remove social and cultural barriers through increasing people’s confidence to integrate and develop their employability skills and our success stories of people finding employment and places in further education is testimony to that. It is a challenge to face difficult decisions and no more so than when such a decision has an impact on other people and a local community. It was therefore with a heavy heart that the decision was made to close TQCC.

In-Trans - Noor Mohd-Nor

In the year 2009 - 2010 GREC’s In-Trans continued to provide an efficient, value for money yet professional, high quality interpreting and translation service to a number of organisations throughout the North East of Scotland. The main service users are NHS Grampian and associated hospitals covering the wide services within ARI, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Fraserburgh and Peterhead Community Hospital and Community Health Clinics, Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin, Leanchoil Hospital in Forres, Glassgreen and Maryhill Health Centre in Elgin. In-Trans also provided services to Aberdeenshire Council, HMP Peterhead, Counselling Service, Advocacy Services, Women’s Aid, MWRC, private companies and individuals.

Positive and encouraging progress at In-Trans is evidenced from the outcomes: • Increased numbers of requests for interpreting and translation of documents from public bodies and private individuals • Compared to 2008/09; the total increase of interpreting assignments is recorded from 108 to 187 equivalent to 73.15%; and translations job completed increased from 79 to 90; equivalent to 13.92%. A further increase is expected in 2010/11 • Flexible approach in service provided increased the usage of available interpreters for example the interpreter can attend to the request in communicating with the relatives of the patients via telephone, discussing reports in different languages in person - this resulted in more effective communication and speedier understanding on the needs of the patients • The main languages requested were Polish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Bengali, Cantonese and Spanish Training and Information Highlights: Noor has contributed to and delivered training on different subject areas, including: • An Introduction to Beliefs and Practices • Islamic Awareness Here are some quotes, comments and praises from feedback from training delivered: On Islamic Awareness Training “It helps to raise awareness of issues within our local community also dispels commonly believed myths.” “Islamic awareness is vital to modern 21st Century life.”

“Separating between religious & cultural aspect of Islam.” On Introduction to Beliefs & Practices Training “Excellently presented course which was very informative.” “One of the very best, my fear has gone and my understanding has increased thousand time.”

Police Secondee - Sergeant Nicola Jones Between April 2009 and September 2009 Constable David Gillanders was seconded to GREC for one day a week, he worked exclusively on the Anne Frank Award 2009. In September 2009 Sergeant Nicola Jones took over the Police Secondee role on a full time basis. School Inputs Age appropriate lessons are used in primary and secondary schools throughout the Grampian Region. Where possible an ethnic minority volunteer will accompany me on these inputs and share their experience of discrimination. These lessons are arranged at either the request of the school or as a response to identified incidents.

“Working at GREC has been a very challenging and rewarding experience for me. The team are knowledgeable, supportive and friendly and I have gained valuable experience which I will be able to take back and use within Grampian Police.” Nicola Jones, Police Secondee at GREC. Between September 2009 and March 2010 the following school inputs were carried out:-

Talks at 19 Primary Schools throughout the three regions to approximately 1550 children. Talks at 9 Secondary Schools in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire to approximately 1040 children. The feedback from pupils and teachers regarding these inputs has been very positive. A number of schools have already arranged for a return visit in the new school year. Anne Frank Competition The Anne Frank Competition 2009 (organised by Constable Gillanders) was held at Portlethen Academy. Six entries were received, the winning school was St. Thomas RC Primary School in Keith. The total cost of holding the competition was £1099.30, £300 of sponsorship was raised to offset this cost. Many participants and guests stated that this was a very worthwhile competition. We aim to increase the number of entries for the 2010 competition, which will be held at Aberdeen Football Club on 28 May 2010. Presentations Presentations on discrimination and the work of GREC have been provided to the following groups and events; Send it, Clinterty College, the Muslim Women’s Group Eid celebration, SHMU FM, AMINA events and Grampian Police Cadets training course. Case Conferences Along with Ron Falconer, I assisted with a number of Case conferences involving Racial and Disability discrimination, two of which were brought to a successful conclusion through case conferencing. 16

Work of the Director & Joint GREC Staff Work Mediation and Early Conflict Resolution The Director is now registered as a mediator with the Scottish Mediation Network. Over the year, two external mediations were carried out. In one case, mediation successfully helped the parties resolve their issues. In the other, one of the parties decided not to return to work (following a long period of sickness absence) and resigned from the post. Anti-Discriminatory Awareness Programme Training (ADAPT) ADAPT worked with offenders who had committed racially motivated or aggravated offences. The programme aimed to alter attitudes and change behaviour, thereby reducing the likelihood of reoffending. The programme is made up of approximately 12 sessions, each lasting approximately one hour and the work was completed on a one-to-one basis. Funding for ADAPT lasted for 2 years and 3 months, with 18 months of this period spent in working with clients. Although funding for the project ended July 2008, work is still on-going towards the preparation of an ADAPT Resource Pack for use by Criminal Justice Practitioners in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Joint work also continues with the Robert Gordon University (RGU) on evaluating the impact of the Programme in altering the attitudes and changing the behaviour of the offenders worked with. Working in Partnership Partnership working permeates nearly all aspects GREC’s work whether at a strategic or individual level. At a strategic level, GREC staff sit alongside a range of others bodies on over 20 Committees. Committees include: • Aberdeen City, Shire and Moray Gypsy Traveller Inter-Agency Group • The Children and Young People’s Strategic Planning Group • The Civic Forum • The Civic Forum Lead Group • The Ethnic Minority Forum • Equalities Action Network • Integrate Aberdeenshire • Buchan Local Community Planning Group • NHS Grampian Racial Equality Working Group • North East Scotland Transport Consultative Forum Examples of partnership working at an individual level can be found in many of the staff reports. For instance, the Counselling Service report will give details of volunteer counsellors working with volunteer interpreters within counselling sessions. The Casework Service report gives details of how case conferencing, which brings together different partner agencies, has helped to reduce and/or resolve repeat prejudice incidents. Staff Development Supervision is carried out with staff on a 10 weekly basis with a record of actions/decisions prepared and kept for follow up at subsequent meetings. Individual training plans for staff, agreed during appraisals in 2008, have been completed. Quarterly full staff meetings are held at which information is shared and new developments are raised. Staff, volunteer and Executive Committee get-together events have taken place, such as an Away Day to Macduff and Fraserburgh in July 2009, an Xmas meal out in December 2009, a staff and Executive Committee Planning Day in early March 2010 and two Open Events one in September 2009 at which a presentation was given by Dr. Jeffrey Cowley entitled: A Chiropractic Approach to Back Injuries and the other at the end of March 2010 at which Barney Crockett gave a presentation on Migration and Equality in Europe. These events help ensure a healthy cohesion within GREC and equip individuals with pertinent knowledge and information to work more effectively.

Various staff training sessions have also been held during the year, including: • • •

An Introduction to Beliefs and Practices Fire Warden’s training Data Protection Act

SAREC Work on strengthening the Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils (SAREC) has moved at a pace during this financial year with the appointment of a Strategic Development Officer in July 2009 and an official SAREC launch held at the Scottish Parliament in November. At a local level, SAREC work continues to focus on strengthening the prominence of equalities throughout Community Planning. GREC have sought to achieve this in several ways. For instance, during this financial year, GREC responded to over ten consultations, including: • • • • • • • •

Aberdeen City Draft Community Plan and Single Outcome Agreement Opportunities for Equality Aberdeen City Council Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form Aberdeen City Council Managing Diversity and Equality Draft Policy Aberdeenshire Council School Exclusion Policy Buchan Local Community Plan 2008-2012: Action Points for Monitoring Purposes Earning the Right to Stay: A New Points Test for Citizenship The Equality Bill 2009 Extending the public sector duty on socio-economic inequalities in the UK Equality Bill to cover public bodies in Scotland

A significant achievement in September was the Civic Forum’s approval of a motion, (proposed by the GREC Director in her capacity as a Civic Forum member), to include a clause in the Civic Forum Constitution, requiring members to uphold equality principles and values. NESEN has been firmly established, (the North East Scotland Equalities Network), bringing together organisations to help achieve equality in race, gender, disability, religion and belief, sexual orientation, transgender and age. NESEN has an network membership of third/voluntary sector, public bodies, individuals, groups and organisations from across Grampian. Nearly 50 organisations are currently involved in NESEN-all with a commitment to equality of opportunity. NESEN is now a recognised group connected to the Third Sector Fora and as such can participate in community planning issues and influence decisions. For more information about NESEN visit: www.nesen.org.uk Training and Information on Equality and Diversity Training has been delivered on a range of different subject areas, including: • • • • •

An Introduction to Beliefs and Cultures Islamic Awareness Prejudice Incidents Diversity Awareness Schools Inputs

Participants have stemmed from social work, to college staff, CAB volunteers and street wardens. A Homecoming Booklet was created and launched in October 2009 hi-lighting the racial diversity of the Scottish diaspora. In addition to the above, high volumes of requests for information have been received and responded to, such as how to make contact with different community groups, what is the ethnic breakdown of the region and migration figures for Scotland.

Information & Advice Service

- Lixia Sun

Following the reduction of GREC’s Information & Advice Service earlier in the year together with the emergence of similar services in our local area offered by partner agencies (Tenants First Migrants Housing Support Worker, Information and Advice Section within Aberdeen City Central Library, Citizen’s Advice Bureau Bi & Multi-lingual Advisors) client numbers remained low despite concerted efforts to market the service through our usual avenues such as staff training sessions, various meetings, events and conferences.

GREC’s Information & Advice Co-ordinator has continued to support clients who present to GREC with the following ‘type’ of queries: • • • • • • • • • •

Welfare rights and benefits system Living and working in the UK How to register with a GP & other NHS/health related advice Housing enquiries including homelessness issues Debt advice Home safety awareness Employment related advice Funeral planning advice Information about local support or social groups Information regarding language classes

The Information & Advice Service worker also made onward referrals to a number of other local services where appropriate: • • • • • • •

GREC’s Employability Service Citizen’s Advice Bureau NHS services GREC’s Casework Service Aberdeen City Council services Aberdeenshire services GREC’s Counselling Service

Information & Advice www.grec.co.uk

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We could argue that through engagement with GREC’s Information & Advice Service clients’ confidence and self-esteem were improved ensuring a greater ability to integrate further into their local community. The advocacy and sign-posting role of the Information & Advice worker empowered clients to greater independence and a short step away from increased civic participation. Goals for 2009 – 2010 • • •

Promote GREC’s Information & Advice Service as ‘Branded, Unique and Trustworthy’ Develop I&A multi-agency contact database Develop an online enquiry service

Development work on the Information and Advice Service Goals for 2009 – 2010 got underway slowly. However due to the low numbers involved and the wider funding issues that GREC faced, the I&A Service was another casualty in the current financial climate. The Executive Committee made the decision to dissolve the service and absorb the staff and running costs. The I&A service was no longer available following the end of March 2010, therefore no goals were required to be set for the period 2010 – 2011.

Employability Project - Sarah Campbell GREC was successful in winning funding from Fairer Scotland Fund to deliver an Employability Project to support members of Minority Ethnic Communities into meaningful and sustainable employment. One of the key strategies laid down by the Scottish Government is to improve the employability skills for people living in Scotland. It is recognised that many people from minority ethnic communities are prevented from working in jobs that match their abilities as they lack the English language skills to fulfill their true potential. The GREC Employability Project therefore supports people from minority ethnic communities from the regeneration areas of Aberdeen City to work on their employability skills by recruiting and supporting volunteer tutors to work with people on a one-to-one basis. The tutors provide the following: • • •

Training in the English Language required when looking for work - covering topics such as Health & Safety Support and advice regarding applying for jobs such as letter writing, completing application forms and interview guidance Training in the English Language required when looking to change job type including help with any sector specific vocabulary and knowledge

Involvement in GREC’s Employability Project increases access to a range of employment and/ or training opportunities including voluntary work which together with all of the above will help to build confidence and self esteem.

Within the first year of the project the following activities and achievements have taken place: • • • • • • • • • • • •

135 one to one sessions of tutoring 21 meetings attended including Hammersons, Pipeline providers meetings and individual meetings with partner organisations 6 bespoke training sessions were carried out emphasising that tutoring was needs lead Training provided in use of Individual Learning Planning and client paperwork discussed & reviews to form integral part of Training Plan process 18 individual Support and Supervision delivered to tutors 7 Jobs Fair and Employer visits attended Tutor training packs produced Client files for recording work done prepared and provided to each volunteer tutor Range of resources developed and purchased such as English Grammar Jobseeking books & Range of language dictionaries Recruited 15 volunteer tutors Delivered a service to 22 clients Met with 16 other potential tutors/clients who for a variety of reasons were unable to participate at this time

Some of the clients and volunteer tutors saw employment success following inclusion with GREC’s Employability Project. 4 people went on to get paid employment even after a short time of working with GREC’s Employability Project. Additionally 4 others were accepted on to further education courses.

Auditor’s Report & Audited Accounts GRAMPIAN RACIAL EQUALITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2010

TOTAL FUNDS 2010 £

INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from generated funds Incoming resources from charitable activities

186,369 187,335

TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES

373,704

RESOURCES EXPENDED Costs of generating funds Charitable activities Governance costs

19,170 359,046 5,344

TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED

383,559

NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES before transfers Gross transfers between funds Net income/(outgoing) resources

-9,855 -9,855

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward

257,836

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

247,981

GRAMPIAN RACIAL EQUALITY COUNCIL BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2010

£ FIXED ASSETS Office Equipment CURRENT ASSETS Prepayments Other debtors Cash at bank and in hand

2010 £

8,139

5,204 28,826 211,170 245,200

2009 £

4,945

2,167 18,126 243,356 263,649

CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year Accrued expenses 5,307 Social security & other taxes 51 5,358

10,756 2 10,758

NET CURRENT ASSETS

239,842

252,891

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

247,981

257,836

FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds

237,559 10,422

248,203 9,633

TOTAL FUNDS

247,981

257,836

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 29th October 2010 and were signed on its behalf by:

Trustees and advisers Registered name Grampian Racial Equality Council

Registered address 41 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5BN

Registered charity number SC001823 Auditors Bain Henry Reid, Registered Auditors, 4 West Craibstone Street, Bon Accord Square, Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6YL

Bankers Royal Bank of Scotland plc Aberdeen St Nicholas Branch, 78 Union Aberdeen, AB10 1HH

Executive Committee Honorary Chairman Dr Philip K Muinde DL

Honorary Secretary Alan Findlay/Dr Kennedy Nelson

Honorary Vice-Chair Treasurer Vicky McKenzie Alan Grant, Langstane Housing Association Members Professor Rita Marcella, Aberdeen Business School Dr Ruth Payne, UCU Pat Wokoma Dr Kennedy Nelson Gregory Poon, NHS Grampian Cllr Alan Donnelly, Aberdeen City Council Cllr Barney Crockett, Aberdeen City Council Cllr Gurudeo Saluja, Aberdeenshire Council Cllr Fergus Hood, Aberdeenshire Council Cllr Anne McKay, The Moray Council Observers on the Executive Committee Superintendent John Duncan, Grampian Police Roddy MacTaggart, Aberdeen City Council Mercy Yaor, Aberdeenshire Council Senior Staff Director Jeannie Felsinger

Senior REO Sarah Campbell

As required by the Constitution, Dr Philip Muinde, Prof Rita Marcella, and Dr Ruth Payne will retire at the AGM. Also in accordance with the Constitution, Dr Philip Muinde, Vicky McKenzie, Dr Kennedy Nelson, and Alan Grant will retire from their honorary posts at the AGM.

Members and supporters Full (voting) members of GREC Aberdeen College – 1 representative Aberdeen EIS Local Association – 2 representatives Aberdeenshire EIS – 2 representatives Aberdeen University and College Union – 1 representative Bangladesh Association – 1 representative Chinese Family Welfare Association – 1 representative Grampian Joint Branch Board of the Scottish Police Federation – 2 representatives Humanist Society of Scotland (Aberdeen & Grampian Group) – 1 representative Malawians in Aberdeen Association – 2 representatives Montgomery Development Education Centre – 1 representative National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport – 1 representative Pillar Aberdeen – 2 representatives Robert Gordon University – 2 representatives Scottish Prison Service – HMP Peterhead – 2 representatives Scottish Romanian Society – 2 representatives Tenants First Housing Co-operative – 2 representatives United Nations Association – 2 representatives Unite the Union (Amicus Section) – Aberdeen Educational Branch – 2 representatives + 26 individual full members. Associate (non-voting) members of GREC Scottish Police Federation, Northern Branch – 2 representatives + 1 individual associate member. GREC would like to thank the following investors for their support of GREC’s work during 2009 - 10: Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeenshire EIS, Equality & Human Rights Commission, Grampian Police, Grampian Fire & Rescue Service, NHS Grampian, Peng Hay, Scottish Government & Unite the Union (Amicus Section) – Aberdeen Educational Branch.

“Thanks to everyone who supported GREC’s work throughout the year.”

GREC

41 Union Street Aberdeen Scotland AB11 5BN tel: fax: email: web:

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Registered Scottish Charity: SC 001823