Call for black role models scheme

The independent REACH report says that a lack of positive role models is having a detrimental effect on the aspirations on young Black men and says a national role modelling programme is needed to raise expectations and counter negative portrayals of Black men.

Summary of findings

1. The first recommendation calls for the Government to introduce a structured national role model programme for Black boys and young Black men. With the aims of raising the self-image and aspirations of this group and challenging their long-established negative media stereotypes, this recommendation proposes a well-resourced network of positive Black male role models both at the national and local level. It also calls for resources to showcase positive images and stories of Black male role models in the media and in work, home and school environments.

2. The second recommendation proposes the creation of a Black-led Consortia of Voluntary and Community Sector organisations supported by the Government and working to enable and empower Black boys and young Black men to reach their potential. By sharing resources, expertise and good practice, the consortia should ensure that VCS groups are better placed to deliver their aims and complement each others’ work.

3. Recommendation three establishes a national framework of family-school partnerships, ensuring that the specific needs of Black families are integral to the framework. Increasing parental engagement and reducing the barriers faced by Black parents and families, this recommendation calls for stronger parent-teacher relationships, the creation of parent-centred learning workshops and the encouragement of more Black parents to become school governors, teaching assistants and teachers.

4. The fourth recommendation aims to strengthen the delivery of race equality duties in schools. It urges Ofsted, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and relevant field forces (such as School Improvement Partners) to take urgent steps to strengthen existing systems to ensure that Ofsted effectively and consistently report on schools’ delivery of their race equality duties and that relevant field forces challenge and support schools in their delivery of those duties.

5. In order to ensure the delivery of these proposals, the fifth recommendation directs Communities and Local Government to appoint a taskforce (with a time-limited remit) to monitor and drive forward the delivery of the REACH recommendations, reporting to a Minister for Race who would act as a figurehead and ensure that the agenda remains one of high priority.

You can download the report here