Your Place Anti-Racist Guidance

What is anti-racism?

There are many different definitions but, broadly speaking, anti-racism is the ongoing practice of actively identifying, challenging and dismantling racism at individual, institutional and systemic levels, while building policies, cultures, and behaviours that create racial equity.

Being an anti-racist organisation means intentionally identifying and dismantling systemic barriers and practices that create and reinforce racial inequities, ensuring fair access, voice and opportunity for all.
Taking steps to create an anti-racist and inclusive workplace culture will help tackle racism and enable all staff to perform to the best of their ability every day.

Everyone has the right to live and work in a safe environment without discrimination or the fear of harassment or abuse. We define racism as the system of power that advantages some groups while disadvantaging others, based on perceived race, ethnicity, nationality or cultural
identity. It operates through individual attitudes and behaviours, institutional
practices and wider structural inequalities.

We recognise that it can take many forms, from use of racist and offensive language, to insensitive or undermining ‘jokes’, comments or banter.
Racism can be directed at people based on skin colour, ethnicity, nationality,
migration status or cultural identity. It does not only affect those with visible
differences but also people perceived as ‘other’ due to language, name, accent or heritage.

We all have a role to play in challenging racism. As an organisation, we take
responsibility for creating safe structures and support systems that empower
everyone to do so, while ensuring leaders are accountable for meaningful action.

Why is it so important for Your Place?

Put simply, tackling homelessness often means also tackling racism. Structural racism plays a major role in who is most at risk of homelessness and how people experience housing systems. Racialised minorities are disproportionately affected by homelessness and more likely to be pushed into deprived neighbourhoods and poor-quality housing due to systemic
inequities.

Shelter’s 2021 survey found that Black and Asian people are far
more likely to be denied safe and secure housing. One in three Black people who have experienced homelessness reported discrimination from social or private landlords.

In Newham, older Black men face the highest risk of homelessness, reflecting the intersection of racial, economic and housing inequalities.

Your Place is based in the UK's most diverse borough, and their residents and staff reflect this rich diversity. This means as an organisation, they are committed to putting in place structures and strategies that actively prevent racism and ensure the right support is available when harm does occur.