A new Commission launching this spring aims to hear the views of people across Newham on living well together in one of the most diverse places in the UK. It will also explore how the council can provide inclusive, trusted and accessible services to serve the needs of its residents from different backgrounds.
The Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz, has asked Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future, to chair the Commission. He will be joined by a range of commissioners, including voices from within the Borough of Newham and experts on particular issues, such as education. Applications are now open for people to apply to be Commissioners.
Resident Commissioners must be aged 18+ and have lived in Newham for at least a year. Ideally they will have some experience of working with local voluntary, community or faith groups in the Borough, though this is not essential. Newham residents can apply using this form. (Applications close 23 February).
The project is also seeking a number of Commissioners with professional expertise, who may be from within and beyond the Borough. You can apply to be a professional commissioner using this form.
Everyone in Newham will have an opportunity to share their views with the Commission, through an open survey. Local evidence-gathering events will proactively seek out the views of under-represented groups, such as young people and ethnic and faith minorities, with local organisations and community groups also able to share expertise through roundtable discussions and a call for evidence. Commissioners will then consider the evidence gathered before drafting recommendations to the council and other actors in the borough.
Sunder Katwala said:
“Newham is the most diverse and fastest-changing borough in the capital city. That places Newham at the heart of one of the central challenges of our times: how we respect our differences, handle change fairly and bring people together in a changing and increasingly diverse society.
“We are looking forward to embarking on this work, starting with hearing from people across Newham about the strengths and the challenges of inclusion and belonging.”
