Lily’s reflection:
I’ve learnt that equality needs to be more than a word, it must mean real change. Every decision made by public services must take into consideration equality, equity and access.
The pandemic has illustrated vast inequality in the UK – more action needs to be taken.
From disparities in catching COVID-19 among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups who are more likely to die from the virus, and higher rates of diagnosis in areas of deprivation.
Beyond health inequalities, the pandemic has also shone a light on inequality within childcare and labour in the home, racial inequality, and even inequality in what children eat for their lunch.
Inequality can lead to further issues with the social care system. For instance, BAME children, and especially black boys, remain within the care system longer than white children. This can have a detrimental impact on these children, and it also puts added pressure on care services, such as fostering.
To ensure that every decision made within public services is taken with equal intentions, further engagement is needed with those who use the services. One way of doing this is through pathway and service design that works with services users to address issues in accessing services, or by interacting with multiple services on different occasions.
We all have a duty to tackle prejudices and discrimination both inside and outside public services, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to succeed. In the next 10 years I hope we can close the gap of inequality even further, and make actionable change that improves lives.
To learn more about Mutual Ventures’ mission and values contact Lily lily.mellen@mutualventures.co.uk.
To view more of the reflections from the Mutual Ventures’ team click here.
Download a report containing the full MV team’s personal reflections on what they have learnt over the last decade.