Newcastle City Council has pledged to tackle race discrimination and promote equality by signing UNISON’s anti-racism charter.
Earlier this week, council leader Councillor Karen Kilgour and Lord Mayor, Councillor Rob Higgins were joined by Pam Smith, the council’s Chief Executive and representatives of UNISON for a signing ceremony at the Civic Centre.
Developed by UNISON, the charter is designed to help public sector organisations tackle racism and promote the benefits a diverse workforce brings.
By signing the charter, the council has committed to a range of actions including introducing a clear and visible race equality policy, carrying our ethnicity pay gap monitoring and delivering anti-racism and equality training.
The charter will support the council’s ongoing commitment to being an inclusive employer and vision of a thriving city where everyone can fulfil their potential. It will be used alongside other initiatives including White Ribbon Accreditation, the Armed Forces Covenant, supported employment service and flexible working policies.
Councillor Kilgour said “Newcastle is known for its friendly people, diverse history and inclusive communities. We are a city where people who come to visit are welcomed and where those who come here to live soon feel at home.
“The council is committed to being an inclusive employer and to helping businesses and organisations we work with recognise the value of having a diverse workforce. None of our staff should be subjected to racism or discrimination for simply doing their job. By signing UNISON’s anti-racism charter, we are making a very public statement that there is no place for racism, prejudice or discrimination in the council, in our city or in wider society.
“But signing the charter is not the end. It is not a symbolic gesture but a deep and personal commitment that we will be unwavering in our pursuit of racial justice and equality and to creating a fairer more inclusive workplace. We know there is still a lot to do and I look forward to working with UNISON to deliver on our commitments and make the charter a success.”
UNISON’s Norther Region Secretary, Clare Williams said: “Newcastle City Council’s commitment to the anti-racism charter is a significant step towards creating a truly inclusive workplace where every member of staff feels valued and respected.
“Racism has no place in public services, and this charter is a clear signal that the council is dedicated to tackling these inequalities proactively with UNISON’s support.”
Notes to editor
- Newcastle City Council signed UNISON’s anti-racism charter on Tuesday 25 February 2025
- The charter was signed by Councillor Karen Kilgour (on behalf of the council) and Clare Williams (on behalf of UNISON).
- Others representing the council included Councillor Rob Higgins (Lord Mayor), Councillor Alex Hay (Deputy Leader of the council), Councillor Irim Ali (Cabinet Member for Communities) and Pam Smith (Chief Executive).
- The Newcastle City Branch of UNISON was represented by Louise Cameron (Branch Chair), Christine Jackson (Deputy Branch Secretary) and Caroline Collinson (Branch Equalities Coordinator).
- UNISON’s Black Members group and the council’s ethnic minority staff network was represented by Erasmus Agha, Saziso Ndlovu, Amakie Gilbert and Tariq Suleiman
- UNISON’s anti-racism charter aims to tackle racism in the public sector and is part of a wider initiative to combat racism at work
- Signatories commit to a range of actions relating to recruitment, employment and equality auditing
- The council is committed to tackling inequalities and taking a stand against all forms of prejudice, discrimination and hate crime
- The charter will become part of the council’s work on equality, diversity and inclusion
- Signing the charter is supported by UNISON’s Newcastle City Branch Black Members self-organised group and the council’s ethnic minority staff network
- The charter can be found at https://www.unison.org.uk/content/uploads/2023/09/Anti-racism-charter_updated2023.pdf
- UNISON is the UK’s largest union with over 1.3 million members providing public services in local government; health; higher education; police, probation and cafcass; community; energy; and water, environment and transport.
- UNISON members are employed in the public, community and voluntary and private sectors.
