Liverpool City Region’s new Anti-Racism Strategy has been launched with a clear vision to dismantle systemic racism, strengthen trust and celebrate the contribution of members of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.

Created with more than 200 local organisations and over 500 individuals, including community groups, public sector, grassroots activists, educators, businesses, and residents from every borough, the strategy marks a major step in the City Region’s commitment to becoming a fairer, more inclusive and more equitable place for everyone.

The strategy was unveiled on Wednesday, 10 June at a special event at Liverpool’s Liver Building, which also featured a celebration of the work of the £2.3m Liverpool City Region Race Equality Hub.

The comprehensive plan focuses on challenging and dismantling systemic racism across public services, education, employment, and community life whilst strengthening trust and transparency between institutions and diverse communities.

Additionally, the framework aims to amplify the voices of people with lived experience, ensuring they remain central to decision-making, whilst supporting organisations to take practical, measurable action to create more inclusive environments.

The initiative also places a major emphasis on celebrating the cultural, social, and economic contributions made by the City Region’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities to the local identity.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: 

“Liverpool City Region has always been shaped by people from different backgrounds, cultures and communities. Our diversity is one of our greatest assets, but we know that too many people still face barriers because of their race. 

“That’s why this strategy exists. 

“It’s not about warm words or good intentions. 

“It’s about bringing people back together around a shared commitment to tackle racism, open up opportunity and make sure everyone can fulfil their potential. But this can’t be delivered by the Combined Authority alone. 

“It will take leadership from businesses, public services, community organisations and residents right across our city region. 

“If we’re prepared to work together, I believe we can build a region where anti-racism isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something tangible that people see and feel in their everyday lives.”

Alison Navarro, Liverpool City Region Race Equality Hub Programme Director, said: 

“This is a momentous day as we publicly launch the Liverpool City Region’s first Anti-Racism Strategy. 

“This has been a huge collective effort, and I want to thank everyone, individuals and organisations, who created this strategy with us, particularly the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community members who shared their lived and professional expertise. 

“We know that previous attempts to tackle racial inequality have failed, but I am hopeful that accountability and momentum, building on the skills, knowledge and experience of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, will be key to the success of this strategy. 

“The strategy provides a framework setting out what we need to do to tackle racism. Leaders from across our Region must now create their own approaches, introducing proactive anti-racist action within their own organisations.”

Robust Governance Frameworks and Regional Leadership Forum

A central element of the strategy is its robust governance, designed to ensure accountability, sustained progress and continued community influence over the coming years.

The Liverpool City Region Leadership Forum, which brings together more than 50 City Region leaders from across the public, private and voluntary, community and faith sectors, will now act as the custodian of the Anti-Racism Strategy, taking responsibility for championing the Region’s long-term, anti-racism ambitions and overseeing delivery.

As custodian, the Leadership Forum will oversee and steer delivery, ensuring activity remains aligned with the strategy’s vision and priorities whilst embedding anti-racism principles into leadership, planning and decision-making.

The forum is also tasked with monitoring regional progress and holding institutions to account, guided by transparent reporting, evidence-based reviews, and a commitment to keeping communities at the heart of the ongoing process.

To support this work, the Forum will be advised by a dedicated Reference Group of individuals and organisations who will provide lived-experience insight, highlight gaps where more action is required, and help shape future priorities.

Race Equality Hub Milestone Figures and Economic Impact

The Liverpool City Region Race Equality Hub is already having an impact, with around 800 people and 45 employers taking part in 11 events to support access to employment.

More than 1,000 individuals and around 250 organisations have attended workshops, sessions and roundtables aimed at creating meaningful systems change across the local economy.

Around 40 leadership organisations and 170 people have engaged with work to promote leadership within communities, while more than 100 businesses have been connected to investors.

The Race Equality Hub was initially launched in March 2024 to support the economic advancement of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities by providing career opportunities and help growing businesses.

The specialised development hub focuses on improving access to employment, supporting growth, and creating sustainable pathways into leadership roles.

The Hub represents the largest investment in race equality in the history of the City Region, building on longstanding values of innovation and commitment to social justice.

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