Policy Statement
Severn Vale Housing Society will not tolerate racial harassment of any kind and is committed to taking effective action to end racial harassment, to support the victims of racial harassment and to take action against the perpetrators of such behaviour where it is able to do so.
Definition of Racial Harassment
The CRE Code of Practice in Rented Housing (1991) states that;
"racial harassment includes not only physical attacks on persons and damage to property, but also verbal abuse and any other form of behaviour which deprives people of the peaceful enjoyment of their homes on the grounds of racial origin".
As recommended by the Code of Practice on Tackling Racial Harassment the Society will also adopt the definition of a racist incident detailed in the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry that;
"a racist incident is any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or by any other person".
Achievement of Policy Statement
To ensure the achievement of this policy Severn Vale Housing Society will:
- Participate in any local multi-agency forums tackling and stopping racist behaviour. This will include continued participation in Crime and Disorder Partnerships and Anti-Social Behaviour groups.
- Support front line staff and ensure that they are aware of local agencies and services offering support and counselling to victims and witnesses of racial harassment.
- Prevent incidents through the inclusion of a clause in tenancy agreements specifically prohibiting racial harassment.
- Publicise our stance towards the perpetrators of racial harassment.
- Respond immediately to all reported incidents of racial harassment through the instigation of an urgent investigation under the organisations Anti-Social Behaviour Policy. All victims of racial harassment will be offered support, protection and temporary accommodation.
- Educate people wherever possible through working with the Police and other local agencies to reach schools and youth groups.
- Ensure our letting and transfer policies assist in minimising the risk of further racial harassment and allow the urgent management transfers of those who have been the victims of racial harassment.
- Encourage the reporting of racist incidents.
- Provide translation and interpreter services for the victims and witnesses of racial harassments.
- Take action against perpetrators under its Anti-Social Behaviour Policy and, wherever possible, use the full range of Civil Legal remedies against the perpetrators of racial harassment. We will work closely with the Police in any criminal proceedings relating to incidents of racial harassment.
- Monitor all incidents of racial harassment reported under the Society's Anti-Social Behaviour Policy to identify "hot spots".
- Monitor Customer Satisfaction to ensure that victims of racial harassment are satisfied with our processes.
- Establish Performance Indicators through its ASB protocols.
Responsibility
The Executive Director is responsible for the effective implementation of this policy. The Executive Director is also responsible for ensuring that all staff involved in the process are adequately trained in the Society's procedures.
Consultation
The Society will liaise regularly with the local authority and other interested parties in order to continually develop good practice in this policy area.
Review
The Society will review this policy in accordance with its mechanism on policy review.
Reporting
The Society will report all incidents of racial harassment to the Board.
Diversity
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