The Race Equity Series (RES) is part of the Home Truths 2 programme and its work to stimulate mainstream civil society to take serious practical action on anti-racism and race equity.
In part five of the series, we will focus on reporting racism in civil society and how reports rarely lead to meaningful action or resolution for Black and Minoritised Ethnic staff.
Racism in the workplace is a persistent problem. The majority of Black and Minoritised Ethnic participants in the Home Truths research carried out in 2020 have experienced, witnessed or heard stories of racial discrimination in civil society.
Reporting racism helps show how honest dialogue and accountability can create anti-racist change and more inclusive workplaces.
Denial
Many participants in the first Home Truths research expressed dissatisfaction with ineffective reporting procedures. In some cases, reporting racism can feel like an additional burden rather than a step towards racial equity.
Employers often treat the act of reporting racism as the problem, rather than addressing the racism itself. This defensive approach, sometimes known as ‘DARVO’ (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender), shifts focus away from addressing racism and punishes those who report it.
Denial prioritises the comfort of the organisation, often harming Black and Minoritised Ethnic staff by damaging trust in leadership and anti-racist organisation efforts. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Strengthening accountability
Addressing racism in civil society requires more than just goodwill – it demands practical and measurable actions to shift civil society’s culture.
A strict policy against racism backed by disciplinary measures can be a gateway to an inclusive workforce. Research shows that 63% of employees are more likely to report bullying, or harassment if their workplace provides an anonymous reporting platform.
Implementing a variety of safer, accessible reporting channels —such as employee networks or external facilitators— can empower staff and reduce barriers to reporting.
Reporting racism is an opportunity for institutional growth, rooted in ownership and inclusivity. While conversations about workplace racism can be uncomfortable, addressing it head-on breaks the cycle of deflection and drives long-term change toward racial equity.
To dive deeper into reporting racism and what it may mean for you and your organisation, please join our fifth Race Equity Session from 10:30 – 11:30 on 25 February 2025.
You will find a friendly and stimulating setting. We’ll explore the topic with input from Sanjiv Lingayah, Home Truths 2 race equity lead, Christabelle Quaynor, policy officer at Voice4Change England and a knowledgeable guest speaker. This will all take place in a guilt-free, curiosity-driven and practical discussion with participants.
We look forward to seeing you.