Sunderland Black Minority and Ethnic Independent Advisory Group (BME IAG)

The Black Minority and Ethnic Independent Advisory Group (BME IAG) provides a means to challenge and positively influence partners of the LSP

The Group attempts to monitor events and strategic decisions that might impact upon the BME community groups and individuals and is

• Independent and able to set own agenda and raise key issues
• Has terms of reference outlining relationship to the Partnership
• Has representatives on Inclusive Communities Group
• Can also raise issues through corporate Council groups – e.g. Equalities Steering Group
• Is supported by Diversity and Inclusion Team
• Has been invited to draw up Codes of Practice as part of Compact

At present the BME IAG is somewhat over represented by practitioners rather than community members and has yet to raise issues or provide challenge to partnership