Two representatives from the University (offering different lived experience and professional perspectives) have been appointed to the Advisory Board of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Race Equality Hub.
The members of the Advisory Board appointed this week include Dr Leon Moosavi from the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology who will bring both his lived and academic experience to oversee the Race Equality Hub’s work.
The Advisory Board has also appointed Dr Penny Ding from the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film. Penny will bring her experience of living in Liverpool as well as her links to Liverpool’s Chinese Community.
The Hub is the first initiative of its kind in the UK, implementing an ambitious and innovative approach to tackle race inequality within the Liverpool City Region.
Building upon the city region’s reputation for social justice and equality, the Hub’s primary purpose is to tackle systemic injustice and inequality, and drive forward positive change for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities.
The Hub’s Advisory Board is fundamental to the success of the initiative, made up of 14 people from diverse professional and community backgrounds, including the two University of Liverpool academics.
The £2.3 million Race Equality Hub also works in partnership with public, private, and third sector employers, to tackle discriminatory barriers to recruitment and selection for underrepresented groups and develop positive action pathways into the workplace.
Speaking of the appointment, Dr Leon Moosavi, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, said: “I am honoured to have been selected to join the Race Equality Hub’s advisory board. There is a lot of talk about equality, diversity, and inclusion but what we need is tangible interventions in the real-world to make positive changes across society.
“I am optimistic about the Race Equality Hub’s plans for contributing toward creating a more equitable society and I’m delighted that I will be able to play a modest role in assisting with this.”
Dr Penny Ding, Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies said: “I’m really pleased to have been appointed to the Race Equality Hub board. I look forward to promoting and advocating for race equality across the City Region. Our city’s rich tapestry of talent and culture is our strength.
“I’m excited to join this journey, ensuring everyone feels valued and connected. We should be proud of being part of a community where all voices matter and everyone’s achievements are celebrated.”
Alison Navarro, Programme Director of the Race Equality Hub, said: “The aim of the Hub is to support the economic advancement of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities across the Liverpool City Region by operating as a one-stop-shop that co-ordinates business support, employability programmes and leadership development. There exists huge untapped potential amongst these communities and my team and I are absolutely determined to ensure that our programmes provide the support that our communities need.
“We have a unique opportunity to transform lives and bring about a range of benefits to individuals, businesses and indeed the wider city region. We’re looking forward to working with Leon, Penny and other board members to make this happen.”
For more information and a full list of Advisory Board members click here.