Institutional racism rife within the Westway Trust

Community charity The Westway Trust in North Kensington, has been branded “institutionally racist” in an independent review by the Tutu Foundation UK.
Its damning findings highlight a culture of bullying, indifference and arrogance within the charity which serves one of the most densely populated and multi-cultural areas of central London.
The review followed an 18 month investigation sparked by repeated concerns about discrimination in an area that is home to some 38,000 people from 120 different countries.
Itfound that there was  direct, indirect, and institutional racism. That there was evidence of an historical lack of effective leadership, which values diversity, equality, and inclusion and a deficit of cultural literacy and understanding. it also found “discriminatory practices and behaviours which have impacted BAME heritage staff (including women) and the Black community…”
These were said to have enabled a range of behaviours and attitudes to go unchecked.
The Westway Trust was founded in 1971 following years of the racial tensions recently highlighted in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe drama series. Some scenes in the TV films screened by the BBC showed the Westway Flyover actually under construction.
Lord Simon Woolley, commissioner for race on the Equality and Human Rights Commission and director and founding member of Operation Black Vote, said: “It is clear that this report is a watershed moment for the Westway Trust and for the community of North Kensington. I’m convinced that much of Black Britain today will look at this report and the actions taken or not taken by the powers that be, to see how our society can respond to the challenge that has the potential to be so transformative. For the diverse communities of North Kensington and beyond, I deeply hope we take up the challenge.”
While Clive Conway, Chair of Tutu Foundation (UK),  said: “The historical significance of this report cannot be underestimated. It provides an important blueprint for addressing historical wrongs.  The report presents a window of opportunity for those tasked with rising to the challenge and taking it forward and in doing so it requires honest brokerage.”