ARE Chief Executive Jeremy Crook, OBE, discusses a recent report commissioned by Newham Council on belonging in a week that the Government promotes its social cohesion initiative.
It was an honour serving on the Independent Commission on Inclusion and Belonging in Multi-ethnic Newham as an expert Commissioner.
“I want to commend the Mayor of Newham for Commissioning British Future to lead the Commission. The report’s findings and recommendations are especially important, and I would urge leaders across the public, private and civil society sector to read the report and consider the implications for their own localities.
“Employers and developers are so important in creating opportunities but there is more they can do to make workplaces and communities more inclusive and equitable. Councils like Newham can’t do everything alone but they can lead, coordinate, and use the procurement levers they have to ensure there is a shared vision and action plan.
“I have valued hearing the views of Newham residents and stakeholders. I very much hope Newham Council embraces the recommendations. This report is timely coinciding the Government’s social cohesion call to action with its various funding streams.
“As a trustee of the West Ham United Foundation, I know we will continue to contribute to making the borough fairer, more equitable and a place where people do feel a real sense of inclusion, belonging and hope.”
– Jeremy Crook OBE, ARE Chief Executive
