A WEST Devon housing association has pledged its commitment towards promoting race equality.
Members of the board and management team of West Devon Homes have signed the recently developed Race Equality Strategy, which aims to ensure fair and equal treatment for black and ethnic minority people who come into contact with the company.
Lisa Veysey, policy and research officer at West Devon Homes, said: ?Our starting point has been to challenge the common belief that racism in the South West is not a significant problem. The research evidence is very much in contrast with this belief, suggesting that black and minority ethnic people who live in rural areas are, in fact, more likely to experience racial abuse or harassment than are black people living in Birmingham or London.
?Reported racist incidents in the South West have increased significantly over recent years. This increase is of particular concern when considering the small percentage of actual cases that are reported, which is estimated to be as little as 5%.?
Stuart Davies, chief executive of West Devon Homes said: ?We hope our efforts will help to raise public confidence in our ability to deal effectively with any racist incidents and to ensure fair and equal treatment for all individuals from ethnic minority groups, who have contact with our organisation.?
The Government?s drive to promote race equality follows the findings of the Stephen Lawrence inquiry and subsequent amendments to the Race Relations Act in 2000.