People who have experience of being in the children’s social care system will now be recognised as a group to be protected from discrimination.
Currently the Public Sector Equality Duty requires public bodies such as councils to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation of people under the nine protected characteristics, but there is no requirement nationally to include experience of care as part of this.
People with care experience can face both direct and indirect discrimination throughout their lives. Recognising care experience as a protected characteristic means the council will work with its partners to:
- Treat care experience as a protected characteristic until such time as it may be introduced by legislation.
- Proactively seek out and listen to the voices of care experienced people when developing new policies.
- Ask the council’s senior leaders to provide opportunities for care experienced people so that their voices matter, their experiences are valid and their rights are upheld. This will be achieved via steering groups and feedback to the Corporate Parenting Board.
This will run in tandem with our corporate parenting strategy and responsibilities which outlines how the council and its partners will improve the outcomes for children we care for and care experienced people and ensure they have positive experiences across a range of services.
Care experienced people can face a range of barriers including being more likely to be homeless, experience mental health issues and be drawn into the criminal justice system.
Watch the video from Councillor Jalal Uddin, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, and Lukas Butler, a member of the Forum for Independent Young Adults, who share their views on what it means for care experience to become a protected characteristic and what these changes mean for care experience people going forward.
Sandwell Council cabinet members unanimously voted in favour of recognising care experience as a protected characteristic at a meeting earlier this year.
Councillor Uddin said: “As a council, we want to champion our children and people who are and have been in our care. We are committed to providing the best support we can to challenging negative attitudes in society and to bring down the barriers that can stop people reaching their full potential.”
Lukas Butler added: “I’m excited that Sandwell care experienced young people and individuals are now recognised as having a protected characteristic. This recognition will make a big difference as we navigate our communities and access services. We don’t want special treatment, just to be treated equally, with support and understanding. It’s important for people to be aware of what it means to be a care experienced person, and for there to be more training around it. This will help ensure we’re treated with the respect and consideration we deserve.”
Sally Giles, Director of Children and Education at Sandwell Council, said: “It is great to see Sandwell taking the significant step to formally recognise the lived experience of people who have been in care. This decision demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring that the unique challenges and strengths that come with care experience are acknowledged and respected, and that care experienced people receive the support they need.”
Sandwell Children’s Trust is currently supporting 389 care experienced people aged 16 to 25 for whom the council has a statutory responsibility.
Emma Taylor, Sandwell Children’s Trust, said: “As the Chief Executive of the Trust, I am pleased such a significant decision has been made.
“By recognising care experience as a protected characteristic, we are taking another important step toward improving the lives of some of our most vulnerable young adults.
“This change will empower them to feel safer, healthier and more confident, while providing the opportunities they need to live fulfilling lives here in Sandwell.”
The council, in line with its corporate parenting duties, offers support for care experienced young people to get into employment by matching them with apprenticeship vacancies, as well as sourcing work experience and taster days to help prepare for employment.
We welcome local employers who can provide similar opportunities. With full support from our advisers, we can connect you with care experienced people who are looking for a start in the world of work. Please contact enquiries_recruitment@sandwell.gov.uk