STATEMENT: BCA invited to join Windrush Cross Government Working Group

Black Cultural Archives has been invited by the Home Secretary to join the new Windrush Cross Government Working Group.

We have accepted the invitation as part of our commitment to using our active voice for positive change in the spaces we occupy for our community. We will be represented by BCA’s Managing Director, Arike Oke. We receive no payment for participating in the group.

The Working Group brings together stakeholders and community leaders with senior representatives from across the government. We have been called upon to:

• Be a part of supporting and advising the government on the Windrush Scheme and associated work

• Provide feedback and insights from our communities

• Use our expertise and experience to assist in developing and delivering practical solutions

• Engage in an open and honest dialogue on the issues impacting on our communities

• Work in partnership to co-design and deliver an action plan setting out agreed programmes and projects, with clear outcomes.

We welcome the intention of the working group to hold government to account in implementing the recommendations of the reports and inquiries it has commissioned. This includes the Windrush Lessons Learned report, which makes recommendations for the reform of the Home Office processes and culture.

BCA’s involvement in the group is founded on the principle of positive action for change at policy level. We are optimistic that the working group will have the power to influence and that government will listen.

We are hopeful that the formation of this group is a positive step forward to a more just and equal society.

 Dawn Hill, CBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees.

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