Engaging diverse community in Public Life and the Democratic Process

Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC)

EVENT BROCHURE

28 October 2015 City of Edinburgh Methodist Church

25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX

Funded by:In collaboration with:

Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) hosted this event as a part of the new project; Diversity in Public Life funded by the Scottish Government.

Date: 28 October 2015, WednesdayTime: 6.00pm – 8.30pmVenue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX

The event aims to raise awareness and encourage BME community to enter into public life and become more involved in the democratic process providing advice, information and showcasing the ‘role-models’.

Inspirational guest speakers (Role Models) who currently held a public position (MSPs, Councillors, Community Councillors, Public Appointees) from minority ethnic background will share their own experiences of public life and how they overcome the barriers that many minority ethnic individuals may face. Participants will have an opportunity to interact with the guests to get practical insightful advice and useful tips. On-site facility provided by the Lothian Joint Valuation Board (Electoral Registration Officer) at the event’s stall. Moreover, participants can update/check their personal details held on electoral roll.

Information will be available of the following organisations: • Community Councils • Major political parties• Electoral Commission • Public Appointments Commissioner

The event is free and open to minority ethnic individuals live/work across Edinburgh and the Lothians. The event will help to find out more about different levels of public life and will help to find the point of start into public life. Please find the event flyer for more information. (link) We look forward to welcoming you on the event and thanks in advance for your support in ELREC- Diversity in Public Life project.

We would like to thank to our all supporters, exhibitors and partners. Special thanks to the Lothian Joint Valuation Board, Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland and Scottish Government Public Appointment for their collaboration.

Thanks to our councillors and colleagues from different political parties, Community Councils and Local authority community liaison team for their help on this project. We are grateful to our guests, speakers, role models and participants for their contribution.

Our heartfelt thanks goes to the community partners (BME groups) of this project and ELREC equality engagement volunteers for their continued support.

Community Event: Engaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic Process

Engaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic Process Page : 01

Engaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic Process

PROGRAMME: WEDNESDAY, 28TH OCTOBER 2015Edinburgh Methodist Church, Nicolson Square, Edinburgh

6.00pm – 8.30pm

6.00 Registration - Tea / Coffee - Refreshments

6.15 Welcome Music: Mrs YunTraditional Chinese Gu Zheng music: Edinburgh Chinese Arts Association

6.30 Opening Remark: Foysol Choudhury MBE, ELREC Chair

6.35Marco Biagi MSP Minister for Local Government and Community Empowerment, Scottish Government

6.40 Hanzala Malik MSP Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Glasgow region

6.45 Sir Professor Geoff Palmer OBE, President of ELREC

6.50Councillor Yen Hongmei Jin First Chinese origin councillor in Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council

6.55 Neelam BakshiPublic Appointments Adviser, Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland

7.00 Aleem Farooqi, Community Councillor, Marchmont Community Council

7.05 Dr Wali Tasar Uddin JP MBEFirst Bangladeshi origin Justice of the peace in Scotland

7.10 Electoral Registration in Lothians Lothian Joint Valuation Board

7.15 Survey on diversity in public life : Key findings

7.20 Table discussion: Meet your role models

8.00 Question and Answer

8.20 Vote of thanks : Shami Khan DL, Vice Chair of ELREC

Page : 02

Engaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic Process

Marco was appointed Minister for Local Government and Community Empowerment in November 2014. He has served as Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Edinburgh Central constituency since May 2011. Prior to his appointment as a Minister he held the positions of Deputy Convener of the Equal Opportunities Committee; member of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee; and Co-Convener of the Cross Party Group on Children and Young People. He also played a major role in the development and passage of the Marriage and Civil

Partnership (Scotland) Act, which came into law in 2014.

Marco Biagi MSP Minister for Local Government and Community Empowerment

BIOGRAPHY: SPEAKERS & ROLE MODELS

Hanzala Malik was born in Glasgow and was elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Glasgow region in May 2011. For seventeen years 1995 - 2012, Hanzala served as an elected Councillor on Glasgow City Council, representing the Woodlands and Hillhead Ward.Hanzala holds a BSc in Computing with Business Administration from the University of Paisley, gained as a mature student. He has worked in both the private and public sector including serving as a special police constable and member of the Territorial Army. For Glasgow City Council

he has held the position of Senior vice convener of Education, Convener of Development and Regeneration Services and many others. Hanzala’s first official position was when he was asked to join the board of his local housing association, Queens Cross HA. He went on to become a board member of the Ethnic Minority Law Centre and the Strathclyde Racial Equality Council (now the West of Scotland Regional Equality Council).

Hanzala Malik MSP Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Glasgow region

Page : 03

Engaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic Process

Councillor Yen Hongmei Jin, Dumfries and Galloway Council

Yen Hongmei Jin is the first and only Chinese origin Councillor in Scotland. Currently she is an independent Councillor for Dumfries and Galloway Council. She was born in China in 1986. She moved to Scotland after working in a family business in Africa.

In Dumfries, she worked for Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Services as an adviser/specialist. While working for Citizens Advice Services she set up Minority Youth Group and the Chinese Youth Groups with the help of Young Scot. She also worked as Youth Development Worker and Projects Coordinator with the Dumfries and Galloway Multicultural Association.

She has many years of volunteering experience with D & G Multicultural Association and D & G Citizens Advice Bureaux, International Women’s Group and various Youth Projects.

Apart from her roles and committee appointments in the Council, she is currently member of Friends of Ellisland Farm, Friends of Gifhorn, Loreburn Housing Association, Turkish Scottish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dumfries and Galloway Multicultural Association, D and G Chinese Association and member of Cross-Party Group on Turkey in the Scottish Parliament.

In 2009 she joined with SNP and become involved with Dumfriesshire Constituency Association. She demonstrated her hard work and passion since her political career begun. In May 2012, she was nominated as Councillor Candidate from Lochar ward, Dumfries and Galloway Council. She was elected as councillor with one of the highest number of first preference votes inclusive of all Parties at the election. She was also one of the youngest Councillors in the UK.She was Vice-Convener of Nithsdale Area Committee. She is currently member of Scrutiny and Performance Committee, DG First Committee and Community and Customer Service Committees as an Independent Councillor Cllr Yen resigned from the SNP after ‘racist attacks’ and ‘unfair treatment’ of her position in the Scottish Parliament candidate selections. She will now contest as an Independent Candidate in the Scottish Parliament Elections 2016.

Neelam is an independent Training Consultant and Coach. She moved from community activism into political activity as a trade union representative, and elected councillor (the former Strathclyde Regional Council). Her professional career includes being a civil servant, HR Policy Team Lead (Fife Council) and an independent Training Consultant, Researcher and Coach. She is a Certified Trainer of NLP and specialises in personal development, governance, and equality and diversity. Neelam has extensive governance experience. She was a non-executive with the Scottish Government - covering Health and Wellbeing, Education & Lifelong Learning, and the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service. Former roles include being a Governor of Jordanhill College of

Education, Member of Health Scotland’s Board and of the Equal Opportunities Commission Scotland Advisory Committee. She was also appointed to the Women Councillors’ Taskforce on increasing minority ethnic representation in public life in Britain. Currently, she is a Non-Executive (and Staff Governance Committee Chair) in the Scottish Ambulance Service, as well as being a lay member of Employment Tribunals, and Member of both the Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland Committee and the BBC Audience Council Scotland.

Neelam BakshiPublic Appointments Adviser, Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland

Page : 04

Engaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic Process

Aleem Farooqi born in Pakistan in 1969. He migrated to Scotland to live with his family in 1997. Back home he was a veterinary doctor graduated from University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan and obtained Masters in Veterinary Pathology in 1997 from College of Veterinary Sciences Lahore.He started work in a retail shop on his arrival to Scotland. After few years he started his own retail convenience store in North of Edinburgh. He became involved in public life in his spare time.He was always keen to contribute in making difference on others’ lives.

He is currently President of NFRN(National Federation for retailer newsagents) Edinburgh Branch.He has been attracted by SNP’s vision & policy towards Scottish nation and the community. He joined SNP as a member in 2009. Currently, he is serving as a secretary of SNP Edinburgh South constituency. He became involved with Marchmont Community Council as a community councillor. He lives in Marchmont, Edinburgh with his wife, 2 son and a daughter.He said, what so ever your personal preference towards political parties, I strongly recommend everyone to be engaged with any political party. It is essential to make your voice heard through political participation. Culturally, South Asian community have a strong background in political participation, I believe these people can bring a lot into Scottish public life .

Aleem Farooqi, Community Councillor, Marchmont Community Council

Dr Wali Uddin MBE was born in Bangladesh and moved to Edinburgh in 1975. He is well known for his acumen in the restaurant profession with the famous restaurants Britannia Spice, Verandah and Lancers in Edinburgh. Wali has received many awards for his contribution and work in the communities. In 1984, he was appointed as the Justice of the peace, the first Bangladeshi to hold the post, and from 1993 to 1997. He be-came Honorary Consul Of Bangladesh in Scotland. He awarded the

MBE for services to race relations. A respected philanthropist who has raised over half a million pounds for charities in Bangla-desh and Britain. Dr Uddin voted Young Scot of the Year in 1992. In 1993 Wali was appointed the first Honorary Consul-General of Bangladesh in Scotland and, in 1995, a Member of the British Empire for his services to race relations.For his distinguished work in the area of business and community, Dr Uddin awarded honorary doctorate degree from Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh University, Herriot Watt University awarded and Napier University. He is founder and chair of the Council of Bangladeshi in Scotland and Director of the Edinburgh Mela and President , European Bangladesh Federation of Commerce & Industry ( EBFCI).

Dr Wali Uddin MBE JP DBA, First Bangladeshi Justice of Peace in Scotland

Page : 05

Engaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic Process

Ministerial Public Appointments in Scotland“It’s what you know that makes the difference”

What is a public appointment?A public appointment is an appointment to the board of any of the public bodies across Scotland - either as a member, or as the chair. Whatever the public body, it’s the board’s role to provide leadership, direction and guidance but they are not involved in the day-to-day ruining of the public body.Of course, a public appointment is an on-going commitment demanding your interest and attention. Appointments can range from a few days a year to a few days a month. Most involve attending board meetings, for which some preparation is needed, and some posts involve other duties as well.Many public appointments are made under a system regulated and monitored by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland. It’s the Commissioner’s role to ensure that appointments are made on merit, using methods that are fair and open.

The right people for the roles – It’s your chance to give something back.Scotland’s public bodies need board members who reflect Scottish society with experience and understanding from every walk of life so it’s essential that there are no barriers to participating. As such, appointments are made on the basis of the skills, knowledge and qualities necessary to fill the role – and nothing else. Whatever the role, applications from everyone are welcome.

So what is a public body? Put simply a public body is generally an organisation which receives at least 50 percent of its funding from central government. Within this framework, some public bodies operate to a greater or lesser extent at arm’s length from ministers and are not part of a Scottish Government directorate. These specific bodies are generally referred to as Non department Public Bodies (NDPBs) and are managed by a board whose members are appointed by the Minister.

What types of public bodies are there? – Here are some examples.

Executive Agencies – have a stronger focus on operational management and direct delivery of public services. They are headed by a Chief Executive.

Executive NDPBs – have a national remit and carry out administrative, commercial, executive or regulatory functions. Most have boards appointed by Scottish Ministers.

Advisory NDPBs – have a national remit and carry out advisory functions providing specialist advice to ministers and others.

Tribunals – are responsible for tasks and advice relating to specialist areas of the law, carry out judicial functions but are separate for the formal court systems.

PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS

Page : 06

Engaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic Process

Public Corporations – are industrial or commercial enterprises under direct control of Ministers.

NHS Bodies – provide management, technical and advisory services within the NHS.

Commissioners & Ombudsmen – have arrange of roles including safeguarding the rights of the particular groups in society and reporting on, monitoring and handling the complaints about the public organisations.

RewardsThe real reward is the difference you can make. By playing your role in the leadership of any of Scotland’s public bodies, you’ll support the Scottish Government in achieving its purpose of creating a more successful country. It’s also an opportunity to gain new skills and valuable experience. Some appointments are remunerated; others are not, but all posts offer reimbursement of your travel expenses.

How to applyThe application process will generally involve an initial application form, which is assessed against the criteria for the role to create a short-list. Short-listed candidates are then normally interviewed, usually by a panel of three panel. The final decision about who to appoint is made by the Scottish Minister responsible for the public body, based on the panel’s assessments.

Visit the Scottish Government website at www.appointed-for-scotland.org or Email us on public.appointments@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or alternatively call thePublic Appointments Centre of Expertise on (Freephone) 0300 244 1898.

More information on Public Informaiton:

Appointed for Scotland: www.appointed-for-scotland.orgThe Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland: www.publicappointments.orgPublic Bodies in Scotland: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Government/public-bodies

PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS

Page : 07

Engaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic Process

What is a Justice of the Peace?

A Justice of the Peace is a lay person who hears criminal cases such as theft, assault, breach of the peace and road traffic offences in the local courts.

Generally they are not legally qualified. A legally qualified person can become a Justice of the Peace, but cannot act in any proceedings in a Justice of the Peace court within their own Sheriffdom.

Justices of the Peace are appointed on the recommendation of Justice of the Peace Advisory Committees (JPACs) under procedures approved by the Scottish Government and make a vital contribution to the community.

Justices of the Peace deal with many of the crimes that affect our communities and are a very important part of Scotland’s justice system.

They are not lawyers or legal professionals. They are ordinary members of the community who give their time on a voluntary basis to deliver justice.

You could become a Justice of the PeaceWe need highly committed people who can make good, sound judgements.

Justices of the Peace are appointed on meritApplications are warmly welcomed from people of all backgrounds and reflecting all parts of the community.

For more information on vacancy and recruitment please visit:

http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Justice/law/justice-peace/w/recruitmentinyourarea/lothianandborders

www.jpscotland.gov.uk

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

Page : 08

Engaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic Process

Who Can Register?

• British Citizens• Commonwealth Citizens• Citizens of the Republic of Ireland• EU Citizens (Only at Local Government and European Union Parliamentary Elections)

Am I Already Registered?

You can check if you are already registered by telephoning 0131 344 2500.

You cannot check if you are registered on-line.

If I Am Not Registered How Can I Register ?

Registering to vote is easy.You can register on-line at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or telephone 0131 344 2500 and our staff will assist you to register.Please note you will need your National Insurance Number.

Office opening hours: Monday to Friday - 9.00am to 5.00pm

Your local Electoral Registration office is here to help.

Young Persons

The voting age for Scottish elections (Local Council Elections and Scottish Parliamentary Elections) has been permanently lowered to 16. This means that some 14 year olds and all 15 year olds can register to vote.

Changing Address

Register as above at your new address. You will be asked for your old address. When you are added at your new address we will remove your name from your old address.

Do not wait for an election to be called - register when you move.

I am a Student

Students can register at both their home address and their term-time address.

However, they must only vote once at the same election/referendum

Postal and Proxy Voting

If you are unable to get to your polling station you may wish to vote by post or ask someone to vote as proxy on your behalf.

If your employment means that you are away from home for periods of time you may wish to appoint a proxy.

Do not wait until an election is called ~ APPLY NOW.

For more information and application forms telephone 0131 344 2500 or go to www.lothian-vjb.gov.uk and download the forms.

ELECTORAL REGISTRATION OFFICE

17A SOUTH GYLE CRESCENTEDINBURGH

EH12 9FLTelephone: 0131 344 2500

E-mail: enquiries@lothian-vjb.gov.uk

REGISTER TO VOTE

( Selection of translated version of this leaflet are available, to find out more please contact ELREC )

Page : 09

Engaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic ProcessEngaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic Process

This guide can be downloaded via this link: https://goo.gl/usVRUl

COSLA and the Improvement Service produced this guide for prospective candidates ahead of the May 2012 Scottish local government elections. For more information visit: www.cosla.gov.uk

Page : 10

Engaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic Process

Eligibility: Motivated individuals from BME communities

Live/Work in Edinburgh & Lothians

Benefits: Customised support provision

Panel of highly experienced mentors Greater flexibility

The Public Life Champion (PLC) scheme designed to increase participation of minority ethnic individual into various level of Public Life. For detail information and enrollment, contact: publiclife@elrec.org.uk

LIMITED PLACES !

PUBLIC LIFE CHAMPION

LIMITED PLACES !

Page : 11

26 November 2015, 5.30 to 8.00Venue: Scottish Parliament, Meeting room R4.4

(Meet 5.30pm at the lobby)

BME WOMEN IN PUBLIC LIFE

A workshop & discussion on engaging

To encourage BME women to enter into public life providing information & support. Thematic workshops. Expert politicians will provide practical advice & tips how to

getting through the process. Speakers/facilitators from major political parties.

Open to BME women interested in getting into public life. Booking mandatory. Refreshments provided.

In collaboration with Cross Party MSPs, Scottish Parliament Organised by: Diversity in Public Life project, ELREC. RSVP to: publiclife@elrec.org.uk

Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) invites to

Engaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic Process

East Lothian Council

• Contact: Community Council Liaison Officer E-mail: communitycouncils@eastlothian.gov.uk Telephone: 01620 827377• Contact details of the 20 Community Councils: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/directory/38/community_councils• East Lothian Community Council Scheme: https://goo.gl/pi2S2V

Edinburgh Council

• Contact: Community Council Liaison Officer E-mail: community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk Telephone: 0131 469 3838• Contact details of Edinburgh’s 45 Community Council : www.edinburghnp.org.uk/community-councils• Edinburgh Community Council Scheme: https://goo.gl/Iu7zXq

Midlothian Council

• Contact: Community Council Liaison Officer E-mail: Communitycouncilenquiries@midlothian.gov.uk Telephone: 0131 271 3438• Contact details of Midlothian’s 16 Community Council : www.midlothian.gov.uk/directory/18/community_councils• Midlothian Community Council Scheme: https://goo.gl/qalrhU

West Lothian Council

• Contact: Lorraine Mcgrorty Community Council Liaison Officer E-mail: lorraine.mcgrorty@westlothian.gov.uk Telephone: 01506 281609• Contact details of West Lothian’s 35 Community Council (5 Oct 15): https://goo.gl/bjLWIJ More informaiton: www.westlothian.gov.uk/communitycouncils• Newly adopted West Lothian’s Community Council scheme and other information can be found on the home page of community council website.

Community councils are groups of people who care about their community and want to make their area a better place to live. They have an important role in local democracy. They represent the views of local people on a locality and convey these views to the Council and other organisations.Local residents can get involved in their local community council by attending community council’s regular public meetings, becoming a community councillor or contact their local community council. Elections are held every four years, next one will take place Sept/Oct 2016. For more information, visit the website developed by COSLA and the Improvement Service: www.communitycouncils.org.uk

COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Page : 12

Engaging diverse community into Public Life and the Democratic Process

- To identify the actions that can be taken to increase democratic participation and representation of the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) community in public life. - To implement the identified actions to increase participation and representation of BME communities and women in the democratic process and public life

- To engage and work with public and private sector stakeholders to positively advance the participation of BME community in public life and the democratic process

AIMS OF THE PROJECT

MINORITY ETHNIC COMMUNITIES IN PUBLIC LIFE AT PRESENT

In the Scottish Parliament, only 1.5% of the Parliament’s 129 MSPs are from ethnic minorities people, well below the 4% of Scotland’s population that is non-white.

In the 2012 Local Government Elections, only 32 candidates were from non-white backgrounds across the 14 local authorities. Almost half (13) of them stood for Glasgow City Council. In this election, a total 17 BME Councillors took up office out of a total 1223 seats in Scotland. This represents 1.4% of the total Scottish BME (4%) population.

Out of 32 local authorities 7 have BME representation. The City of Edinburgh Council, home of the second largest (8% BME) non-white population, does not have any BME Councillors, while Glasgow hosts 7 out of 17 Councillors in Scotland. In total, there are only 4 BME women Councillors in Scotland.

After the 2015 General Election, 43 BME MPs were elected which equates to 6.6 % of the House of Commons MPs, compared with about a 14% BME population in the UK.Representation from diverse/minority communities is rare within many other public bodies such as community councils, public appointments and governing bodies.

Representation from diverse/minority communities is rare within many other public bodies such as community councils, public appointments and governing bodies.

ELREC has launched a new initiative to increase the engagement of underrepresented minority communities in public life and the democratic process across Edinburgh and Lothians. This project is funded by the Scottish Government.

DIVERSITY IN PUBLIC LIFE AND THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

PROJECT INFORMATION

• Study and Research • Promotional Events • Engagement with BME ‘role-models’• Facilitating Mentoring/ apprenticeships • Support and advice • Awareness & Information

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Contact: Mizan Rahman, Equality Engagement Officer, Email: mrahman@elrec.org.ukELREC, 14 Forth Street, Edinburgh EH1 3LH Tel: 0131 556 0441 Fax: 0131 556 8577

www.elrec.org.uk find us on: facebook.com/ELREC and twitter.com/ELRECUK

Page : 13