Welcome

I’m delighted that you are interested in this influential new role, which is designed to put real momentum behind our strategic intention to close the employment gap in Liverpool City Region. We’re very excited about the Hub’s potential, and it enjoys strong and active support across the Authority.

Our region’s history of diversity is one of our greatest strengths. It enhances our culture, enriches our lives, and makes our area one of the best places in the country to live and work. Yet across our country, and the world, the reality is that not all of our citizens are treated as equals. We have a duty to lead by example, and our new Race Equality Hub is a statement of our intent to level the playing field and give everyone in our area a chance to thrive.

We know that racial inequality and barriers in the workplace hold back individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, reducing their life chances and meaning that, at a societal level, we are missing out on a huge amount of potential. We’re committed to ensuring that everyone has an equal chance to succeed, and the Race Equality Hub will play a practical role in making that happen.

With a budget of £2.3m, the Hub is a key part of the Combined Authority’s Race Equality Programme, and represents the Authority’s largest-ever investment in tackling racial inequalities in the workforce. If we get it right, the prize is a boost to our region’s economy of up to £300m. The Hub will focus on training, employment support and business assistance for people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, and act as central point of co-ordination in addressing chronic under-representation in the workplace.

We see the Hub as a powerful vehicle for change, and there’s an important moral as well as economic argument for ensuring it succeeds. We want the thought leadership and example it provides to inspire people and organisations far beyond our direct reach. If that’s a mission that resonates with you, and you have the skills, experience and networks to help it fly, we look forward to meeting you.

Aileen Jones

Executive Director, Investment and Delivery, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority