CTSI reflects on George Floyd anniversary

Posted 27/05/21

This week marked the first anniversary of the death of George Floyd. This event shook the world and has been a catalyst for positive change, with countless communities and organisations seeking to improve opportunities and representation for those from diverse communities by changing internal structures and increasing openness. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is no exception to this.

CTSI responded by creating a Race & Equalities Working Group, and this month, CTSI signed up to the BITC Race at Work Charter. Signing the charter demonstrates CTSI's commitment to incorporate five calls to action to ensure that ethnic minority employees are represented at all levels in an organisation. These are the following:

• appointing an Executive Sponsor for Race,

• capturing ethnicity data and publicising progress

• committing at Board level to zero tolerance of harassment and bullying

• making it clear that supporting equality in the workplace is the responsibility of all Leaders and Managers

• to take action supporting ethnic minority career progression.

John Herriman, CTSI Chief Executive, said: "I believe that CTSI has a duty to support anti-racist goals throughout society and not only within the profession. The tragic events of last year demonstrate that while many thought our society had improved race relations, we still have a very long way to go to achieve true equality.

"I have made it a key priority for CTSI to support these goals and want to ensure the trading standards profession is seen as a career by everyone, regardless of background, not least because we are a profession driven by a strong sense of social purpose. By bringing together everyone through open dialogue, transparent structures, and decision-making, we can strengthen the profession and make sure it is representative of the communities we serve. A more diverse profession is a stronger profession."

Tendy Lindsay, Chair of the CTSI Race & Equalities Working Group, said: "Today is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the many challenges that lie ahead for our society. CTSI is committed to improving the status of minority communities within the profession, and the Working Group founded in 2020 plays a crucial role in this project.

"I look forward to making the next steps a reality as we consult CTSI's membership for their views on the vitally important issue of equality for all."

 

Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)

CTSI is a training and membership organisation that has represented the interests of the Trading Standards profession since 1881 nationally and internationally. We aim to raise the profile of the profession while working towards fairer, better informed and safer consumer and business communities. CTSI's members are engaged in delivering frontline trading standards services in local authorities and in businesses. www.tradingstandards.uk

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