Operating Profile - Greenwich

The Context

2001 Population census is out  and these are the details:

They show a marked difference from 1991 Census. For example they show that the proportion of Black and Ethnic Population in Greenwich has increased from 12.7% in 1991 to 23% in 2001.

GCRE, strongly believes that this has wider implications for Public Bodies in the way they formulate their policies as well as the way they plan to deliver services, particularly for the Ethnic Minority Population in the Borough. Most of these plans are currently based on the 1991 figures, and on an estimated increase of BME population of up to 17%. 

We believe that there is clearly a case for these plans to be revised based on the 2001figures; setting out clear revised targets in terms of service delivery, as well as employment. This will not only reflect on good practice in terms of promotion of Equality for all, and addressing discrimination; but will also help these Bodies meet their obligations under the 2000 Race Relations Amendment Act.

On the 20th April 2003, GCRE presented to its General Council these figures, and obtained an overwhelming endorsement from members of the Community, for it to campaign to ensure that Public Bodies in the Borough revise their Plans, Policies and Practices accordingly. GCRE has a duty to monitor the Race Equality Schemes of the Public Bodies to ensure that they are compliant with the 2001 Census figures.

We must however say here, that we can only do this through continued co-operation and partnership work with the Voluntary, Community, Statutory Sectors and Private Businesses. We will, therefore, count on the support of all, so that we can make Greenwich a place where there is opportunity for all, and where everybody can live and work without fear of discrimination and racial harassment.

Our work is an effort to promote racial harmony based on equality for all sections of the borough population.

Paul Lam-Kilama - Chair

Demography - 2001 Census

Total Population 214,423.

Ethnic Minority Proportion 49,088 (23%).

There are about 11,400 Refugees & Asylum seekers with the largest group coming from Somalia

The Unemployment Rate across the borough is 6.3% although this doubles within the Ethnic Minority Communities and rises to 80% amongst the Refugee Community.

Education

There are about 94 schools in Greenwich that are run by the Local Education Authority (LEA).

Some schools have over 40% of their pupils from the Black & Ethnic Minority (BEM) Communities and over 100 languages are spoken.

The LEA has set up a Black & Ethnic Minority Advisory Committee to monitor the emerging issues.

Some BEM students between 16 & 19 years have attained the highest educational achievement levels.

The borough has a Community College - for adult education.

Greenwich Council for Racial Equality runs a supplementary school.

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Last modified: March 06, 2004